Tennis star Bautista Agut dribbling soccer ball

Check out this fantastic video of Bautista Agut dribbling a soccer ball and pulling off a nice trick on cue. 

BA played soccer at a high level as a child. He did not fully commit to tennis until the age of 14. Very late by today's standards.

Although many pro tennis players did play soccer growing up, most of them made tennis their main sport at age 10 or even earlier. Very rare a person can become a top tennis pro starting later in life. 

Bautista Agut is obviously incredibly talented. 

NOVAK DJOKOVIC LOOKS TO MAKE A PUSH AT BNP PARIBAS OPEN

Djokovic to make a strong push at BNP PARIBAS OPEN

By: Jawad Bisharat

Novak Djokovic looks to make a strong push at BNP Paribas Open.

Recently working with coach Radek Stepanek and Andre Agassi, the pressure is on for Novak to have a good performance at this weeks BNP Paribas Open.

The draw is missing one very notable name in Rafael Nadal. Nadal is out with a hip injury and his return to the tour is still unknown.

Novak himself is returning from an elbow injury that sidelined him for the last 5 months of 2017. His return at the Australian Open was uneventful, losing in the round of 16 to up and comer Chung Hyeon of south Korea.

In watching Novak on the practice court today, his strokes looked like the Novak we all know and love, however he didn't seem well. Consistently blowing his nose and asking for a towel, Novak looked as if he was fighting off a cold. Lets hope it is nothing too serious and he is able to give his best effort this week.

Federer comes off his defense of his Australian Open title and is the favorite to take the BNP Paribas Open although there are several players who have a legitimate shot at stopping Federer's run. Stay tuned for exclusive pic, videos and behind the scenes look at the BNP Paribas Open.

World No. 1 Serena Williams has withdrawn from the 2017 BNP Paribas Open

World No. 1 Serena Williams has withdrawn from the 2017 BNP Paribas Open due to a left knee injury. Below is a quote from Serena:
Kerber to regain #1 ranking.

"Sadly, I have to withdraw from the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells and the Miami Open. I have not been able to train due to my knees and am disappointed I cannot be there. I will keep moving forward and continue to be positive. I look forward to being back as soon as I can."

Appears Serena will be withdrawing from not only the BNP Paribis Open but the Miami as well. 

This will allow Kerber to regain # 1 WTA ranking. 

A revised WTA draw will be updated shortly

JACK SOCK'S FIRST MEETING AGAINST ROGER FEDERER

Young American faces the mighty Roger Federer for first time. 

By Jawad Bisharat

Jack Sock is having a great BNP Paribas Open coming off an impressive 3 set win over #16 in the world Bautista Agut. Jack is playing some of the best tennis of his career but does he have a chance today against the mighty Roger Federer?

I say he has a better chance than most think. Wait, I didn't say he would win, I said he has a better chance than most may believe.

Lets break down the match-up. 

Jack Sock was shown to generate more spin or revolutions per minute on the ball then Rafael Nadal (forehands). Over 3100 RPM compared to Nadal's approx. 3000 RPM. This is incredibly difficult to accomplish, as you can imagine, and Sock needs to implore this pace onto Federer today in a big way.

What has Nadal done to Federer over the past 10 years to consistently beat him? Yes, hit high to the backhand and take control of the rallies. Roger's best results against Nadal have always been on a fast court or indoors, where the ball doesn't kick as much. Indian Wells has slow, gritty courts which works in  Sock's favor. Although, the high temperature and low humidity does speed things up a bit.

Jack will attempt to use Nadal like tactics against Feder today except for one little difference. Jack is right handed, so it will be much more difficult for him to consistently find the Federer's backhand. Jack needs avoid getting sucked into forehand to forehand rallies, which he will lose the majority of the time. He must find a way to frustrate Federer by not only playing to his backhand but use his power and pace to take the match the Federer.

Here is my struggle however, Jack plays a little like Andy Roddick. We all know the results Andy had against Federer. As Andy put it one time "How can you call it a rivalry if the same person always wins??"

Federer drove Roddick crazy by slicing short in the service box to his backhand. This forced Andy approach with a backhand and come to net where Roddick was most uncomfortable and vulnerable.

Look for Federer to use the same tactics today against Jack Sock as he did Roddick. Both player who have similiar styles and would prefer to stay on the baseline.

Final word. If Jack is to have a chance today then the serve will have to be near perfect. Serve over 70% first serve and he may find himself with winning opportunities.

BNP Paribas Open day 4

Day 4 at BNP Paribas Open has the top players out in the sun

Exclusive picture by Jawad Bisharat 

Serena ends boycott of Indian Wells Tournament

Serena Williams ends boycott of BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells.

