Because the spherical of 16 is underway on the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells and every single day extra gamers are packing as much as strive their luck in Miami, the California desert holds a particular place of their calendars and hearts. The crowds have made gamers from everywhere in the world really feel welcome and like they’ve a house crowd cheering them on, no matter world politics.
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, a finalist right here in 2023, remarked, “If you’re talking about atmosphere, I definitely feel like home here. I feel all the support. I really enjoy playing in front of the people here. I’d say it feels like home.”
Mirra Andreeva, the seventeen-year-old Russian feels the love as properly, although she did appear perplexed about how People have had the prospect to get to know her so quick, “I don’t know why, but I have a lot of people that are supporting me. Something about the United States is people are so energetic, and when I play a match and some people are supporting me, I just kind of feel their energy. It kind of lights me up a little bit, and after, it’s actually a bit easier to play.”
Whereas U.S. home and international coverage has modified considerably since final yr’s match, the worldwide gamers visiting have felt nice help, regardless of the flags they play below. Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina instructed media that her expertise within the U.S. this journey has been considered one of gratitude, “Just based on a personal experience that I’ve had here. Also the massive support that I got, taking in consideration that I played three American girls back-to-back-to-back. It’s amazing, really special to get that, taking into consideration, you know, all the stress that all Ukrainians are facing right now back at home.”
Donna Vekic has additionally grown fairly keen on California. She is coached by Sascha Bajin, however has additionally turn out to be shut with Pam Shriver, who lives in Los Angeles. The Croatian mentioned, “I actually did my pre-season last year in LA, so it does feel a little bit at home.” She added, “I never had really good results in the desert, but looks like that’s changing this year.”
On Wednesday, Vekic will play American Madison Keys for a spot within the quarterfinals. Sabalenka takes on British fortunate loser Sonay Kartal. Andreeva and Svitolina will play their first-ever match in opposition to one another within the quarterfinal Thursday.
