Photo ABCs

Santa Fe de la Laguna

I believe this lovely girl's name is Nicole, posing for me in Santa Fe de la Laguna, Michoacán:

Bernal, Queretaro, III

Bernal, Queretaro, Pueblo Magico:

Baja California: Cataviña: Horses

This group of horses was grazing in a meadow north of Cataviña:

 

 

 

Baja California Birding: Cataviña: Cactus Wren

A silhouette of a Cactus Wren, photographed in April of this year near Cataviña, Baja California:

2023 Indian Wells Tennis: Carlos Alcaraz

Apparently Denis Shapolavov and Maria Sharapova are not the only ones that lift their trailing leg high after serving (see the post of April 24).

Here is Carlos Alcaraz on the practice court at the 2023 BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells:

At the time of the Indian Wells tournament, Carlos Alcaraz was the #1 ranked player on the ATP tour.

His practice session with Francis Tiafoe was standing room only on one of the side courts!

Alcaraz has been described as a "human highlight reel."

Nearly every game of every set he comes up with stunningly brilliant shots. His creativity, combined with court-sense, movement, and tennis-smarts which belie his young age of 19 are simply remarkable.

Not only that, his work ethic and character are exemplary. As Stefanos Tsitsipas said at the trophy ceremony at last week's tournament in Barcelona, even though Carlos is younger than most players on the tour, he sets an example that older players admire and would be wise to follow.

He has certainly become my favorite player to watch in all of professional tennis!

How about some color?

 

2023 Indian Wells Tennis: Alexander Zverev

German Alexander "Sascha" Zverev is currently ranked #16 on the ATP tour, though was ranked as high as #2 last year.

Here he practices at the 2023 BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells.

2007 Indian Wells Tennis: Maria Sharapova, Rafael Nadal

While searching for a photo of Maria Sharapova for yesterday's post, I came across a few other shots of interest taken at Indian Wells in 2007.

Here's another of Maria Sharapova:

And one of Rafael Nadal.

2023 Indian Wells Tennis: Denis Shapovalov

Canadian Denis Shapovalov is currently ranked #28 on the ATP Tour.

Here he practices at the 2023 BNP Paribas Open.

It's amazing the contortions some players exhibit! Maria Sharapova had a similar follow-through on her serve where her trailing foot could appear to be over her head!

Here's a photo I took of Maria Sharapova practicing at the 2007 (!) Indian Wells tournament. She may be playing on the same practice court!

2023 Indian Wells Tennis: Robin Montgomery

Since seeing 18-year-old Robin Montgomery play superbly in last year's San Diego Open, I have had high hopes for her to advance in the WTA rankings.

Unfortunately she lost in the first qualifying round of the 2023 BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells.

Better luck in upcoming tournaments!

2023 Indian Wells Tennis: Jessica Pegula

Jessica Pegula is currently ranked #3 on the WTA Tour.

Here she practices at the 2023 BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells.

She would lose in the round of 16 to Petra Kvitova.