By Jawad Bisharat

I guess time can heal old wounds. After over 14 years Serena Williams will once again play at the BNP Paribas Open, formally Pacific Life Open at Indian Wells, Ca.. Serena has boycotted the tournament since 2001 after she was booed during her championship match against Kim Clisters. However, this was in response to Serena's sister Venus having pulled out of their head to head semifinal match just 4 minutes before the start. Did they not think this would anger the fans?? 

Richard Williams wanted to play the race card but every tennis fan knew the truth. Venus pulling out of the semi-final match against her sister Serena was orchestrated and deliberate. The fans had a right to be upset and they would have booed whether Serena was Black, white, Asian, yellow or green. This had nothing to do with race. Unfortunately, these events led to the tournament losing the Williams sisters and the Williams sisters losing the BNP Paribas Open for 14 years. The BNP Paribas Open has grown to be the 5th largest tennis tournament in the world behind only the 4 majors. 

I am happy to see Serena back, at only 21 when this occured, I'm sure most of the decisions made in regards to her tennis were made by her father. I am sure the boos left an emotional scar but now at 33 she can make her own decisions. If she believed that race was the true culprit in 2001 she would not have decided to return. She credits recently reading Nelson Mandela's book that spoke about forgiveness for her change of heart.

Courtesy of Wikipedia

During the 2001 Tennis Masters Series tournament in Indian Wells, California, controversy erupted when Venus Williams withdrew four minutes prior to her semifinal match with her sister Serena. Serena was subsequently booed during the championship match against Kim Clijsters and during the trophy presentation. Neither Williams sister has played this tournament since, in what has been described as the most famous boycott in modern tennis.

The following day, Serena played Kim Clijsters in the final. Venus and her father, (and coach to her and Serena) Richard Williams were booed as they made their way to their seats.^[1] Serena was booed intermittently during the final, in which she defeated Clijsters, 4–6, 6–4, 6–2.

Richard accused the crowds at Indian Wells of overt racism, saying, "The white people at Indian Wells, what they've been wanting to say all along to us finally came out: 'Nigger, stay away from here, we don't want you here.' " However, no other reports of verbal racism were reported to tournament officials, although Venus has stated without elaboration, "I heard what he heard."^[1][4] Oracene Price (mother and coach of Venus and Serena) accused the crowd of "taking off their hoods."^[5]

Effects and criticism

Since the initial controversy, neither Williams sister has played the tournament in Indian Wells. The Women's Tennis Association currently classifies the Indian Wells tournament as a Premier Mandatory event for all eligible players.^[1] Exceptions are made when players engage in tournament promotions, but Venus and Serena have both declined to promote the tournament; WTA Tour CEO Larry Scott agreed he would not, promotionally, "put them in a position that is going to be awkward," and tournament director Charlie Pasarell has stated he would accept the WTA tour's ruling.

Allegations had been made before Venus's withdrawal that Richard Williams decided who won the matches between his daughters. Those allegations continued and increased as a result of her withdrawal.

Richard has said that racial epithets were used against him and Venus as they sat in the stands during the final, but no official complaints were recorded by the tournament. Venus and Serena have been criticized for refusing to discuss the controversy, as some believe that their silence perpetuates racism.

Serena discusses what happened in her view at Indian Wells in detail in an entire chapter titled "The Fiery Darts of Indian Wells" in her 2009 autobiography, On the Line. She says that on the morning of the semifinal, Venus told the tour trainer that she had injured her knee and didn't think she could play and tried for hours to get approval from the trainer to withdraw, but the tournament officials kept stalling.

"What got me most of all was that it wasn't just a scattered bunch of boos. It wasn't coming from just one section. It was like the whole crowd got together and decided to boo all at once. The ugliness was just raining down on me, hard. I didn't know what to do. Nothing like this had ever happened to me. What was most surprising about this uproar was the fact that tennis fans are typically a well-mannered bunch. They're respectful. They sit still. And in Palm Springs, especially, they tended to be pretty well-heeled, too. But I looked up and all I could see was a sea of rich people—mostly older, mostly white—standing and booing lustily, like some kind of genteel lynch mob. I don't mean to use such inflammatory language to describe the scene, but that's really how it seemed from where I was down on the court. Like these people were gonna come looking for me after the match. ... There was no mistaking that all of this was meant for me. I heard the word nigger a couple times, and I knew. I couldn't believe it. That's just not something you hear in polite society on that stadium court. ... Just before the start of play, my dad and Venus started walking down the aisle to the players' box by the side of the court, and everybody turned and started to point and boo at them. ... It was mostly just a chorus of boos, but I could still hear shouts of 'Nigger!' here and there. I even heard one angry voice telling us to go back to Compton. It was unbelievable. ... We refused to return to Indian Wells. Even now, all these years later, we continue to boycott the event. It's become a mandatory tournament on the tour, meaning that the WTA can fine a player if she doesn't attend. But I don't care if they fine me a million dollars, I will not play there again."

