In the warm desert valley of Indian Wells, California, for the BNP Paribas Open, some of the strongest tennis players in the world competed for the prestigious Indian Wells trophy. Each year, the BNP Paribas Open has an immense turnout with over 450,000 visitors. The competition consists of both women’s and men’s divisions with singles and doubles games. When playing in singles, there are 96 players that start off and then 32 are eliminated and so forth. When asked what she thought about the competition, YLHS tennis player, Sarah Kim (9), stated, “I think the Indian Wells Masters is so much fun to watch and it is a very local so many Southern Californians can attend it.”

The winner of this year’s men’s singles is Switzerland’s, Roger Federer. Currently number 6 in the world, Federer swept the preliminary rounds, winning straight sets. As he progressed through each match to the finals, although getting more difficult, Federer still came out on top with even more straight sets. Federer was the expected winner of the Indian Wells trophy.

This year’s competition was exceptionally exhausting with two of Federer’s biggest rivals participating, Stan Wawrinka and Rafael Nadal. Nadal and Federer have played each other 36 times with Nadal leading 23 to 13. Although Nadal leads in their rivalry, Federer gave him a run for his money, winning the match in the semi-finals. Additionally, Wawrinka who is also Swiss and has 3 Master’s Titles, has played Federer 23 times, with Federer winning 20-3.

Eventually, Federer advanced all the way to the finals with his rival Wawrinka. Federer and Wawrinka were so ecstatic to be playing in the finals for the coveted trophy/title. In the first set, the Swiss rivals battled it out for best player, leading Federer to win. Later in the second set, it was more grueling to watch as Wawrinka almost beat Federer. Sadly for Wawrinka, the set ended with a 6-3 win for the set by Federer.
Federer stood proudly to accept his 25th Master’s titles at the Indian Wells Masters. Many tennis enthusiasts believe Federer is the greatest men’s tennis player of all time because of his technique and stellar record. YLHS tennis player, Ryan Bui (9), states that “Federer is one of the tennis players that I look up to and aspire to be.” In the end, the Indian Wells Masters was very entertaining, with Roger Federer coming out on top.