I read that as "dessert sand"...enough said! Except, you've stoked my nostalgia for my two trips to the enigma that is Indian Wells. I should clarify that it was as a spectator, although I did take part in one of those promotional clinics where I got to make a complete ass out of myself albeit ON AN ACTUAL IW practice court, thank you very much. There is another hilarious video of that somewhere in the annals of tennis history. The best part of IW as a fan is the accessibility of the players...soooo many awkward photos of a slightly drunken me trying to get the attention of statuesque tennis gods, young enough to be my grandchildren. That's it. I'm booking a pants-on flight! Meet me there for a sandy dessert! : )
I had to include this gem to back up my other…achievement. It’s a miracle I got “invited back”! Full permission to use this in a future post about boundaries! LOL!
Hey, Andrea: I'm sure this was, as always, an insightful and clever summary of some tennis-centric topic, but I never really got past the fruity and fun "worshipping sauce not to be confused with Worcestershire sauce."
Hey, Petko: And, you should be! Forget winning Charleston! A clever play on words in a language not your own is just too freakin' much for a uni-language heathen American such as myself. I truly love your brain as much as I love your athleticism!
Btw, don't be so hard on yourself! You can always rave about the win over Lucie Safarova or how you didn't lose a single game in our last ever main draw win at Indian Wells.
While IW is one spectacular venue, it’s certainly not always the best weather. It could not have been built (no land) in the parts of SoCal with better weather and its location in the desert is almost accidental. Note that in SoCal, while tennis players will, of course. play in the Palm Springs area if something is on offer, no one says “you know, I just need to go out to the desert for some tennis.”. Golf yes, tennis not so much. The dryness can really get to you after a day, as a pro you must up your fluids intake by like gallons! That said, it’s a fun gathering for the tennis world, you have to hand it to Ellison. The physical plant is almost perfect. My son and his pals are going out today. The first weekend is probably the best pro watching event there is. :)
I agree about the perfection of the desert- the place looks terrible with all those roads and buildings - there are supposed to be empty open barren except for the occasional Chumash Indian hut with reeds and wampum beads near an arroyo.
As far as air wear - everyone in the LA airports are still in their pajamas! Shoes would be my request!
As always love, love, love. Was there yesterday and we got super lucky and avoided the rain but the wind was bananas and boy was it crisp! 2 jacket crisp!! Look forward to watching from my warm couch today! And just since I watched her yesterday and she is German like you, I think? Maybe one day you can write about Tatiana Maria and her game and shot choice, etc. I always just watch her in wonder; interesting, baffling and fascinating all at the same time. Anyway, enjoy the show!!
I remember watching you practicing on the lanes between courts one year and being astounded at your buffed bod. Next lane over was Eugenia Bouchard. Not so buffed but a fellow Canadian. A truly wonderful atmosphere - unlike any other tourney.
Petko - is this just a prelude to your next project... sauce making? Tell us what would go into a 'worshipping sauce'? Would it pair well with steaks prepared by an Englishman? Would it have the zest of a pink grapefruit? How would go down with a Honey Deuce? Pray, do tell.
Two great matches from Tallon Griekspoor so far. Great flow to his serve. No heat this year so far. But the crowds!!! Hope to see you at the Fonseca match. Great tennis channel coverage as always by you.
I read that as "dessert sand"...enough said! Except, you've stoked my nostalgia for my two trips to the enigma that is Indian Wells. I should clarify that it was as a spectator, although I did take part in one of those promotional clinics where I got to make a complete ass out of myself albeit ON AN ACTUAL IW practice court, thank you very much. There is another hilarious video of that somewhere in the annals of tennis history. The best part of IW as a fan is the accessibility of the players...soooo many awkward photos of a slightly drunken me trying to get the attention of statuesque tennis gods, young enough to be my grandchildren. That's it. I'm booking a pants-on flight! Meet me there for a sandy dessert! : )
LOL! but how did you play?
Please, to enjoy…😂 the best part is my friend chuckling as he captured this feat of athleticism.
I had to include this gem to back up my other…achievement. It’s a miracle I got “invited back”! Full permission to use this in a future post about boundaries! LOL!
Hey, Andrea: I'm sure this was, as always, an insightful and clever summary of some tennis-centric topic, but I never really got past the fruity and fun "worshipping sauce not to be confused with Worcestershire sauce."
this joke was the proudest moment of my life, i’m not even lying 😭
Hey, Petko: And, you should be! Forget winning Charleston! A clever play on words in a language not your own is just too freakin' much for a uni-language heathen American such as myself. I truly love your brain as much as I love your athleticism!
😂😂😂
Thank you Andrea for the good read and laughs!
Btw, don't be so hard on yourself! You can always rave about the win over Lucie Safarova or how you didn't lose a single game in our last ever main draw win at Indian Wells.
i beat lucie there! you’re so right! confidence restored, haha.
While IW is one spectacular venue, it’s certainly not always the best weather. It could not have been built (no land) in the parts of SoCal with better weather and its location in the desert is almost accidental. Note that in SoCal, while tennis players will, of course. play in the Palm Springs area if something is on offer, no one says “you know, I just need to go out to the desert for some tennis.”. Golf yes, tennis not so much. The dryness can really get to you after a day, as a pro you must up your fluids intake by like gallons! That said, it’s a fun gathering for the tennis world, you have to hand it to Ellison. The physical plant is almost perfect. My son and his pals are going out today. The first weekend is probably the best pro watching event there is. :)
i can’t wait to come back as a fan because that looks fantastic! playing tennis there? no, thank you ;)
I agree about the perfection of the desert- the place looks terrible with all those roads and buildings - there are supposed to be empty open barren except for the occasional Chumash Indian hut with reeds and wampum beads near an arroyo.
As far as air wear - everyone in the LA airports are still in their pajamas! Shoes would be my request!
Thank you for a very entertaining newsletter! I needed a laugh😉
As always love, love, love. Was there yesterday and we got super lucky and avoided the rain but the wind was bananas and boy was it crisp! 2 jacket crisp!! Look forward to watching from my warm couch today! And just since I watched her yesterday and she is German like you, I think? Maybe one day you can write about Tatiana Maria and her game and shot choice, etc. I always just watch her in wonder; interesting, baffling and fascinating all at the same time. Anyway, enjoy the show!!
that’s a good idea!
Great tongue-in-cheek writing. When I used to play, my least favorite ball was Penn.
I remember watching you practicing on the lanes between courts one year and being astounded at your buffed bod. Next lane over was Eugenia Bouchard. Not so buffed but a fellow Canadian. A truly wonderful atmosphere - unlike any other tourney.
back when i had muscles!
Tracksuits? How about full-on pajamas on the airplane LOL! That's what I'm seeing! Time to re-string the racquets and break out the Penns.
what happened to wearing clothes?
A castrated cat could not write a novel of eleven hundred pages, possibly 550.
This is a great article, truly a retrospective piece.
Petko - is this just a prelude to your next project... sauce making? Tell us what would go into a 'worshipping sauce'? Would it pair well with steaks prepared by an Englishman? Would it have the zest of a pink grapefruit? How would go down with a Honey Deuce? Pray, do tell.
Thank you for another entertaining and informative take on the tennis tour Andrea.
When I first started flying it was Jacket and tie for men. How about the vacationers wearing tank tops, bathing suit and flip flops.
Two great matches from Tallon Griekspoor so far. Great flow to his serve. No heat this year so far. But the crowds!!! Hope to see you at the Fonseca match. Great tennis channel coverage as always by you.