INDIAN WELLS, Calif.—The pilot prepared us for heavy turbulence on our descent into Palm Springs. He didn’t say, however, that some of the plane’s overhead compartments would actually open up.
Not that he could have known, of course. No luggage came loose, and all passengers arrived without a scratch—but after that cross-country flight, the last thing I wanted to see for a while was an airplane.
It was also the last thing players expected to see at this year’s BNP Paribas Open. Media obligations for ATP and WTA pros at tournaments range from stand-up and sit-down interviews to social-friendly trivia games to unique experiences within the local community. They don’t typically include walking into a giant tent that’s been converted into an airplane hangar.
But then again, this was not your typical airplane.
“Wow,” Carlos Alcaraz exclaimed when he turned his head and saw the bespoke Tennis Channel set.
“We built an airplane in the middle of the desert,” replied director Kyle Beiermeister.
Still able to light up a room filled with lights, cameras and action, Alcaraz was a delight to film. He made sure to pay off our “oxygen mask” scene, confirming his hand motions with the video crew to ensure accuracy. Wearing loungewear suitable for an extended flight, the Spaniard got comfy in his seat as he perused the (tennis-themed) airline safety card:
And when he came time for the hero shots? Well, Carlitos gave as good as we got:
It all came together, thanks to Alcaraz and dozens of other top players, as Tennis Channel Airlines—the best mode of transportation through the year-long tennis calendar. At each 1000-level tournament this season, you’ll see videos from our shoot, on air and online.
Here’s our cut for Madrid: