Indian Wells Tennis

[vinylgreek]

We got back home yesterday and managed to see some pretty good matches. Also got to watch Serena play two of her four matches before she retired from the tournament. Although she and Rafa were wearing their AP and Richard Mille, respectively, I couldn't really get any shots of them so I'm posting here. The weather was good and a fun time was had by all.

In no particular order some of the participants:
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She got spanked but was thrilled to be in Stadium 1 with Serena. I kept expecting her to ask for an autograph.
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One of many points on serve.
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Defending champ Flavia Pennetta in the process ...

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... of losing to Sabine Lisicki. She cries frequently.

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Pam Shriver preparing to deliver some of her wry commentary from court side.

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Don't know how this snuck in here. The guy had to bite his peanuts to open the shell. He'd never survive at a baseball game.
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Next up a rising American against the best player ever. Feel free to argue the point.
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A pair of Aussies going at it hammer and tongs.
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I'm partial to the big kid (he's literally both 6' 5" and 18 years old).
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Tomic is a good player but lacking in gentility.
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The most interesting piece I saw at the tournament. Plenty of Rolex and Panerai and stuff I couldn't make out (I suckered myself into thinking that Renato was an AP until I had a closer look at the photo). The Breguet was the class of the field in my view.
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Who knew Chris Fowler had a twin brother?
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Rafa is great so I had to root for the underdog who is gritty good despite his slight build.
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Rafa did beat the snot out of him - but nicely.

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Rafa in the process of beating the snot out of Simon. But nicely.

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Another pair of players in generally opposite career trajectories. The younger Kei versus the older Feliciano.

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The talented Miss Sloane Stevens playing (losing) against Serena.
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Donald Young against Rafael Nadal
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Stevie Johnson already unhappy with the outcome of his match against Tomas Berdych.

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If you enjoy playing and watching tennis this is a great destination and excellent tournament for you.

[Nokie]

Great pictures. Looks like it would be fun to see in person.

[CamB]

Nice- I love getting along to the Australian Open.

[vinylgreek]

Great pictures. Looks like it would be fun to see in person.

It's a straight shot down the 5 and east on the 10. Do it.

[vinylgreek]

Nice- I love getting along to the Australian Open.

The wife and I keep talking about coming down there one year. The conditions seem to be similar to those at Indian Wells.

[CanadianStraps]

I know very little about tennis and have no real interest in it, but that was a great post - cheers.

[vinylgreek]

I know very little about tennis and have no real interest in it, but that was a great post - cheers.

Thanks for that. If you appreciate watching individuals compete in athletic endeavors at a very high level of performance then you might just like one of the top level tournaments. Plus it's outdoors in the lovely sunshine and most beverages you might desire are easily accessed. And the people watching between matches is very entertaining. In fact Indian Wells is a natural fit for you since about half the crowd is from Canada.