In the vibrant setting of the BNP Paribas Open amidst the picturesque Coachella Valley in California, tennis enthusiasts and sunseekers alike basked in the warmth of the desert sun.
While some indulged in leisurely strolls, admiring the backdrop of majestic mountains, others sipped on expensive beers that were inexplicably priced. Occasionally, the focus shifted to the tennis matches unfolding before them, although many simply reveled in the ambiance.
However, as Saturday night descended upon the venue, a noticeable change swept through the crowd. Stadium 1, illuminated by the desert’s chilly evening breeze, was filled to capacity. The reason? Carlos Alcaraz had taken center stage, nursing a tender hamstring, and was poised to infuse the tournament, and the sport itself, with the unique energy only he could provide.
This was especially significant with Rafael Nadal sidelined due to injury and Novak Djokovic unable to enter the United States owing to his unvaccinated status.
But for Alcaraz, the journey to this point had been anything but smooth since his remarkable victory at the 2022 U.S. Open. That triumphant campaign had demanded an array of grueling matches, including one that stretched into the early hours of the morning.
Since then, injuries had plagued him, first an abdominal ailment in the fall, then a hamstring strain just before the Australian Open.
Alcaraz, known for his relentless playing style, returned to competitive action with two smaller tournaments in South America last month. He secured the title in Buenos Aires but had to withdraw from the subsequent tournament in Acapulco due to his persistent hamstring issue.
All eyes turned to Indian Wells, where tournament organizers, grappling with the absence of Nadal and Djokovic, held their collective breath, hoping that Alcaraz could recover in time.
Tommy Haas, the former German pro and the tournament’s director, reflected on the anticipation leading up to the event, saying, “The tennis insiders knew that there was this new kid, maybe the next Rafa.”
He marveled at Alcaraz’s meteoric rise to becoming the youngest-ever No. 1 player and remarked on the thrill of watching him play.
In the realm of tennis, there are only a few players who can transform an early-round match into a grand spectacle, and on Saturday night, Alcaraz achieved just that by outclassing Thanasi Kokkinakis of Australia in straight sets.
Earlier in the day, Iga Swiatek, the women’s No. 1, had played to a mostly vacant stadium. Meanwhile, Taylor Fritz, the defending champion and top American, engaged in a closely contested three-set battle with Ben Shelton, another American and a rising star of the young season. Yet, none of these encounters could rival the electric atmosphere that Alcaraz’s match generated.
Even tennis legend Jimmy Connors, who knows a thing or two about putting on a show, was in attendance, perched high in the media seats, soaking in the spectacle.
Alcaraz continued to captivate the crowd on Monday night, playing in the headline match against Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands, with basketball icon Dirk Nowitzki among the spectators.
Alcaraz’s game is defined by a crackling forehand that reverberates uniquely, a relentless pursuit of balls that seem unattainable, delicate drop shots, and precise volleys. His pursuit of perfection is evident in his anguish when even the slightest deviation, like a drop shot clipping the tape, thwarts his artistry.
“I try to make the people enjoy watching tennis,” Alcaraz remarked after his first win, encapsulating his mission on the court. His next challenge was set against Jack Draper of Britain in the round of 16.
For many young players, the demands of the game can be overwhelming, leading to either temporary setbacks or premature retirements. However, Alcaraz appeared impervious to such pressures, focusing on the present moment and seizing every opportunity.
This week, Alcaraz received some unexpected support in creating a buzz around the sport. Emma Raducanu, the English sensation who won the 2021 U.S. Open as a qualifier, embarked on a surprising winning streak. Despite battling injuries and illnesses, including a recent wrist problem, Raducanu’s lethal forehands and graceful backhands returned with a vengeance, reminiscent of her breakout performance at the 2021 U.S. Open.
Raducanu, who had taken measures to minimize distractions by removing Instagram from her phone, found herself back in the spotlight. She faced Iga Swiatek, the most recent U.S. Open champion, in an eagerly anticipated matchup.
As Carlos Alcaraz prepared to take on Jack Draper, one couldn’t help but sense the anticipation building around this rising star of tennis. His simple mantra remained, “Live the moment, play the match, and go for it.” And, more likely than not, everyone watching would thoroughly enjoy the experience.
