Who were the last players to defend their Indian Wells singles titles? Iga Swiatek and Taylor Fritz's paths to historic title defense
Iga Swiatek and Taylor Fritz are not only gunning for their respective title defenses at Indian Wells this year, but they could also join an exclusive club if they are able to do so. Both Swiatek and Fritz stand within three wins of defending their women's and men's singles titles respectively at Indian Wells 2023.
WTA World No. 1 Swiatek was at her supreme best in defeating Emma Raducanu 6-3, 6-1 to book her place in the quarterfinals on Tuesday. Meanwhile, American No. 1 and ATP World No. 5 Fritz notched up his ninth consecutive Indian Wells win with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Marton Fucsovics.
The club of defending champions at Indian Wells in recent years has been way more exclusive on the women's side. Martina Navratilova was the last woman to defend her Indian Wells title all the way back in 1991. Iga Swiatek can thus break a 32-year-long jinx for defending women's singles champions in the Californian desert.
The Polish superstar's next challenge en route to the title is Romanian Sorana Cirstea, who stunned 5th seed Caroline Garcia to enter the last-eight. Swiatek, who has now won 12 consecutive sets at Indian Wells dating back to her 2022 campaign, could then potentially face Elena Rybakina in the semifinals if she navigates the Cirstea challenge.
Rybakina, who faces Karolina Muchova in the quarterfinals, beat Swiatek at the Australian Open. Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, Maria Sakkari, and Petra Kvitova are other quarterfinalists at Indian Wells this year, one of whom will be Iga Swiatek's opponent if she reaches the final.
Meanwhile, the men's draw saw a player defend their title not too long ago, with Novak Djokovic winning back-to-back from 2014-16. However, the defending champions at Indian Wells have had a tough time on the men's side as well of late, with Taylor Fritz aiming to become just the second man in 17 years to do so. Additionally, Fritz will become the first American man since 1997 to win back-to-back titles at the Masters 1000 event in California if he wins Sunday's final.
Fritz next faces Jannik Sinner, who beat Stan Wawrinka in the last-16, in the quarterfinals. If Fritz beats Sinner for the second time in a row, he will then face the winner of another blockbuster clash between top seed Carlos Alcaraz and Felix Auger-Aliassime. Daniil Medvedev, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Frances Tiafoe and Cameron Norrie are possible opponents in the final for Fritz.
'Getting better and better each match' - Iga Swiatek and Taylor Fritz express common sentiment ahead of Indian Wells quarterfinals
Iga Swiatek and Taylor Fritz have sent a warning signal of sorts to the rest of the women's and men's singles draws at Indian Wells 2023, as both players suggested that they are getting better with each passing match this week. Speaking about handling the challenging weather conditions amidst other things after her Round of 16 match against Raducanu, Swiatek said that she feels like she is improving with each passing day.
"Honestly after last year when we played in such hot weather and dry air, and then when I went to Miami and played in totally different circumstances, I feel like I can handle it anyway. So I'm pretty happy that I'm just playing better and better every match," Iga Swiatek expressed in a press conference.
Meanwhile, Fritz expressed quite similar sentiments, speaking after his last-16 win over Fucsovics.
"I feel more confident. I feel like I can play better each match. I think it's just getting better and better for me each match for sure just building the confidence," Taylor Fritz said in his post-match press conference.
The men's and women's singles quarterfinals will be held over Wednesday and Thursday at Indian Wells Garden.