By Chris Oddo | Thursday, March 12, 2014
The #TwitterMirror has been bringing smiles to many a face at the BNP Paribas Open. Read on to find out more about the latest innovation at Indian Wells.
Photo Source: BNP Paribas Open Twitter Mirror
The BNP Paribas Open has is the unquestioned leader when it comes to pioneering spirit among tennis tournaments. It is the first to employ Hawk-Eye on all courts, the first to put player's practice schedules on its official app and the first to stuff a Nobu inside a showcourt.
Now, they've got a Twitter Mirror, too.
If you've seen those ubiquitious close-ups of your favorite tennis stars, ballkids and sun-baked fans since the tournament began, you know what I'm talking about. In conjunction with Twitter and the city of Indian Wells, the BNP Paribas Open is taking a page from the Oscars/ Grammys playbook by employing the device to facilitate a fun and interactive user experience for its fans on site and on social media.
The tournament isn't the first to use such a device--it has been used at the French Open, Wimbledon and by the WTA before--but they are the first to get the players to use it when the come off the court (see more of those funtastic photos after the jump).
I corresponded with Matt Van Tuinen the media relations director of the BNP Paribas Open to find out a little more about the #TwitterMirror:
He told me that there was a custom-built stand that houses an ipad, and when the player or fan wants to use the app, it fires up and turns into a mirror, so they can see themselves when the picture is taken.
The unitiated are curiously hesitant at first, but after they realize what it is they jump right in. “[Simona] Halep and [Casey] Dellacqua saw Milos Raonic use the Twitter Mirror right after his match, while they were waiting to go on court,” I was told. “They asked to use it, with Dellacqua photobombing Halep. It just shows how much players are enjoying engaging with the concept.”
Here are our top 5 #TwitterMirror photos so far:
>>>For the Full Collection, Visit the BNP Paribas Facebook Page
1. Just like the volley, Li Na was quick to figure out how to use the mirror effectively.
2. The kids, they always know what to do with technology, don't they?
3. Roger That!
4. The mirror made Caroline Wozniacki look like she was 14...
5. We hope he still has that ball, and that smile, when he is 80!