Madison Keys names the lower-ranked American player who could be ‘very dangerous’ at Indian Wells

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At least 18 American women will compete for the Indian Wells singles title in 2026.

Three more can join the main draw if they win their second qualifying matches.

The likes of Coco Gauff, Amanda Anisimova, Jessica Pegula, and Madison Keys are the nation’s best hopes, but which lower-ranked Americans might make a run?

During the latest episode of ‘The Player’s Box Podcast‘, Keys answered that very question.

Madison Keys tips ‘very dangerous’ Hailey Baptiste to impress at Indian Wells

“I am going to throw out Hailey Baptiste,” said Keys.

“I think Hailey’s game on those courts could be very dangerous.

“I think she is incredibly talented, but I think she has been playing some very good tennis.

Hailey Baptiste in 2026

“So I would not be surprised if she had a very good tournament.

“I am going to back you up on that,” added Jennifer Brady.

“I hit with her two days ago, and she was feeling it!”

“She is just a really good tennis player,” said Pegula.

Keys, Brady, and Pegula are all backing Baptiste to impress at Indian Wells, but how has the 24-year-old performed in California over the years?

Baptiste is 2-3 at Indian Wells and has yet to reach the third round.

Hailey Baptiste’s Indian Wells record (2-3)

• 2022 Indian Wells 1R [LOSS] vs Ajla Tomljanovic, 2-6, 6-2, 2-6
• 2024 Indian Wells 1R [WIN] vs Robin Montgomery, 6-2, 4-6, 6-1
• 2024 Indian Wells 2R [LOSS] vs Madison Keys, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7
• 2025 Indian Wells 1R [WIN] vs Whitney Osuigwe, 6-1, 6-2
• 2025 Indian Wells 2R [LOSS] vs Danielle Collins, 7-5, 2-6, 4-6

She did, however, push Keys all the way to a third-set tiebreaker when they met in 2024, which may explain why last year’s Australian Open champ picked her as one to watch at Indian Wells.

Baptiste would love to make a deeper run in 2026, but how has the draw treated her?

The world number 43 will play Colombia’s Emiliana Arango in the first round.

Should there be a fifth Grand Slam?

If so, which tournament would it be?

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Should she beat Arango, Baptiste would meet world number three Elena Rybakina in round two.

If she were to win that match, Baptiste would become a genuine title contender.

How well do Americans perform at Indian Wells?

There are several American players in with a chance of winning Indian Wells this year, but of the last 10 winners, how many represented the United States?

0.

In fact, only one American player, Serena Williams, reached the final during that period.

It doesn’t look much better if you go back another 10 years.

Williams was the last American woman to win Indian Wells, lifting the trophy back in 2001.

On the 25th anniversary of Williams’ triumph, will an American end the drought?

Only time will tell.

The 2026 Indian Wells main draw begins on Wednesday, March 4.