As the round of 16 is underway at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells and every day more players are packing up to try their luck in Miami, the California desert holds a special place in their calendars and hearts. The crowds have made players from all over the world feel welcome and like they have a home crowd cheering them on, regardless of global politics.
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, a finalist here in 2023, remarked, “If you’re talking about atmosphere, I definitely feel like home here.