BNP Paribas Open day 6 results

BNP Paribas Open Results

A couple surprise results with Verdasco only winning 1 game against Nieminen and Tipsarevic winning only 2 games against qualifier Ernest Gulbis.
Ryan Harrison was able to fight back from a break down in the first set to force a tiebreaker but losing 7-3. Nadal took control of the 2nd set early and closed the math 6-2.
It was a nice win for Nadal but the rust was apparent. On more then one occasion he point forehands in the bottom of the net and made some uncharacteristic errors in his victory over Harrison. Nadal will have to sharpen his game if he hopes to be competitive against the top 4.

RESULTS - MARCH 09, 2013
Men's
Singles - Second Round
[2] R Federer (SUI) d D Istomin (UZB) 62 63
K Anderson (RSA) d [4] D Ferrer (ESP) 36 64 63
[5] R Nadal (ESP) d R Harrison (USA) 76(3) 62
[6] T Berdych (CZE) d [Q] M Zverev (GER) 62 64
[Q] E Gulbis (LAT) d [9] J Tipsarevic (SRB) 62 60
[10] R Gasquet (FRA) d B Tomic (AUS) 76(1) 62
[13] G Simon (FRA) d P Lorenzi (ITA) 63 36 75
L Hewitt (AUS) d [15] J Isner (USA) 67(6) 63 64
[18] S Wawrinka (SUI) d [Q] W Odesnik (USA) 36 62 61
[20] A Seppi (ITA) d [Q] D Brands (GER) 75 64
B Paire (FRA) d [21] P Kohlschreiber (GER) 64 62
[24] J Janowicz (POL) d D Nalbandian (ARG) 76(4) 46 63
[27] F Mayer (GER) d D Goffin (BEL) 64 62
I Dodig (CRO) d [28] J Benneteau (FRA) 64 62
J Nieminen (FIN) d [29] F Verdasco (ESP) 61 60
L Mayer (ARG) d [30] M Youzhny (RUS) 62 63

Men's
Doubles - First Round
[2] M Granollers (ESP) / M Lopez (ESP) d N Almagro (ESP) / P Petzschner (GER) 62 62
F Lopez (ESP) / M Raonic (CAN) d [3] M Bhupathi (IND) / D Nestor (CAN) 64 76(4)
[WC] A Murray (GBR) / J Murray (GBR) d [5] R Lindstedt (SWE) / N Zimonjic (SRB) 64 46 10-4
S Gonzalez (MEX) / S Lipsky (USA) d [Alt] F Fognini (ITA) / V Troicki (SRB) 64 64
[WC] J Blake (USA) / M Fish (USA) d D Marrero (ESP) / F Verdasco (ESP) 64 64
C Fleming (GBR) / P Hanley (AUS) d T Haas (GER) / X Malisse (BEL) 64 76(4)

Women's
Singles - Second Round
[1] V Azarenka (BLR) d D Hantuchova (SVK) 64 61
[4] A Kerber (GER) d I Begu (ROU) 63 62
[7] S Stosur (AUS) d [WC] M Keys (USA) 63 64
[8] C Wozniacki (DEN) d A Cornet (FRA) 64 36 63
[10] N Petrova (RUS) d [LL] S Voegele (SUI) 62 63
[11] A Ivanovic (SRB) d [WC] T Townsend (USA) 61 62
U Radwanska (POL) d [15] S Stephens (USA) 63 64
M Rybarikova (SVK) d [16] L Safarova (CZE) 62 46 62
[Q] G Muguruza (ESP) d [17] E Makarova (RUS) 63 16 64
J Hampton (USA) d [20] S Hsieh (TPE) 63 63
[21] J Goerges (GER) d S Arvidsson (SWE) 63 63
[24] M Barthel (GER) d K Bertens (NED) 61 64
[28] K Flipkens (BEL) d M Niculescu (ROU) 46 64 63
[29] E Vesnina (RUS) d [WC] K Date-Krumm (JPN) 36 75 61
[30] Y Wickmayer (BEL) d [Q] M Lucic-Baroni (CRO) 36 63 62
[32] S Peng (CHN) d A Dulgheru (ROU) 60 46 63

Women's
Doubles - Second Round
S Hsieh (TPE) / S Peng (CHN) d [1] S Errani (ITA) / R Vinci (ITA) 62 63
V Dushevina (RUS) / A Panova (RUS) d [2] A Hlavackova (CZE) / L Hradecka (CZE) 64 76(4)

Catch all the action by visiting our live scoring page above. 

