BNP Paribas Open Takes Center Court In Indian Wells

INDIAN WELLS – Watching some of the world’s best tennis players up close is one reason the Grimes family keeps coming back to the BNP Paribas Open.

It’s their second time.

“At the bigger events, they’re so sealed off from the public, you rarely get autographs from bigger players,” says Allen Grimes, from Yuma, Arizona. “Here, you can see them walking and mixing with everybody.”

But, it’s more than a field trip away. The Grimes kids learn what it takes to be a pro.

“Iget that practice makes perfect,” says Aelacia Grimes, 12. “They practice like three hours a day.”She says she practices perhaps four hours a week.

For her younger brother Lee, 8, he knows already at a young age that there is no room for sore losers.

“Well,I don’t get upset for one thing. I try to figure out a different strategy,” he says.

Speaking of different strategies, the tournament itself has a different owner. Billionaire Larry Ellison bought it in December.

Tournament director Steve Simon says Ellison loves the sport. Ellison has attended the tournament for many years.

“I think Larry just wanted to get involved, and he wanted to know if the resources he brings into it can help us grow this event to record heights,” says Simon.

One of Ellison’s ideas: a fundraising game on Friday night known as “Hit for Haiti.” Eight tennis legends — Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Martina Navratilova, just to name a few — trying to raise $1 million. Proceeds go to the American Red Cross Haiti Relief Efforts.

Tournament officials saythe benefitevent is close already to selling out.

Starting Tuesday, the men’s qualifying rounds begin at 10 a.m.