By Adrianna Outlaw | Thursday, March 12, 2015
Ana Ivanovic, Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova, Roger Federer and Caroline Wozniacki meet the media at Indian Wells.
Photo credit: @MariaSharapova
The stadium roof was an appropriate meeting spot for five former Indian Wells champions who've risen to the top of the sport.
Five former world No. 1 players — Ana Ivanovic, Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova, Roger Federer and Caroline Wozniacki — convened for a group photo during media day at the BNP Paribas Open.
Photo Gallery: Dressing Down At Indian Wells
Afterward, Roger and Rafa shared a spot overlooking the scenic tournament grounds while conducting separate interviews.
Photo credit: Christopher Levy (@tennis_shots)
After practice, Ana Ivanovic faced a barrage of big yellow souvenir balls. The 20008 Indian Wells champion accomodated fans signing autographs and posing for pictures.
Photo Credit: Christopher Levy (@tennis_shots)
A three-time BNP Paribas Open singles champion and two-time tournament doubles champion Rafael Nadal will face either Igor Sijsling or qualifier Filip Krajinovic in his opener.
Photo Credit: Christopher Levy (@tennis_shots)
World No. 3 Simona Halep got her kicks playing some pre-practice soccer before working on her groundstrokes. See Simona sporting the "Halepeno" t-shirt in honor of her nickname bestowed by ESPN tennis analyst and former coach Brad Gilbert.
German Fed Cup teammates Sabine Lisicki and Andrea Petkovic joined forces for the first time as doubles partners, prevailing 6-1, 6-7 (4), 10-5 over Jelena Jankovic and Hao Ching-Chan in the first round.
Photo Credit: Christopher Levy (@tennis_shots)
Puerto Rico's Monica Puig defeated American wild card Nicole Gibbs, 6-3, 7-5, in the first round. The world No. 49 will play No. 12 seed Carla Suarez Navarro in the second round.
Caroline Wozniacki said world No. 1 Serena Williams' return to the desert is a major step forward for the tournament and the game.
"It's great for tennis, it's great for her," Wozniacki said in her pre-tournament interview. "It's great for a tournament like this to have the best player in the world playing. It's a big step for her and I'm sure she is going to handle it great. I am happy to see her back here."
Photo Credit: Christopher Levy (@tennis_shots)
Italian Fabio Fognini has had his share of memorable moments in the desert. The theatrical Italin scrutinizes this fan's cell phone camera before a selfie.
The No. 19 seed has a first-round bye and will meet either France's Adrian Mannarino or qualifier Mischa Zverev in the second round.
Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka have played doubles together at the BNP Paribas Open in the past. This year, Federer is partnering compatriot Michael Lammer in doubles. Roger and Stan took a stroll through the outdoor player dining area.
Before the tournament began, two-time former Indian Wells champ Daniela Hantuchova put on her happy face.
Then Daniela put on her visor for a photo with pop star Justin Bieber as the pair participated in the 11th annual Desert Smash pro-am celebrity charity tennis event.