Game, Set, Shad: Best part about 2022 BNP Paribas Open? The return of children in the crowd
A lot of people have been asking me what's different about this year's event compared to the October version, other than the obvious notion that there are more people.
The main thing that made October feel empty to me, even though I didn't realize it at the time, was the lack of kids. As you may remember, children under 13 weren't allowed on site in 2021 due to the vaccination mandate. The mandate is still in place but children five and up can now be vaccinated.
That means my favorite visual has returned. I love seeing the grassy area where the players exercise lined with young tennis fans with their oversized tennis balls waiting for autographs. To see their faces light up as someone walks over, even if they might not know who it is.
I've often thought it would be funny to dress up like the lame stereotype of a men's tennis player with sleek sunglasses and a headband and carrying a big old bag with like six rackets in it over my shoulder just to see if anyone would ask for my autograph.
Being tall and bearded, I have the countenance of someone that looks like he could be a European tennis player, as long as no one looks at my gut or gray hair or muscle tone or ... you know what this is getting depressing.
Anyway, here's a secret for you. When you walk past smiling children every day on your way to work, it perks up your own mood. I didn't realize I was missing that in October.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Best part about 2022 BNP Paribas Open? The return of children in the crowd
