The Indian Wells ATP Masters 1000 tournament is facing a series of 11 player withdrawals, linked to a reduction in prize money for 2026. The total purse has dropped by about 2.87% from last year, drawing attention from the tennis circuit. This comes as the event prepares to start in California, with the draw thinning out.
Anticipation surrounds the Indian Wells Masters 1000 as tennis moves from the Australian Open to this desert event. However, a controversy over reduced prize money has led to multiple withdrawals, altering the competitive field.
The 2026 prize money for ATP men's singles and doubles totals $9,415,725, matching the amount for WTA women's events, for a combined $18,831,450. This represents a decrease from 2025, when the men's purse was $9,693,540 and the women's $9,489,532, totaling $19,387,080—an increase of 6.63% from 2024. The men's singles champion in 2025, Draper, earned $1,201,125, while runner-up Rune received $638,750. For 2026, the winner's prize is set at $1,151,380 and the runner-up's at $612,340, per the ATP Tour website.
Withdrawals include Holger Rune, who remains in Qatar due to the Middle East conflict and has no scheduled matches. Tomas Machac is recovering from a knee injury and lacks full fitness. Tallon Griekspoor is sidelined by a hamstring issue after withdrawing from the Dubai final. Jaume Munar has a right arm injury and plans to return in the clay season. Pablo Carreño Busta pulled out of qualifying at the last minute. Other absentees are Filip Misolic, Shang Juncheng, Lorenzo Sonego, Eliot Spizzirri, Hamad Medjedovic, Jesper de Jong, and Muller.
Qualifying has seen numerous pullouts, with the cutoff dropping to world No. 185 Elias Ymer, as noted in a tweet by José Morgado: "Tons of withdrawals from the qualifying as well. Qualifying is closing at #185 Elias Ymer atm…"
This pattern echoes earlier 2026 events like Dubai, but the focus remains on Indian Wells, where fans question the tournament's ongoing appeal amid these changes.