2021 BNP Paribas Open...ATP 1000...Indian Wells, California

[stotty]

I think I like Fritz to win this tournament at this point. I have long thought he would break through at some point.

Well he has as good a chance as anyone. And he certainly had a terrific second set versus Zverez. Not sure he should won the third but Zverez wobbled so badly serving to close out that Fritz found himself let back in.

Norrie 'the bruiser' is off to a good start versus Dimitrov, leading 3-0 in the first.

[stotty]

It's strange watching Dimitrov versus Norrie. One has tried to replicate Roger while the other has replicated Nadal. At the moment Nadal is winning easily while the other needs the real Roger to step in to rescue the situation.

[stroke]

It's strange watching Dimitrov versus Norrie. One has tried to replicate Roger while the other has replicated Nadal. At the moment Nadal is winning easily while the other needs the real Roger to step in to rescue the situation.

Yes that is true, Roger lite vs Nadal lite.

[stroke]

Bash get through in 2. He deserved it. Nobody can hit winners like Bash.

[stotty]

Well, this year's Indian Wells, the world's 5th biggest tournament so we are told, offers a peek into the future of tennis without the big 3: tennis tournaments where any Tom, Dick, or Harry could get to the final.

[jimlosaltos]

Well, this year's Indian Wells, the world's 5th biggest tournament so we are told, offers a peek into the future of tennis without the big 3: tennis tournaments where any Tom, Dick, or Harry could get to the final.

In fairness, moving Indian Wells to October, while a big plus for players' incomes ($19 Million prize money despite less than 1/2 attendance, 65% of series ticket holders from 2020 opted to roll over their reservations to 2022) combined with the greater stress of travel this last year, left many of the contenders burned out. Medvedev just dropped out of his home-town tournament citing fatigue and niggling injuries. Djokovic seems to be hiding in his hyperbaric chamber, or some such.

Hold the event on time next March and (fingers crossed) you'll more top players and healthier players. Now, if they can just speed up the friggin' court.