Aryna Sabalenka Makes Surprising Schedule Change For Indian Wells BNP Paribas Open

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka made a surprising schedule change before the Indian Wells BNP Paribas Open beginning March 2.  Sabalenka’s 2025 season would be described as a disappointment by her lofty standards.  She failed to complete the three-peat at the Australian Open and lost in the early rounds at Doha (Round of 32) and Dubai (Round of 16).

Sabalenka withdrew from the Eisenhower Cup Mixed Doubles exhibition that she has been a mainstay at.  She and perennial partner Taylor Fritz won the event in 2023.  Elena Rybakina will take her place.

The Eisenhower Cup is one of the best events of the tennis year.  Held on March 4, it kicks off main-round action at Indian Wells.  Eight mixed doubles teams compete in a tiebreaker-style tournament.  Sabalenka’s fun personality is always a hit with Indian Wells fans.

There is no word on why Sabalenka is pulling out of the event.  The eight teams currently scheduled are as follows:

1.  Rybakina and Fritz
2. Madison Keys and Tommy Paul
3. Maria Sakkari and Casper Ruud
4. Emma Navarro and Ben Shelton
5. Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas
6. Katie Boulter and Alex de Minaur
7. Iga Swiatek and Hubert Hurkacz
8. Jasmine Paolini and Lorenzo Musetti

Sabalenka’s withdrawal is a surprise, but fans would not be surprised if Jasmine Paolini is forced to withdraw after suffering an injury in Dubai this week.

The Eisenhower Cup is BACK 🙌

Eight teams will face off on March 4th!

🎾 Sabalenka & Fritz
🎾 Navarro & Shelton
🎾 Keys & Paul
🎾 Badosa & Tsitsipas
🎾 Boulter & De Minaur
🎾 Sakkari & Ruud
🎾 Two teams TBD

Get tickets 🎟 https://t.co/zzkuFDgrOb#TennisParadise pic.twitter.com/Ad8U7EBcpL

— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) January 30, 2025

Emma Navarro and Ben Shelton are the defending champions.