Tennis

World No. 3 Jannik Sinner has extended his remarkable winning streak to 16 matches with a dominant 6-3, 6-0 victory over Thanasi Kokkinakis in the first round of the Indian Wells Masters 1000 event. The Italian star is now a perfect 13-0 on the season, having won his last three matches of 2023 at the Davis Cup Finals, the Australian Open title, and the Rotterdam title.Sinner's victory in Indian Wells marks his first match on American soil since his triumph at the US Open last year. The 21-year-old is now one win away from matching his career-best winning streak of 17 matches, set in 2021.The Italian's dominance in the match against Kokkinakis was evident from the outset. Sinner broke the Australian's serve in the opening game and never looked back. He controlled the pace of the match with his powerful groundstrokes and precise serve, winning 80% of his first-serve points.Kokkinakis, ranked No. 103 in the world, struggled to find his rhythm against Sinner's relentless pressure. The Australian was broken three times in the first set and failed to win a single game in the second set.Sinner's victory in Indian Wells is a testament to his exceptional form and his determination to reach the No. 2 ranking. The Italian is now just 100 points behind No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz, who is currently sidelined with an injury.If Sinner continues his winning ways, he could potentially overtake Alcaraz and become the new world No. 2 as early as next week. The Italian is scheduled to face either Jenson Brooksby or Miomir Kecmanovic in the second round of Indian Wells.

Taste of Tennis, a highly anticipated social event in the tennis world, made its grand return to Indian Wells this week. Hosted at the Hyatt Indian Wells Resort and Spa, the evening showcased a delectable culinary experience and a parade of stylish attire.Tennis stars graced the event, including Paula Badosa, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Qinwen Zheng, and Alexander Zverev. As they posed for the cameras, their fashion choices sparked conversations on social media. Badosa opted for an elegant all-white ensemble, complete with a Christian Dior bag adorned with butterflies and constellations. Zheng, Zverev, and Jakub Mensik also embraced the neutral palette with their cream-colored outfits.In contrast, Holger Rune and Liudmilla Samsonova opted for warmth and comfort, donning black puffer jackets. Bethanie Mattek-Sands, known for her bold fashion statements, turned heads with her Bottega Venetta bag in vibrant orange shearling. Tsitsipas added a touch of tennis flair with a shirt featuring a tropical tennis scene.Beyond the fashion, the evening offered a culinary extravaganza. Guests savored tuna crudo, ember-roasted purple yam, coconut ceviche, and shawarma-spiced lamb. The event also had a charitable component, with a commemorative painting auctioned for $5,000 to benefit Shay's Warriors, a cancer survivorship support organization.Taste of Tennis will continue its culinary and fashion journey at the Miami Open presented by Itau on March 18 at the JW Marriott Miami.

Venus Williams, the 43-year-old tennis legend, made her long-awaited return to the WTA Tour at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California. Despite a promising start, Williams ultimately fell to qualifier Nao Hibino in a three-set battle.Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, had not played a competitive match since her first-round exit at the US Open in August 2023. Her last appearance at Indian Wells was in 2019.The match began on Wednesday night in windy and chilly conditions, but was interrupted by heavy rain after just two games. When play resumed on Thursday, the weather had improved significantly.Williams started strongly, taking the first set 6-2 with her trademark power and precision. However, Hibino, ranked 80th in the world, fought back to win the second set 6-3.In the deciding set, Williams' game fell apart as she struggled with unforced errors and double faults. Hibino took advantage, winning the final six games to seal the victory 6-0.Despite the defeat, Williams showed glimpses of her former brilliance, particularly with her serve and backhand. However, her lack of match fitness and consistency proved to be her undoing.Hibino, who had never won a match at Indian Wells before, will now face No. 17 seed Veronika Kudermetova in the second round.Other notable results from Day 2 of the tournament included victories for 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu, 2018 Australian Open winner Caroline Wozniacki, and 2022 Australian Open runner-up Danielle Collins.On the men's side, three-time major champion Stan Wawrinka was defeated by 63rd-ranked Tomas Machac, while Gael Monfils and qualifier Lucas Pouille advanced.Rafael Nadal, who was scheduled to play his first tour match since January on Thursday night, withdrew from the tournament on Wednesday due to a hip injury.

