#indian-wells

#indian-wells

"It was a dream that I never knew was a possibility," F10 founder Tara Lazar told SFGATE. "I love these institutions, these watering holes of the desert. The Tack Room truly has so much goodwill and a great reputation."

Set in the scenic California desert in Indian Wells, with top-notch facilities, the tournament has been voted the tennis players' favorite of the year. It is often referred to as the "fifth slam" for being the biggest tournament outside the four majors. The intimate, more laid-back experience is unique, with fans able to get within shouting distance of Naomi Osaka or Aryna Sabalenka as they practice or stretch out on the idyllic grass lawn.

Palm Springs' economy hinges on the volatility of seasonal tourism, which explains why so few new restaurants open there, and why some promising upstarts can quickly disappear. But new is fun, especially for Angelenos who travel frequently to the desert.

Long lines had already formed outside of Stadium 3 six hours before the start of Alexandra Eala's second-round match against Dayana Yastremska at the BNP Paribas Open on Friday. Holding Filipino flags and wearing shirts that read "Alexandra Eala fan club," hundreds of enthusiastic fans looked desperate to make their way inside to get a glimpse of the 20-year-old sensation.