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Greg’s gallery of tennis stars Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and others practicing this week at Indian Wells
FEDERER FEVER: I’ve had the best time out in the desert this week at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, a tradition for me since 1994. It’s always a balance during the first week – when I usually attend – of watching matches inside the stadiums and hanging around the practice courts to watch your favorite stars working on their shots.
At practice they are relaxed and hit the most amazing shots and when they do drills, you get to see forehand after forehand and marvel at their precision. And, well,. sometime they take their shirts off in the desert sun and that’s always worth the price of admission!
These are some of the photos I took during the days I was there. A big thanks to my friend James for arranging for me to see matches from his company’s corporate box!
Roger Federer is trying to win a fourth title at Indian Wells. The world’s number one player – and the best male tennis star in history – has such an elegant way about him both on and off the court. He was mobbed leaving a practice court Thursday and spent at least 20 minutes signing autographs. I’m not into autographs but I did wish him good luck and he smiled and said, “Thank you.”
SPANISH DISH: Like Federer, Rafael Nadal is one of the top stars in the game and the defending champion at Indian Wells this year. The four-time French Open winner is the only man to defeat Federer at Wimbledon since 2003 and also beat him at the Australian Open last year. But his one year reign at number one was cut short last year by injuries. Nadal is as gracious to fans as Federer, just a real gentleman. Watching him practice is fun because Nadal is intense – works very hard out there.
There is no male pro more fun-loving than second-ranked Novak Djokovic, the 2008 champion at Indian Wells. I got to watch him play soccer with a group of other players one afternoon and he was as dominant on the soccer field as on the tennis court. What a great athlete! He is one of only two players since 2005 other than Federer or Nadal to have won one of tennis’s grand slam tournaments. Njokovic won the 2008 Australian Open and is looking for another big win.
Comments
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Mark says:
I. Am. So. Jealous. Glad you’re having a great time, and thanks for the pics.
Mike says:
Wow, who would have thought that Murray would have the best looking body??
Lucky you to be out there for the early rounds when all the players are there and accessible! I didn’t know you could get that close, as you could in the old days when it was held at the Hyatt, so, next year, I’ll have to go!
Tania says:
Djokovic is a hunk! And a great athlete, that’s for sure… sexy.