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I'm off to the BNP Paribas Open

The 5th Slam, BNP Paribas Open By Jawad Bisharat

My favorite tournament of the year, the BNP Paribas open, aka the 5th slam. This tournament has all the makings of a Grand Slam. It hosts both the ATP and WTA attracting every top player in the world. A two week event with the highest attendance level other then the 4 majors.

The BNP Paribas Open, formally the Pacific Life Open, was the first and only tournament in the world to include shot spot on every court. With the backing of tech Mogul Larry Ellison this event will only be getting better.

If you plan to attend this year you will be rewarded with intimate practice courts used by all the players, including Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and more. Walk up and watch you favorite player up close and personal playing a practice set or just having a hit.

There is a large screen display of the stadium court matches. You can relax in the beer garden without missing any of the action. Oh, did I mention the weather...80 degrees and sunny suit your taste?

Indian Wells is just 20 miles east of Palm Springs, Ca. It has beautiful resorts and hotels within the city and the surrounding area. My favorite, the La Quinta Resort and Spa, is where many of the pros stay during the 2 weeks.

If you're a tennis fan then this event has to be on your go to list.
For more information visit www.bnpparibasopen.com

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BNP Paribas Open announces wildcards

From BNP Paribas Open 

FORMER TOP-FIVE PLAYERS, AMERICANS AND INTERNATIONAL STARS

GRANTED WILDCARDS INTO BNP PARIBAS OPEN MAIN DRAWS

Qualifying Wildcards Given To Seven Americans,

German Andrea Petkovic, and Croatian Ajla Tomljanovic

INDIAN WELLS, Calif., Feb. 27, 2012 – Former top-five players David Nalbandian, Tommy Robredo, James Blake and Kimiko Date-Krumm; Americans Tim Smyczek, Steve Johnson, Madison Keys, Bethanie Mattek-Sands, Maria Sanchez, Melanie Oudin and Taylor Townsend; and Shahar Peer and Kristina Mladenovic were granted wildcards into the main draws of the BNP Paribas Open, to be held March 4 - 17 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, it was announced today by Steve Simon, tournament director.

David Nalbandian has won 11 ATP World Tour titles since turning professional in 2000 and reached the 2002 Wimbledon finals in his first appearance at the event. The Argentine and former World No. 3 will be making his tenth appearance at the BNP Paribas Open. Last year in Indian Wells, Nalbandian equaled his best result, reaching the quarterfinals for the second time in his career.

Former World No. 5 Tommy Robredo is continuing his comeback to the ATP World Tour after an injury derailed much of his 2012 season. The Spaniard has won 10 career titles and has reached five Grand Slam quarterfinals. American James Blake, former World No. 4, also has 10 career titles and defeated then-World No. 2 Rafael Nadal to reach the 2006 BNP Paribas Open finals. Kimiko Date-Krumm turned pro in 1989 and is currently the oldest player in the top 100 at 43 years old. The former World No. 4 has eight career singles titles and four doubles titles, including one in 2013 at Pattaya City.

In addition to Blake, seven other Americans have been granted wildcards into the main draws including two-time NCAA Champion from USC Steve Johnson, who reached the third round of the 2012 US Open; Milwaukee native Tim Smyczek, who is at a career-high ranking just outside the top 100 and pushed World No. 4 David Ferrer to four sets at the 2013 Australian Open; 19-year-old breakout star Madison Keys, who has already defeated five top-50 players in 2013 and cracked the top 80 earlier this month; WTA veteran Bethanie Mattek-Sands, who won the 2012 Australian Open Mixed Doubles title; another USC standout – Maria Sanchez, who is at a career-high ranking after jumping 560 ranking places in 2012 – more than any other player in the WTA; Georgia native Melanie Oudin captured her first WTA title last year in Birmingham (UK); and 17-year-old Taylor Townsend, who turned professional in 2012 after reaching the top of the junior rankings earlier that year.

Two other international players receiving main draw wildcards are Israeli Shahar Peer, who was a BNP Paribas Open quarterfinalist in 2007 and 2011 and reached a career-high ranking of No. 11 and French teenager Kristina Mladenovic, who is at a career-high ranking after defeating three top-25 players to reach the Paris semifinals earlier this year.

