INDIAN WELLS – March 4 – People can really talk, on the court, and yell, or smile. Or, if they cannot play well, then they can be ticked off.
Each year, in California, it can be mild in March, or, it can be hot in the desert. The players, the coaches and the fans like it a lot. Or, they want to leave and go to a different tournament.
A number of the players have won a Grand Slam, and they also have taken a title at Indian Wells, such as Jim Courier, Andre Agassi, Lleyton Hewitt, Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and now, Carlos Alcaraz.
The women have also won a Slam, or more, such as like Monica Seles, Lindsay Davenport, Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, and they retired. Others are still active, like Victoria Azarenka, Naomi Osaka, Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina.
Last year, Mirra Andreeva won it, beating No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the final, 2–6, 6–4, 6–3. Maybe she can do it again.
Russian Vera Zvonareva made it to No. 2 in 2010 in singles and now she is back at 41 years old. Her singles play was excellent, but she was unable to win a Slam. However, she did win at Indian Wells, sprinting, with her strong forehand and her backhand.
Zvonareva could be very emotional, and when she was playing, She would let it all hang out.
“Most people think that sometimes I cry on the court,” she said. “I just let the emotions out and let yourself relax. It can happen when you’re happy, when you’re upset, any time. Most people take it as frustration, and I think it’s a big mistake. It helps you to be better in the next hour or next moment. People think when you break a racquet, you’re frustrated and you can’t play after that. I don’t think it’s right. Maybe some players, they can’t, but some players let their emotions out, feel much better and are able to concentrate on what they have to do.”
Zvonareva once wept in anguish, but then she can shed tears of joy. Her singles is decent, but her doubles are very, very good.
More and more, Belinda Bencic is becoming much more confident and knowledgeable. The Swiss is always trying to belt the ball, but she can back off. The No. 12 can go deep, yet she can also back off.
“Definitely a big opportunity. I always like to play on the big courts, I like to play the big players,” Bencic said. “I really enjoy that, and that’s what I work for. We try to push each other. One is doing well, so you’re motivated to do well again.”
No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz is winning all the time, as he is totally locked in. A few days ago, he won in Doha. He does everything, from the backcourt, with the forehand, the backhand, and at the net. He can crush it, and mix it up, too.
“I came this year hungry for more. I think after every tournament, we just have to set new goals. It’s been a really strong start to the year.”
Novak Djokovic will play, but the former No. 1 is declining steadily. Of course he has won 101 titles, and he might be the best player, ever, yet when you are 38 years old, your legs can be very sore. The good thing is that at the Australian Open, he reached the final, beating Jannik Sinner in the semis, yet in the final, Djokovic lost to Alcaraz.