The Deuce Club, 3.11
***
by Jackie Roe, TW Social Director
Greetings from Indian Wells and the BNP Paribas Open, TWibe! I'm so excited to be here; every time I scan the surroundings, I can't imagine being in a more idyllic place. I don't have much to report on the tennis front, since I'm only a few hours into my first day on the grounds, but I thought I'd share some travel and TWibe-related stories . . . better than nothing, right?
But first, a reminder about our TW gathering, for those who are reading this from IW(!):
We're meeting tonight at 9 PM at The Beer Hunter. If you'd like to exchange contact information, e-mail me here—I'll be checking it regularly from now 'til the start of the get-together.
Now, a little bit about my goings-on over the past few days:
I arrived in L.A. close to 10 PM on Wednesday. The highlight (or lowlight) of the night: After failing to find a restaurant that was still open at the late hour, my best friend (who picked me up from the airport) and I found ourselves sitting in the parking lot of a Palos Verdes Ralph's, devouring granola bars and tearing off hunks of a baguette. Classy.
I stayed at TW Beth's place on Wednesday night, then drove with her to Indian Wells the next afternoon. Such luxurious accommodations—far better than any hotel! I got up close and personal with her puppy Lebowski (aka The Dude, or The Duderino if you're not into the whole brevity thing), who is 80 lbs of frenetic energy. Ridiculously rambunctious, but ever so friendly, loving, adorable. I couldn't bear leaving him—if only he could've come with!
Driving to IW: You know you're close when you spot that first windmill. Heightened sense of anticipation.
I was thrilled to reunite with jb (Jane) and lpb (Susan) at the Hyatt bar. We made some friends there, one of whom thought I was from New Jersey. Hmm. Is there something Snooki-ish about me? (Beth, Jane, and Susan all say hello, by the way!)
Walking from the Hyatt to the Renaissance Esmeralda, we were assaulted by lights and loud music at the nearby IW club. Players party, we deduced. Hmph, we should've been invited. Spotted Brad Gilbert, Richard Gasquet, and others on their way to the fête.****
Finally on the grounds come Friday morning. Perfect weather—mid-80’s and impossibly sunny. I wandered through the practice courts and there at the very end were Robredo and Ferrer. (Thought process: How am I only one of a few here? People don't bother walking this far, I guess.) I paid close attention to them—a difficult task, I know—and appreciated their focus and the business-like way they went about the practice. You always get the sense that they're invested in what they're doing, that they care. A bonus: Being joined by Annie and maedel (Esther)!
Made it back to the press room in time for Raonic's presser. He's more slender? wiry? than I'd pictured. Extremely articulate, confident, self-assured (when asked how he's enjoying the media spotlight, he responded with, "I think I can speak well" :)). He seems so well-equipped for future success; it doesn't seem possible that he'd get lazy, and the go-getter attitude means he'll do whatever it takes to ensure he realizes his potential. Also, did we know that he graduated from high school, with honors, at 16?
That's all for now. I just returned from Djokovic and Roddick pressers, but I'll have more on that in the Comments or in a later post. It's time to get back out there! First stop: Benneteau/Lopez on Court 6. (You can also follow my IW activities on Twitter by clicking here.)
No real topic this week. Just feel free to continue your IW discussions and match calls here. And I'll keep up with the comments, so let me know if there's anyone you want me to keep an eye on while I'm here. I've got my cameras and notebook at the ready!
Have a great weekend, TWibe!