A Trip to Indian Wells

Since the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells was on pause the last couple years because of COVID, I finally went back this year. It was my fifth time, and as usual it never disappoints. However, it wasn’t easy getting there. First: a canceled flight from Denver to Palm Springs. Second: A redirected flight to Phoenix, but we never made the connection to Palm Springs. Third: I was re-booked for a new flight, but not until 24 hours later. I can’t miss Opening Day! After making a new friend on the canceled flight, we decided to drive from Phoenix to Palm Springs. She was working at the tournament and also wanted to get there, instead of waiting at an airport. Five hours later and around midnight, we finally arrived in Tennis Paradise!

I had no luggage, since it was still somewhere in Denver, and I was still wearing what I had on the plane. The good news? I had a backpack with my tennis shoes and racquet. The next morning, I got up and went to the place I always go during my trips to this tournament; the Charlie Moore Tennis Academy which is next door to my hotel in Cathedral City. During the tourney, Moore holds daily drill clinics for two weeks. Every year I meet different tennis enthusiasts from all over the world, and we bond over our love of tennis. One nice guy from Chicago let me borrow his shirt, and after buying some socks from the golf shop, I was ready to go. After 90 minutes of forehands, backhands, volleys and drills in the sun, I was ready to head to the tournament and watch the pros in action.