Indian Wells, but backstage. Also, musing about the appearance fees bag.

Let me walk you through why Indian Wells is a special tennis place. Also, here wondering if the appearance fees bubble is about to pop.

Welcome back! It’s a long TSS edition today, so be ready to scroll and read it when you have the time or a cup of tea/coffee at the ready. I’m giving you a glimpse of what Indian Wells is like backstage, at least for me. I had fun finding these old pictures, especially the ones of Novak and Andy. I’m also musing about what might be going on with appearance fees nowadays. You’ll also find news about Iga Swiatek’s website and a Lululemon hope for tennis fashion.

A TRIP DOWN INDIAN WELLS MEMORY LANE

It’s occurring to me that 2025 marks my 10-year anniversary! A decade ago, I decided to leave my writer’s job at L’Equipe (national sports newspaper and website in France) and return to being a freelance tennis writer (this one loves her freedom, no regrets). The first event covered in that new life was the Australian Open, but I had covered it in 2012 already, so I guess it didn’t hit me as much as marking the start of a different life.

Indian Wells, though! OMG. I had never set foot there, n…