2021 BNP Paribas Open – Women's singles
Paula Badosa defeated Victoria Azarenka in the final, 7–6(7–5), 2–6, 7–6(7–2) to win the women's singles tennis title at the 2021 Indian Wells Masters. At three hours and four minutes, the final was the longest-ever Indian Wells women's final. Badosa became the first Spanish woman to win the title. This was her first WTA 1000 title and second career WTA Tour singles title. Azarenka was aiming to become the first woman to win the title three times.
| Women's singles | |
|---|---|
| 2021 BNP Paribas Open | |
| Champion | Paula Badosa |
| Runner-up | Victoria Azarenka |
| Score | 7–6(7–5), 2–6, 7–6(7–2) |
| Draw | 96 (12Q, 6WC, 1PR) |
| Seeds | 32 |
Bianca Andreescu was the defending champion from when the tournament was last held in 2019, but lost in the third round to Anett Kontaveit. Two-time former champion Kim Clijsters made her return to the event for the first time since 2011; she lost in the first round to Kateřina Siniaková. Lucky loser Beatriz Haddad Maia became the first Brazilian woman to defeat a player ranked in the world's top three by defeating world No. 3 and top seed Karolína Plíšková in the third round. By reaching the semifinals, Ons Jabeur became the first Arab player to enter the top 10 of the world rankings.