Viktoriya Tomova Poised to Upset Struggling Sofia Kenin at BNP Paribas OpenThe BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells kicks off on Thursday night with a highly anticipated first-round clash between Viktoriya Tomova and Sofia Kenin. While Kenin holds the advantage as the 2020 Australian Open champion, Tomova presents a formidable challenge given Kenin's recent struggles.Kenin has endured a dismal 2024 campaign, losing five consecutive matches and posting a dismal 1-6 record. Her movement has been severely compromised, a significant disadvantage on the slow hard courts of Indian Wells. The American's tendency to commit unforced errors further diminishes her chances of success.In contrast, Tomova enters the match with a more positive mindset, having won two of her last three matches. While her form is not exceptional, she possesses a relentless grinding style that could frustrate Kenin. Tomova's ability to chase down every ball and force her opponent into extended rallies increases the likelihood of Kenin making mistakes.Despite Kenin's past achievements, her current form suggests that Tomova has a genuine opportunity to pull off the upset. The Bulgarian's tenacity and Kenin's struggles make Tomova the more appealing choice for bettors.

Alex Michelsen, a rising star in tennis, has come a long way since his first-round qualifying loss at Indian Wells last year. Now ranked in the Top 100, the 19-year-old American is making his ATP Masters 1000 main-draw debut at the BNP Paribas Open, where he won the Easter Bowl titles just two years ago.Michelsen's journey to the top has been marked by hard work and determination. After a breakout summer in 2022, he reached an ATP final in Newport and won his maiden Challenger title in Chicago. In 2023, he continued to impress with a third-round showing at the Australian Open and his first Top 10 win in Los Cabos.Reflecting on his connection to Indian Wells, Michelsen said, "It's everyone's favorite Masters 1000. I grew up very close to it, so being back here is incredible." He credits his experience playing in the California desert as a junior for helping him develop his game.Michelsen's success on the court has not changed his off-court habits. He still enjoys sweets and watches a lot of tennis, both for fun and to study his opponents. He also values the camaraderie among the group of young players who qualified for the ATP NextGen Finals last year."Everyone you listed are all really good guys and it's a lot of fun," Michelsen said. "You can buddy up with them in the locker room and it's a lot of fun to be around those guys."As he continues to rise in the rankings, Michelsen remains humble and approachable. He credits Ben Shelton as a role model, saying, "He's a very nice guy. Ever since I got Top 100 and I've been around him at the same events, he's been very kind, and so is his dad."Michelsen's journey is a testament to the power of hard work and dedication. As he prepares for his main-draw debut at Indian Wells, he is excited to continue his rise in the sport and make a name for himself on the world stage.

Paula Badosa's injury woes continue to haunt her as the former world No. 2 was forced to withdraw from the BNP Paribas Open on Wednesday. The 26-year-old Spaniard, who made her biggest career breakthrough in Indian Wells in 2021, has been struggling with a myriad of injuries since then.Badosa's withdrawal from Indian Wells marks the fourth tournament out of six that she has either lost a match via a walkover or withdrawn from after the draw was made. She owns a 4-5 win-loss record on the year, with three of her victories coming on her way to the Australian Open third round.The stress fracture in her L4 vertebra (low back) sidelined Badosa for the second half of the 2023 season. She returned to Indian Wells with a wild card, but her injury woes continue to plague her."So sorry I have to withdraw from my favorite tournament," Badosa shared in an Instagram Story. "I tried everything to be able to play but (it) wasn't enough. I'm having a very difficult time with my injury but I'm fighting every day to come (back) as soon as possible."Badosa has been struggling to get her 2024 season off the ground. She has been open about her struggles with injuries and the toll it has taken on her mentally."I wanna thank the fans that are sticking with me, (especially) this past year," Badosa said. "I'm sorry I haven't given what you are expecting from me and I'm just giving you sad news lately. (Trust me it's the last thing I want also)..."Hopefully soon the tears will be tears of joy again."Badosa's withdrawal from Indian Wells is a major blow to the tournament. She was one of the top contenders for the title and her absence will be felt.

Danielle Collins, the former NCAA champion, is set to retire from professional tennis at the end of the season. In an interview with TENNIS.com, Collins reflected on her journey and the decision to step away from the sport.Collins' breakthrough came in 2018 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, where she reached the fourth round as a wildcard entrant. She followed that up with a semifinal appearance in Miami, marking her Top 100 debut.Despite her success, Collins has always been open about her desire to pursue other interests. She credits her college education for broadening her horizons and giving her the confidence to make the decision to retire."I've worked really hard at this," Collins said. "Tennis has been a really big part of my life, but I've had other things that I want to accomplish."Collins acknowledged the challenges of balancing her tennis career with her personal life, including her desire to start a family. She expressed her excitement about the next chapter in her life."I'm ready for my next chapter," Collins said. "It's been a good run for me, but I've had other things that I want to accomplish."Collins also shared her fond memories of Indian Wells, where she made her mark in 2018. She praised the atmosphere and the beauty of the California desert."I just love the atmosphere and the environment," Collins said. "It's such a beautiful place to come and visit."As she prepares for her final season, Collins is taking a more relaxed approach. She is focused on enjoying the experience and capturing the moment."My goals have changed since this is my last year," Collins said. "I have a different mentality and feeling. It makes it a little bit easier from previous years."

The BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells kicks off on Wednesday, March 6, with a tantalizing matchup between Thanasi Kokkinakis and Marcos Giron. While Kokkinakis boasts a powerful serve and impressive shot-making ability, experts predict that Giron's consistency and defensive prowess will give him the edge on the slow-bouncing courts of Indian Wells Tennis Garden.Giron has been in excellent form since his five-set loss to Jack Draper at the Australian Open, winning eight of his last 11 hard-court matches. The American's familiarity with the conditions in his home state of California will further enhance his chances.Kokkinakis, on the other hand, may struggle to adapt to the slow courts, which will neutralize his booming serve and make it easier for Giron to return. The combination of wind and altitude could also lead to unforced errors from the Australian.Giron's defensive skills will force Kokkinakis to play extended rallies, which favors the American's ability to win longer points. Giron's consistent serve, with an 81.1% hold percentage and 64.4% first serve percentage, will also be crucial in this matchup.While Kokkinakis remains a dangerous opponent, experts believe that Giron's consistency and defensive abilities make him the more likely winner. A complete meltdown from Giron would be necessary for Kokkinakis to secure a victory.

Indian Wells, the tournament, is a beautiful excuse to visit Indian Wells, the city. Just thirty minutes southeast of Palm Springs is the little oasis that we fans like to call Tennis Paradise.And trust me, there’s plenty more to paradise than tennis with a view. Here are the Top 5 things to do in Indian Wells:1. Coffee with the ProsHow do the players kick off the Sunshine Swing? With a little bit of a sunshine in a cup.Whether you drink coffee or tea, or just opt for a breakfast bagel, IW Coffee is the place to start your morning. And during Indian Wells, a morning at this establishment basically guarantees a run-in with the pros.When I tell you I was in line behind Madison Keys, I was BEHIND Madison Keys. Right there. In the flesh. Just going about her morning.And on my way out? Cameron Norrie walking in.When you make your way out to this charming coffee shop, let us know if you run into any pros!2. Take to the GreenSecond to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, in my tennis-loving professional opinion, is the Indian Wells Golf Resort.This property has two courses ranked in the Top 25 “Best Municipal Courses in the United States” along with a 53,000 square-foot clubhouse. Just five minutes away from the tennis garden, both the Celebrity Course and Player Course are ready for action.The resort also hosts weddings and PGA Tour events, and was even the location in our Best of Three series with Daniela Hantuchova, where she challenged tennis’ top stars like Tommy Paul and Belinda Bencic on the course.There’s always potential to run into a few pros at this resort, too, which is always a great excuse to visit.3. It’s a bird, it’s a plane…No, it’s you in a hot air balloon!One activity that will truly set you apart from the rest of the Indian Wells Tennis Garden attendees is taking a hot air balloon ride around the desert.Fantasy Balloons offers a unique hot-air experience over the Palm Desert, covering up to 30 miles of vineyards, country clubs, golf resorts and landmarks all in one viewing.Yes, you have to enjoy sightseeing and, yes, you can’t exactly be afraid of heights in an open-flamed balloon, but most importantly…they have banana shaped balloons!Float in a literal bunch of bananas or a classic hot air balloon basket, and brag about it to everyone at the tennis gardens upon return to planet Earth.4. "Glow in the Park"If you’re going to be at Indian Wells through the finals day on Sunday, March 17, then make time for a “Glow in the Park” experience at The Living Desert Zoo.On select nights beginning March 16, the zoo will come to life with “hundreds of illuminated lanterns, dozens of larger-than-life displays, and countless photo ops showcasing the wonders oof wildlife from across the globe.”Before the 16th, the top-rated zoo experience offers “Me & You at the Zoo” on Tuesdays, and “Hoppy Hour” on Tuesdays and Thursdays. And if you have this little voice inside that aches to feed a giraffe, they can make that dream come true, too.5. Dance the Night AwayFrom happy hour at 4:30 p.m. all the way through live music starting at 6, The Nest is the place for a dining experience.“Come for the food, stay for the fun,” reads the website.Seven days a week, this restaurant meets Mediterranean cuisine with Californian charm to deliver high-quality ingredients in a mouth-watering way. As the sun sets over the desert, the restaurant turned bar turned nightclub is known for keeping up with the times, playing great music and creating a crowded dancefloor.Less than a month ago, The Nest was visited by Justin Bieber, which just goes to show you that you shouldn’t overlook the local hotspots.