BNP Paribas Open CEO Raymond Moore for the first time "openly addressed the possibility of adding another stadium" at Indian Wells Tennis Garden, "which could open as early as next year," according to Andrew John of the Palm Springs DESERT SUN. Moore said that organizers for the ATP/WTA event "are hoping to add a smaller stadium with seating for roughly 4,500 to 5,000 that would also include a tennis museum that would be open to the public about 10 months a year." The project is "awaiting final approval" from tournament/facility Owner Larry Ellison. The museum "would be different" from the Tennis HOF in Newport, R.I., "instead focusing more on the history of the tournament and winners in Indian Wells." The museum also would include "interactive video in a modern design that would include digital displays, though further details about an actual theater are still in the discussion phase." With the proposed stadium "being smaller and not containing any fine dining restaurants, it is believed that the build would be much quicker than Stadium 2, which took just over 10 months." But adding a museum "would potentially prevent the project from being completed before next year's tournament." Moore said that the event "has already looked at designs" and has "already applied for permits and approvals." A themed stadium would make Indian Wells "more usable year-round." Wimbledon and Roland Garros have on-site museums, but "not incorporated into a stadium" (Palm Springs DESERT SUN, 3/23).
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Williams withdrew from her semifinal match at the
BNP Paribas Open due to a right knee injury |
CHEERS OVER JEERS: John noted Serena Williams, who had "made a triumphant return to the event" this year for the first time since '01, on Friday was "faced with announcing to a near-capacity crowd that this time she would be the one withdrawing from a semifinal match due to a right knee injury." Stadium announcer Andrew Krasny, without announcing her withdrawal, "began talking about an injury Williams suffered, seemingly softening the blow." Many "had already heard the news break via social media and were heading for the exits." Some boos "were heard in the distance." Williams: "I can only promise to come back next year and play right here on this court in front of you guys." John noted those words "were met mostly by a round of cheers, though some boos were still heard from the upper deck." Tournament officials said that they "don't anticipate issuing any refunds since those with tickets were able to catch" the Jelena Jankovic-Sabine Lisicki match. Williams added, "I think both myself and the crowd have a great appreciation for each other, and I have really enjoyed my four matches here. I have enjoyed them here and I feel they have enjoyed it, too. It's been a wonderful time for both entities" (
Palm Springs DESERT SUN, 3/21). In N.Y., Ben Rothenberg noted Williams "had been dealing with knee pain leading up to the tournament, but she aggravated the injury after a serve during practice on Thursday." Tournament Dir Steve Simon: "Serena really wanted to address the fans. She didn’t want to be going out the back door. She wanted to address them, and we agreed with that. I think it was the right thing to do" (
N.Y. TIMES, 3/22).
