“10s Whenever” Newsletter Vol. 149

Written by: on 14th March 2014
BNP Paribas Open
"10s Whenever" Newsletter Vol. 149

epa04124517 Roger Federer from Switzerland celebrates a point during his match against Kevin Anderson from South Africa at the BNP Paribas Open tennis in Indian Wells, California, USA, 13 March 2014. Federer won the match and will advance to the semi-finals. EPA/DANIEL MURPHY  |

Just one reason why the BNP Paribas Open is the best — By Ricky Dimon

 

 

There are so many reasons why the BNP Paribas Open is considered by many–including me–to be the best tournament in the business. The quality of players in the field, the men’s doubles draw, and the never-failing weather just to name a few.

 

Perhaps the biggest reason, at least for members of the media, is that we get to eat in the same are as the players either inside the dining hall or outside in the courtyard. Not only could I take advantage of the incredible pasta bar, but I could also do so while in the company of some of the top tennis players in the world.

 

At one point I was a few tables over from 17-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer.

 

Former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki was at a table next to mine.

 

Alexandr Dolgopolov was milling around the morning after upsetting top-ranked Rafael Nadal in the third round.

 

Dmitry Tursunov carbo-loaded on pasta a few hours before facing Federer.

 

I also had the pleasure of meeting former doubles world No. 1 Rick Leach, former top 30 doubles player and current A-list commentator Robbie Koenig, and 14-time Grand Slam champion (eight in men’s doubles, six in mixed) Leander Paes.

 

Leach told me about his recent induction into the Southern California Tennis Association Hall of Fame, referred to Federer as “God,” and tipped Grigor Dimitrov as a future world No. 1.

 

I insisted–quite truthfully–to Koenig that he is the cream of the crop in the booth, but his modesty would have none of it. The South African is too humble to admit that he’s the best, but let’s be honest, would you choose to listen to anyone over the Robbie Koenig-Jason Goodall duo?

 

Thirty seconds into my conversation with Paes, I already had his e-mail address and cell-phone number. He could not have been friendlier. He expressed an interest in reading anything and everything I write about him, he liked my hat (a green dri-fit from my high school, where I currently coach tennis), and assured that he would always remember me as he never forgets a face. I believe him.

 

And believe me when I tell you that it doesn’t get any better than Indian Wells.

 

 

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