Final Weekend: Scorching temps, blistering serves, and heavy Baccarat trophies
The 2026 BNP Paribas Open came to an end Sunday. The original 200-plus players who began the tournament have all made their way through the draws in swirling winds, chilly evenings, and scorching sun, winnowing themselves down to the eight winners who walk away with their Baccarat Crystal “Shooting Star” trophies in tow, already looking ahead to the next challenge. This was the 18th BNP Paribas Open since the bank took over the naming rights in 2009, and it didn’t disappoint (the BNP Paribas Open never disappoints). The 2026 tournament set a new attendance record: 527,626 over the two-week run, bringing them ever-closer to Grand Slam levels.
Saturday morning, American Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova of Czechia beat Anna Danilina of Kazakhstan and Aleksandra Krunic of Serbia, 7-6, 6-4. The win was an emotional one for Townsend, whose son A.J. turned five the same day. Earlier in the tournament, she told the crowd in the BNP Paribas suite that she was eyeing the trophy, and hoped to bring it home to A.J.; Saturday, her wish was granted, as her partner Siniakova played through a hip injury that forced her out of the singles competition, and this unstoppable team took the win.