It’s become an annual tradition at the BNP Paribas Open to introduce the #NextGenATP to fans in the Coachella Valley. But this year, the showcase didn’t end with the on-stage Q&A. The #NextGenATP players also made strong statements on court, with the teens in particularly impressive form.
Seventeen-year-old Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime won two rounds of qualifying to become the first player born in the 21st century to secure a place in the main draw of an ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournament. He then proceeded to close out a straight-sets win over his mentor, fellow Canadian Vasek Pospisil, before a near-capacity crowd in the 8,000-seat Stadium 2.
Over on Stadium 4 earlier that day, 19-year-old Australian Alex de Minaur – who is coached by two-time Indian Wells champion Lleyton Hewitt – stormed back to defeat German Jan-Lennard Struff 3-6, 7-6(3), 7-6(5) after two hours and 34 minutes. In total, the #NextGenATP teens went 4-0 in first-round action, including wins for 18-year-old Canadian Denis Shapovalov and 19-year-old Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas.
In this #NextGenATP edition of My Masters 1000, the fast-rising 21-and-under stars talk about their Indian Wells memories and what makes playing on the big stage special.
What do you like about the BNP Paribas Open?
Taylor Fritz: This tournament’s really special because it’s close to home. I came here all the time growing up, as a spectator. I was trying to get autographs. It’s pretty crazy to think now I’m playing in the tournament. It’s just a lot of good memories here, and close to home, family is coming out, and I’m just really excited to play.
Reilly Opelka: It’s cool. This is like everyone’s favourite event – like the player favourite, and I assume fan favourite as well. How can you not love it? Even today the weather’s perfect, the mountains. Even practising is great.
Andrey Rublev: I like this tournament so much. To be honest, this is my favourite trip of the year – Indian Wells, Miami – and I’m really happy to come back here, I’m happy to be here and I’m really enjoying so much every day here.
Stefanos Tsitsipas: I really enjoy [the soccer field], spending time here making fitness sessions with my fitness coach.
What memories do you have of this tournament?
Alex de Minaur: I watched Lleyton playing, and that brought a lot of memories. He’s told me all about it… The [moment] that always comes to mind is when he had that 45-shot rally with [Roger] Federer, and ended up winning it with a diving volley. That was pretty special. That always seems to come up on my Facebook feed, so I get to watch it over and over again, but it’s still amazing.
Taylor Fritz: Last year, it was kind of like a breakthrough year for me here at this tournament. I won my first round and I beat [Marin] Cilic, so I’m looking to do the same thing this year. I’m looking to have a good tournament.
Reilly Opelka: It would have to be [Rafael] Nadal the year he won doubles. I remember he lost early in singles, and I was bummed he lost because obviously you want to see a guy like that in the final. I didn’t even pay attention or realise he was much of a doubles player, I didn’t think much of it, and come Sunday, I turned on the TV and watched him and [Marc] Lopez win it.
Can you describe your experience of playing here at a Masters 1000?
Felix Auger-Aliassime: It is something I have never felt before, to play in front of so many people. The atmosphere was great and that's the stages you want to play on.
Alex de Minaur: It’s great to be able to play these tournaments. It’s the best players in the world, a high level, very tough, and I’m excited to be granted this opportunity.
Denis Shapovalov: I am enjoying it so much. This is definitely one of the best tournaments in the world, if not the best, and I'm just loving my week here. Playing tonight with all these fans watching me, supporting me, I feel like I'm playing at home. It has been awesome so far.