Stefanos Tsitsipas, Emma Raducanu, Iga Swiatek and more sign-up for mixed doubles exhibition event prior to Indian Wells
Stefanos Tsitsipas, Emma Raducanu, Iga Swiatek, and several other top names from both ATP and WTA tours have enrolled for the upcoming pre-Indian Wells Tiebreak Tens exhibition event, the Eisenhower Cup.
The exhibition tournament introduces a brand new mixed doubles format featuring the top-ranked players in the world and is set to take place on March 7 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Players from both tours will pair up to compete in what will be a one-off charitable event on the eve of the Indian Wells Masters' main draw.
Raducanu will be paired with Britain's Cameron Norrie, whereas Tsitsipas' partner will be World No. 7 Maria Sakkari. Meanwhile, Iga Swiatek will play alongside compatriot Hubert Hurkacz.
Other pairings include: Aryna Sabalenka with Taylor Fritz, Leylah Fernandez with Felix Auger-Aliassime, Jessica Pegula with Tommy Paul, and Ons Jabeur with Casper Ruud.
The exhibition tournament's format is different from the conventional game. The event will consist of first-to-10-point tie-break matches rather than sets. A total of seven matches will be held on March 7 as eight teams will battle it out in a single-elimination draw.
BNP Paribas Open Tournament Director Tommy Haas has expressed extreme delight at bringing back the charitable event for the fourth time. He conveyed hopes of witnessing the "exciting" action unfold at both the exhibition tournament and the Indian Wells Masters.
“We are thrilled that The Eisenhower Cup will return for a fourth time to serve as a meaningful charitable event to ring in two weeks of exciting action in Tennis Paradise. Tennis fans will be treated to the brightest stars of both tours pairing up for a fun and unique mixed doubles event,” Haas said.
So far, seven pairings have been finalized for the Eisenhower Cup, with one more team to be announced in the coming week.
Stefanos Tsitsipas to face Jannik Sinner in the second round of the ABN Amro Open
Stefanos Tsitsipas has a major challenge at the ABN Amro Open on his hands before he travels to the US for the Indian Wells Masters.
After defeating Emil Ruusuvuori in straight sets in the opening match, top seed Tsitsipas will face off against Jannik Sinner in the Round-of-16 on Friday. The two have met on six occasions before on tour. Unsurprisingly, the World No. 3 has a better head-to-head record over the Italian.
Stefanos Tsitsipas won five of their six meetings, while Sinner registered a solitary win back in 2020 at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Italy.