FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | NOVEMBER 2021 59
The BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, having been canceled twice in
March of 2020 and 2021, finally happened in October of this year. Being a
tennis enthusiast, yours truly wasn't about to miss going there to enjoy it
this time.
Ever since I moved to Four Seasons in 2016, I have gone to Indian
Wells every year to watch some matches in this tournament, except when
the event was canceled. Some people have termed this venue "the Fifth
Grand Slam" after the four Grand Slam events - Australian Open, French
Open, U.S. Open, and Wimbledon, and rightly so. The Indian Wells Tennis
Garden is so beautifully designed. It is simply gorgeous. No wonder all the
big names in the tennis world flock to this place every year to compete.
See the photos below as an example of the Tennis Garden's beautiful
grounds.
The first time I ever set foot in this tennis facility was back in March,
1980 while I was living in Orange County. Unfortunately, I started working
the following year. So, for the next 35 years through 2016, I was never able
to come and enjoy watching any matches in person, as March had always
been the busiest time of year at work for me. When I moved to Beaumont
which is only about 40 minutes from Indian Wells, I thought I had died
and gone to Tennis Heaven. Ha ha!
So, for those who have never been to the Indian
Wells Tennis Garden, I urge you to be sure to go
see the BNP Paribas Open next year. The first
two to three days of the two-week tournament are
qualifying rounds which are free to the general
public. Watching those top-notch players in person
is a very different experience than watching them
on TV. The TV screen simply doesn't do them
justice. Seeing their powerful and accurate shots
in person will make your jaw drop. I can honestly
say that my respect for those players increases
every year as I drive away anticipating next year's
tournament.
See you all at The Courts! For more info, visit
our website at sites.google.com/view/tennis-
fourseasons/home. ~ Stan Lam, (714) 757-2141,
slamcpa@gmail.com
Tennis Club