“This year’s main draw wildcards span from seasoned veterans, to rising American and international stars to those returning from injury,” said Simon. “Awarding wildcards to players like David Nalbandian, James Blake, Madison Keys and Taylor Townsend add to the allure of early-round matches for fans and provide the potential for these deserving athletes to break through and make a move up their respective Tour’s rankings.

Qualifying wildcards were given to Americans Christian Harrison, Jack Sock, Rhyne Williams, Dennis Novikov, Grace Min, Jessica Pegula and Irina Falconi, German Andrea Petkovic and Croatian Ajla Tomljanovic.

Was Mardy Fish right to complain?

Mardy Fish down a set and break point at 4-4 in the 2nd hits a fantastic short cross court volley. As his opponent sprinted to the ball, and just before contact, Mardy yells "come on!" assuming he won the point. Ebden, his opponent immediately looks to the umpire to replay the point. The umpire agrees with Ebden and calls for a replay of the point due to obstruction. Mardy approaches the umpire to argue that his "come on" did not effect the outcome of the point. As always the umpire does not change his mind and tells Mardy that the rules state you can not yell out prior to the point being completed.

As we all remember this is very similar to Serena Williams last year at the US Open.

I watched the point 3 times and every time I feel Mardy called out too early. Ebden had a play on the ball and whether he would have made it or not is irrelevant. The rules are the rules. I have to agree with the umpire on this one.

I'm sure Mardy is more mad at himself today. He should know better then to yell out before the point is over.

What do you think? Was Mardy right wanting the point awarded to him or was the umpire correct?

***FORWARD TO A MINUTE 1:25 IN THE VIDEO***

First Saturday at BNP Paribas

First Saturday at the BNP Paribas Open is a good one with Roddick, Berdich, Djokovic and Murray all in action.
Roddick just sqeeked out his match against Kubot who served for the match in the 2nd set.
Berdich lost the first set and now up 4-2 in the 3rd.

Ginepri on his comeback up a break against Wawrinka but this is going to be a tough match for Robby to win. 

Novak set to come onto court now to face Golubev. Other notable players currently in action Sam Querry vs Almagro just getting under way.

Little lesson below. Look how low Berdich gets on his volley. Bending from the knees not the waist.
Also on his forehand. Notice his left hand tucked close to his body. This shuts down the body and allows the racket to swing freely around without pulling off your shot.

Great week at BNP Paribas Open

Great first week of quailifing at the BNP Paribas Open.
The BNP Paribas Plays host to the worlds best tennis players for an ATP WTA combined event. Watch Nadal, Federer, Sharapova and more courtside during thewir practice sessions.

The weather here can be any better. It is mid 70's and not a cloud in the sky. The players are all over the grounds from the practice courts, lunch room as well as walking through the square.

This is my favorite tournament of the year because of how much the fans feel they are apart of the tournament and can get up close to their favorite players.

Here are a few pics from today. Get exclusive pictures and video from www.firstserveace.com
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Rafa and Fed having harder time then expected

Last night I thought we were going to get about 2 hours of tennis. Rafa would wipe Devvarman off the court in 45 minutes and Fed would punish the young American Ryan Harrison in about an hour or so. I couldn't have been more wrong.
Devarrman proved he was worthy of center court and fighting Nadal in every point. His spirited effort really earned the respect of the crowd as well as his opponent. However at the end Nadal's relentless vigor was too much for Devvarman losing 7-5 6-4.
Although Devvarman lost the match I could see his sense of belief. He knew he belonged. I think we will see him in the top 30 very soon and he will gain the support of the entire nation of India. \

Now lets talk Federer. How does an 18 year old wild card push Federer to 2 tough sets? Is the killer instinct gone? Harrison serving first dumps 2 double faults back to back and drops serve in the first game in 1 minute. I thought OK, deer in head lights, this match should be over in 45 minutes. But from that point forward Harrison, as did Devvarman, played fantastic tennis. He was aggressive and not intimidated by playing arguably the best tennis player ever to hold a racket. He served and volleyed, he took full cuts at Federer's second serve which came quit often. There was a moment where Fed seemed surprised and frazzled by the play of Harrison. We all knew Federer would ultimately win the match as a fan it made me wonder about his recent inability to put his opponents away. I know Im saying this after he beat Chela 6-2 6-0 but look at his other results and he seems to let players hang around in a set just long enough to give them a chance.

I am looking forward to seeing Djokovic, Rafa and Federer in the final couple rounds of the BNP Paribas Open. The results in the next few days will send a message to rest of the field on who really is the player to beat...it could be Del Potro!

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