Postcards From Paradise, Volume 2: Alcaraz Eyes Top Rank, Gears Up For Main Draw

The flowers are in bloom, the players are in town and the Indian Wells Tennis Garden is buzzing with excitement for the 2023 BNP Paribas Open. But there’s more to this event than the world-class tennis played on court – here’s a snapshot of some of the cool moments happening off court and around the grounds.

Carlitos in the house!

He’s been the talk of the tennis world since winning his maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open and rising to World No. 1 in 2022, but after missing the Australian Open to kick off his season, some were wondering if last year was the exception – or the rule.

Well, Carlos Alcaraz silenced critics by winning his first tournament of the year on Argentinian clay, followed by a final the next week in Rio. Touching down in Tennis Paradise, the teenaged tennis superstar is all smiles

‘October Champ’ Badosa back to happy hunting grounds

Speaking of smiles, 2021 champion Paula Badosa is back to her favorite tournament. When she won this title two years ago, the event was held in a one-off October fortnight, but there’s no doubt the conditions at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden perfectly suit her spinny clay-courter game.

Gauff looking to take the next step

Coco Gauff has essentially been a household name since her iconic 2019 breakthrough season when she was just 15 years old. She’s elevated herself to becoming a mainstay in the Top 10 – but hoisting the Baccarat Trophy in the Palm Desert this year would show she’s ready for even greater heights.

…and by the looks of things, she’s definitely enjoying her time here so far! 😄

Dangerous Daniil ready to reset his desert fortunes

Daniil Medvedev has never made it past the fourth round at the BNP Paribas Open, but we’re not too worried. The quirky 27 year old is coming in to this year’s event on the back of a 14-match win streak that he credits to a new string set up on his racquet that helps with slower conditions.

A brand-new Grand Slam champ comes in with confidence

This is pretty much how big it seems Aryna Sabalenka is seeing the ball these days. The power-hitting Australian Open champ has always played a high-risk game, but these days it’s all going in for her.

Shelby stops by for some words of wisdom

Listen up, kids! Shelby Rogers took some time after her first-round win to do a meet and greet with the BNP Paribas Open ball crew, many of whom are looking to become tennis pros themselves some day.