BNP PARIBAS | Indian Wells CA | THURSDAY, MARCH 9
The SCTA is all around Indian Wells this week, following SoCal and USA tennis. Be sure to check back for our daily recaps!
Those in attendance at Indian Wells on Thursday got a glimpse – albeit fleeting – of the future of American tennis. Even with some of the more promising names among US Futures on display, results turned out drier than the desert air.
Frances Tiafoe on the run (SCTA Staff)
In the Women’s main draw, only one American woman advanced in Thursday afternoon action, as Shelby Rogers ousted former UCLA standout Jennifer Brady, 6-4, 7-6(4). Rogers, a quarterfinalist at Roland Garros last summer, proved too experienced and consistent for the young Brady. On adjacent courts, Irina Falconi fell in three sets while Vania King (Monterey Park) struggled to complete her first set against Germany’s Andrea Petkovich before retired with a left ankle injury. In Women’s Doubles, a packed stadium watched American Bethanie Mattek-Sands and her partner, Lucie Safarova triumph in a long three sets as a boisterous cheering section tried to elevate Asia Muhammad (Long Beach) and her partner Renata Voracova, but the duo fell in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4.
This evening, Lauren Davis advanced with a 7-5 third set win over Viktorija Golumbic, propelling another American woman to the second round to join Madison Keys, Coco Vandeweghe (Rancho Santa Fe), and perennial favorite Venus Williams as key American hopefuls.
Serena Williams, the world number 1, withdrew on Tuesday with a knee injury and will relinquish the top ranking after missing both Indian Wells and the forthcoming Miami event.
In the Men’s frame, the main afternoon attraction was the 19-year old Frances Tiafoe. In Acapulco, Tiafoe pressed Juan Martin del Potro to a third set tiebreak, but that flair was overcome by Serbian qualifier Dusan Lajovic as the likeable Tiafoe was eliminated in straight sets. Sam Querrey (Santa Monica), Steve Johnson (Redondo Beach), and Taylor Fritz (Palos Verdes) highlight the American Men’s field later this weekend.
AROUND THE GROUNDS at the Tennis Garden
Asia Muhammad may have been eliminated from play, but she also had a boisterous cheering squad on Stadium 4 today, reminiscent of Flushing Meadows where fans break tennis tradition and raise the roof a little bit… The Bryan Bros. Band entertained the masses with a lively concert this evening. Regulars on stage at tour stops and charity events around the world, Mike & Bob Bryan meet Kyrgios/Zimonjic in Round 1 at Indian Wells…
Wolfgang Puck’s inspired treat (SCTA staff)
Word spread quickly through the Tennis Garden when the Men’s draw was announced on Tuesday, and the buzz continues. Dubbed the “group of death,” the Men’s bottom quarter includes Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer, along with Steve Johnson – surely a pleasant draw for top seeded world #1 Andy Murray… Three time champion Djokovic was no doubt pleased to see a new mural unveiled in his honor… On Friday night, a special ceremony will recognize veterans, military personnel, police and firemen. Doubles action featuring Nadal and Djokovic (on alternate courts) will follow… Fans are also enjoying the Garden’s new culinary treats, including Wolfgang Puck’s signature dishes that are only conplete with a raspberry tennis ball dessert. Yes, it’s all edible!
Tomorrow, more on USA athletes on the doubles circuit – even the ones that don’t play instruments!