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Friday Fun: Busy day of play at the BNP Paribas Open featuring homegrown talent

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March 12, 2022 8:22 AM
Published 4:18 PM

Friday was filled with play at the BNP Paribas Open as the tournament is starting to ramp up.

AMERICANS ADVANCING

It was a nice Friday for American players, including the valley's very own Desirae Krawczyk.

Krawczyk and her new doubles partner Demi Schuurs came in to the tournament as the 6 seed in the draw. They were tested by a familiar foe but ultimately won in a third set tiebreak, which was dominated by Desirae.

News Channel 3's Bailey Arredondo was on site for the entirety of the match and said that most of the points in the tiebreak came off Desirae's racket. He added that Desirae was the clear difference maker in the match.

Also on the women's side, 17-year-old Coco Gauff defeated fellow American Claire Liu in straight sets, advancing to the 3rd round of play.

Also, in men's doubles, Jack Sock and John Isner who won their doubles match in upset fashion over the top seeded team of Mektic/Pavic.

ALSO, AMERICAN - FRITZ FRIDAY

Fans were out to see No. 20 Taylor Fritz practice against World No. 1 Daniil Medvedev.

"I’ve always gotten a lot of support from the fans here and hope that continues I love it," said Fritz.  

"We love watching him play because he is so confident and really is stepping up American male tennis," said Harakaal.  

Fritz, a Rancho Santa Fe native, has been coming to the desert since he was a little kid with his father Guy Fritz. The College of the Desert's head men's tennis coach.

"It’s beautiful here, one of the nicest places. The tournament is incredible," said Fritz. "I’m bias because it’s so close to home for me. But I know from all the other players that travel here that everyone thinks this is one of the best tournaments of the year."

One of Fritz's mentors Paul Annacone, former Pete Sampras and Roger Federer coach, was out on court with Taylor and says this is where he shines the brightest.

"Great last six months starting here in the desert and he is feeling really comfortable with his game so he loves being back here. Nothings easy but when you feel comfortable you tend to play better," said Annacone. "And he’s comfortable so I hope he is going to play well this week."

DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE BRITS

Great Britain was well represented on Friday in the first two matches inside Stadium 1.

First it was Andy Murray in men's singles with a landmark victory, sending the wild card into the next round.

And then in women's singles, Emma Raducanu rolled into the 3rd round with a three-set victory over Caroline Garcia.

"This is our favorite tournament to come to," said Pittsburgh native Amy Harakaal. "We have been to pretty much every hard court tournament in the US and Canada and this is our favorite."

"On the court I actually see it in real life and I just think it’s more active and cooler," said Skylar Mandell visiting from Los Angeles.  

Be sure to stay with the KESQ News Channel 3 sports team of Blake Arthur and Bailey Arredondo for continuing coverage of the tennis tournament.

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Bailey Arredondo

Bailey Arredondo is a Sports Anchor/Reporter for KESQ News Channel 3. He joined the Desert’s News Leader in January 2022 here.

Author Profile Photo

Blake Arthur

Sports Director Blake Arthur joined the KESQ/CBS Local 2 team in August of 2015. Learn more about Blake here.

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