Federer, the musical

This week, Tennis’ heart is beating in California, at the BNP Paribas Indian Wells Open. Where Roger Federer - against his will - has already had the time to prove that he was more than immortal.

This week, Tennis’ heart is beating in California, at the BNP Paribas Indian Wells Open. Where Roger Federer - against his will - has already had the time to prove that he was more than immortal while Agnieszka Radwanska celebrated her 28th birthday, and Novak Djokovic mimed a saxophone in the middle of a match.

1- Roger Federer (NE).

A veteran’s duel easily won against Stéphane Robert to begin with.

Followed by an answer given to children who were interviewing him, informing them that he would carry on playing until he turns 90. And a hilarious musical parody produced by the Radio Télévision Suisse in his honor, and entitled, « Roger, the musical ».

The Swiss is way beyond immortality.

2- Agnieszka Radwanska (NE).

Just like every year, the Pole celebrated her birthday in California. For her 28th birthday, she treated herself at the Cheesecake factory, a tradition of hers for the last 10 years. But this year, the world number 6 chose a Oreo flavored cheesecake, her favorite.

And on the court, she produced one of the shots of the month.

3- Novak Djokovic (-1).

At the BNP Paribas Indian Wells Open, the Serb has had a complicated start against Kyle Edmund. But he won and will meet up with his best enemy again, Del Potro, in the third round, for another epic duel. Meanwhile, Djoko made the most of an unexpected musical impromptu during his first match to put on a show for the crowd.

A pretty funny good old habit to prove that he really is back on tracks.

4- Rafael Nadal (-1).

After his final in Acapulco, Rafa Nadal has proved that his form was getting better, after crushing Guido Pella in the first round.

And the Spaniard is everywhere, as his picture is now on a giant poster on the Place de la Concorde in Paris, where we see him next to Antoine Griezmann, or Pharell Williams. The poster was made by the FIA for an awareness campaign around road safety.

Vamos for a good cause.

5- Elina Svitolina (NE).

The Ukrainian has had a nice week. Besides winning at the BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells Open, she took the time to cook.

To chill in the pool with her brother.

And even show her singing skills.

6- Juan Martin del Potro (NE).

During his duel against his fellow countryman Federico Delbonis, the Argentine proved that he mastered the tweener like no other.

Enough to make a breaking entry in our ranking ! The special shot even seems to be a tradition in Buenos Aires, as Juan Monaco also produced another perfect example of it.

7- Andy Murray (-6).

While we all thought that he had launched his season after his victory in Dubaï, the Scot once again played the « broken-down car » trick in California, this time against the Canadian Vasek Posipil (6-4, 7-6). Another poor performance for the world number 1 who, after having lost in the fourth round at the Australian Open, has this time lost in the first round of the BNP Paribas Indian Wells Open, against the world number 129.

After Zverev in Melbourne, it’s the second time that the British lost against a volley-specialist. And what if that was the key to defeating him ?

8- Garbine Muguruza (-2).

Garbine Muguruza is like a child when she’s holding water bombs…

Which didn’t stop the Spaniard from remaining serious on court, and defeating the young American Kayla Day.

9-David Goffin (NE).

At the gym…

…or behind the wheel on Californian roads…

…the Belgian seems to be enjoying his time on the court. Good news, as he’s still competing at Indian Wells !

10- Madison Keys (NE).

It’s what you call a winning come-back. Five months after we’ve last seen her on the courts, the young American has defeated the Colombian Duque Marino for her comeback. Enough to treat herself with a pretty special autograph-signing session.

11- Pablo Cuevas (NE).

The Uruguayan barely had the time to celebrate his title in Sao Paulo…

…and his underarm serve on the match point…

…as he had to walk back on the courts, at the BNP Paribas Indian Wells Open this time, to defeat Martin Klizan.

12- Lucas Pouille (-4).

Before flying out to California, the Frenchman took the time to greet the greatest champions of women’s tennis, as well as his partner on the International Women’s Day.

He then calmly won his first-round match at the BNP Paribas Indian Wells Open against Jan-Lennard Struff. A pretty good week overall.

13- Simona Halep (NE).

Before kickstarting her tournament against the Croatian Vekic, Simona decided to take the time to relax in Vegas. She went to see the Australian band Human Nature. And even posed with the singers.

14- Ryan Harrison (NE).

Visibly annoyed at the idea of losing at home against the Bosnian Dzumhur, the American unleashed his fury on his racquets. He somehow needed to destroy five of them to calm his nerves.