Fans Get Their Serve On At BNP Paribas Open

Some of the most popular things to do for fans at the BNP Paribas Open are away from the courts. 

For those that couldn’t decide which match on the eight courts had the most appeal, large video screens showing three simultaneous matches made it easier for fans to follow their favorites.    

Attendees flocked to the Fly Emirates Fastest Serve area. Fans were sending up their fastest serves, monitored by a radar speed detector.

The serves ranged from youngsters struggling to hit serves in the 40 mph range, and seasoned players rifling shots at over 120 miles per hour. The top pros usually serve in the 110 mph range.

People lined up to test their serves, and Dan Howell of Lost Hills was one of them.  Most were simply curious about their speed, some were there on a dare. Howell had a different motive.  

“My buddy and I had a bet,'' he said. "I said I could get up to 95 [miles per hour]. I came up about five miles an hour short, so I’m out 10 bucks."  

Another popular pastime anywhere is shopping. And it’s no different at the BNP Paribas Open, where small booths selling sunglasses and offering tennis tours around the world line up next to mega-tents featuring clothing for all ages.   

The Tennis Warehouse pavilion, along with a large assortment of tennis wear, also offers the opportunity to test racquets on a full-sized court next door. They also have been hosting the popular autograph sessions with some of the players.