While Jimmie48 is providing photos, Karen Helf is at the BNP Parias Open on behalf of Women’s Tennis Blog to bring us reports from the tournament’s matches and events. Let’s have a short overview of the rich tennis offer ready to be served in Indian Wells.
Following weekend Kids’ Day festivities, the BNP Paribas Open WTA qualifying rounds kick off on Monday at 11:00 a.m. Event entry is free during qualies both Monday and Tuesday.
The qualifying draw holds familiar names Nicole Gibbs, Sara Errani, Christina McHale, Timea Bacsinszky, Heather Watson, and Monica Niculescu. This provides a great opportunity to watch favorites up close as they fight for a spot in the main draw.
On Saturday, fans caught glimpses of Simona Halep, Dominika Cibulkova and Sachia Vickery around the grounds. For the moment, the mood is casual, but that all changes in a few days.
On Monday at 3 p.m. fans can participate in the WTA Main Draw “Party” at Stadium Plaza in the grass outside of Stadium 1. A few lucky fans will get to be part of the player draw ceremony, while others will have to opportunity to win prizes.
The 2019 BNP Paribas Open player entry list includes twelve current and former Grand Slam champions (Naomi Osaka, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Angelique Kerber, Victoria Azarenka, Jelena Ostapenko, Caroline Wozniacki, Simona Halep, Garbine Muguruza, Sloane Stephens, Petra Kvitova, Sam Stosur), while five of them are current and former BNP Paribas Open champions, namely Naomi Osaka (2018), Simona Halep (2015), Victoria Azarenka (2012 & 2016), Caroline Wozniacki (2011), and Serena Williams (1999 & 2001).
Right now the tour is such an interesting blend of accomplished professionals that continue to fine tune their games and rising young players standing their ground. Defending champion Naomi Osaka arrives to Indian Wells with the No.1 ranking and two Grand Slam trophies in hand. To defend, she will need to traverse a deep field along with her new coach, Jermaine Jenkins.
WTA main-draw first-round matches begin Wednesday, March 6th. A unique portrait of Naomi Osaka will be unveiled outside Stadium 1 later this week. Follow along as the cards unfold.
Isnt Serena’s also the former champion?
Good note, Ian. Of course she is. Serena won IW in 1999 and 2001. Maybe Karen was looking at the list of champions since IW has become Premier Mandatory tournament. Anyways, I’ve added Serena in the article.
Yes it was an historical link but huge miss I knew she had..Thx for the catch.