BNP Paribas Open Notebook: Thursday, March 8

Imitation is the greatest form of flattery (or not)

Informed that #NextGen Canadian teen Denis Shapovalov modeled his sweeping one-handed backhand after his, Austrian Dominic Thiem quipped, “It looks pretty different, so he did a bad job copying.”

The comeback

Roger Federer reflected on receiving the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year and World Comeback of the Year awards, saying, “You don’t get an opportunity, this big of a stage, in front of such amazing athletes and former athletes as well to give thanks to your team and your family. It was a big moment in my career again. Getting the Comeback award — that was what it was almost all about for me. The comeback that I did have last year was so special.”

Parenting tips

American Taylor Fritz, father to son Jordan, had some advice for new mom Serena Williams: “You just enjoy every moment you have with your child. It’s makes playing more special because you have more to play for, and when you’re traveling it makes you want to be even better because you’re away from them and you feel like you have to perform even more for the time you’re not with them.”

Mom talk

With the burgeoning friendship of Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka, it was only natural to wonder if the two have bonded even more as both became moms for the first time. The answer is “Yes.” “She’s been incredibly helpful,” Serena said of Vika. “When I was pregnant, I would text her and ask her questions and she’s always been so helpful. She’s such a great mom. I got to meet her little baby when he was so young and she’s working so hard.”

Most convincing women’s performance

American CiCi Bellis advanced to a second-round meeting with defending champ Elena Vesnina with a thorough 6-0, 6-3 victory over Sara Sorribes Tormo. And if she had to convince us, Bellis said she has improved since bursting onto the scene with her upset of Dominika Cibulkova at the 2014 U.S. Open. “Just in overall experience, playing these tournaments and the top players, and knowing their games and knowing them,” Bellis said. “Obviously, I still get pretty nervous when I play big matches, but it’s also so much more fun now. I’ve just matured a lot overall.”