As qualifying starts at the BNP Paribas Open on Sunday, some players might notice differences in how the ball bounces compared to last year’s event.
Earlier this year, organizers announced a new partnership with sport surfacing provider Laykold who already has partnerships with many other top events in tennis. Under the agreement, Laykold will provide what is described as ‘cutting-edge and high-performance’ surfaces to the world’s biggest ATP/WTA combined event, which has 29 courts. Previously Plexipave was in charge of the courts at Indian Wells for more than two decades.
“Laykold’s commitment to court precision and consistency aligns perfectly with the BNP Paribas Open’s mission to provide an exceptional playing surface for players,” BNP Paribas Open Chief Marketing Officer, Philippe Dore, told Tennis Indistry Mag in January. “We are thrilled that the Indian Wells Tennis Garden will have not only a world-class playing surface for 2025, but also a partner that shares our commitment to ensuring sustainability.”
It is estimated that Laykold courts deliver 10x greater consistency than the accepted industry standard and they are the only business to use recycled tennis balls in its court systems. Their portfolio also includes the US Open, Miami Open, Western & Southern Open, and National Bank Open.
As for how the change may affect matches, Plexipave is regarded as a slow and high bouncing surface compared to laykold which is a medium and lower bouncing surface. Therefore the speed of the ball travelling during rallies could become faster than 12 months ago. However, there has been no official information issued about the surface formulae that will be used in Indian Wells so it is difficult to predict any change until there is feedback from those playing on the courts. A topic that will likely be discussed during media day at the tournament later this week.
“We are excited to be a part of the BNP Paribas Open,” said Dave Wheaton, Laykold Director of Sales. “The Indian Wells Tennis Garden is one of the most iconic venues in tennis, and we are honored to provide our surface for such a prestigious event.”
The BNP Paribas Open is classed as a WTA 1000 and a ATP Masters event with each of this year’s singles champions earning $1,201,125 in prize money. Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek are the defending champions.
