Players from the ATP and WTA Tours will join forces to play in a brand new mixed doubles event in Indian Wells next month.
The Eisenhower Cup Presented By Masimo is a Tie Break Tens event that will take place on March 7th which is the day before the BNP Paribas Open main draw begins. A prestigious tournament that is categorised as a Masters 1000 for the men and a WTA 1000 for the women. Previously held in a singles format, all proceeds from the Cup are donated to local charities.
Among those set to take part in the event is world No.1 Iga Swiatek who will be pairing up with compatriot Hubert Hurkacz. Reigning Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka will be playing alongside current Indian Wells men’s champion Taylor Fritz. Other notable pairings include Casper Ruud and Ons Jabeur, as well as Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari. A total of eight teams will be participating in the event with seven of those confirmed so far.
“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,” Indian Wells’ tournament director Tommy Haas said in a statement. “Tennis fans will be treated to the brightest stars of both tours pairing up for a fun and unique mixed doubles event, and we extend our sincerest thank you to all players for their participation in supporting this great cause.”
This year will be the fourth edition of the Eisenhower Cup. The past three events have raised in the region of $300,000 for charity with funds being raised through ticket sales. The cost of a ticket for this year’s event is $50.
There is also an added benefit for those who buy tickets for the charity event. Organisers have confirmed that those with passes will be allowed to enter the site earlier in the day and watch qualifying matches if they wish to.
The format of a Tie Break Tens event features matches where the winner is the first to 10 points. If they are tied at 9-9, a player or team must win by two points. In Indian Wells, the format will be played as an elimination draw.
List of participants
- Aryna Sabalenka BLR + Taylor Fritz USA
- Iga Swiatek POL + Hubert Hurkacz POL
- Emma Raducanu GBR + Cameron Norrie GBR
- Leylah Fernandez CAN + Felix Auger-Aliassime CAN
- Ons Jabeur TUN + Casper Ruud NOR
- Jessica Pegula USA + Tommy Paul USA
- Maria Sakkari GRE + Stefanos Tsitsipas GRE
- TBA
