Hello, tennis world!
Just a quick postcard from the California desert, where we’ve been attending this event for 49 years. This year might take the prize for the coldest tournament yet—temperatures barely touched 80°F, if at all. The wind? Let’s just say we had wind, windy, and windier. It was so strong at times that it blew equipment around the court. And yes, there was even some rain.
It wasn’t quite like the infamous year at La Quinta, when rain forced the tournament to end at the semifinals—even after an attempted Monday final. True story. If memory serves, local pro Larry Stefanki was one of the last four standing.
Then there was the year our 10sBalls players’ patch melted right off a shirt—the glue backing dripped down and stuck to the skin. Also true. Some memories just never fade.
A Thank You to the Pillars of Indian Wells
This tournament wouldn’t be what it is today without a few key people. First, a huge thank you to Charlie Pasarell, a man of great courage and vision, along with his partner Raymond Moore. And let’s not forget Peggy Michel, who saved the event more than once with her boundless passion. We also want to acknowledge the fabulous, iconic, and amazing Julie Copeland.
Then there are the thousands of volunteers who have given their time year after year. Some names come to mind—Mary Caprilian, who worked the press room back in the La Quinta days, and dedicated volunteers like Walter, Dorothy, Gudrun, and Adele, who put in countless hours for the desert charities.
Remembering Bob Larson
We missed our old buddy Bob Larson this year. He wouldn’t have been in his usual lunchroom seat (now reserved for international media), but he would’ve had a prime spot somewhere. Bob gave so much to tennis—blood, sweat, and tears. He was president of his USTA section in Minnesota, owned a World TeamTennis franchise, and published three, four, sometimes five newsletters a day. Back in the day, we received them by fax.
When we launched 10sBalls, Bob welcomed us and helped us grow, even connecting us with Ricky Dimon, who remains part of our team. Bob had a way of distilling wisdom into simple phrases. “Let your wishes be known”—a mantra we’ve put to good use. And his belief that “sometimes a chat is better than a paper trail”? We’ve lived by that, too.
Looking Ahead to 50 Years
A big thanks to Larry Ellison and Tommy Haas for carrying the torch and keeping the tournament strong in the Coachella Valley. Next year—2026—marks 50 years of this event.
But let’s set the record straight: Indian Wells was never really a “Fifth Slam.” That was always more of a wish, hope, or dream. It was part of the friendly competition between Charlie and Butch (Miami)—who could pull it off? The answer: neither. Indian Wells has the land, but to be a true Slam, the site would need a complete redesign. Courts 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8? Not ideal. And they’ve already shrunk the big lawn to make room for a gym that’s too small anyway.
Still, regardless of labels, this tournament remains one of the sport’s greatest spectacles. We’ll be back next year to celebrate its golden anniversary.
See you in the desert!
Editor’s Note & Thank You to Fred Sidhu!
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Fred Sidhu for his invaluable contributions, and for his quote below. Fred is not only a great friend of tennis, but also an exceptional writer, editor, and media director. His expertise and passion for the sport have been a tremendous asset to the tennis community. It’s rare to find someone who embodies such dedication and knowledge, and we are lucky to have him as a colleague and friend. In fact, the legendary Bud Collins once called Fred a “walking encyclopedia on Southern California tennis,” and that title couldn’t be more fitting. Big thank you, Fred — for everything you do!
“Larry Stefanki won the 1985 tournament in La Quinta as a wild card.
The tournament was washed out in 1980 at Mission Hills in Rancho Mirage when rain cancelled play after the quarterfinals.
The semifinals, which featured Conners vs. Teacher and Fleming vs. Mayer was never played. “