Excised Indian Wells recap

The last big tournament of the year, Indian Wells displaced from its usual slot in March, finished this past weekend and true to post US Open form, it ended with some truly random results. You could argue that Paula Badosa had been building up to a big title all year. And you could argue that Victoria Azarenka, the runner up, is at least a big name. You could also argue that it was no less random than what transpired at the US Open and that women's tennis is ridiculously deep... fine. 

US Open champ Emma Raducanu lost in her first match. Leylah Fernandez up her finals appearance a little better with a run to the fourth round. I'm not certain how much staying power either of these young ladies has going forward. I hope they do, but you know, plan on them being up and down for a little bit. Coco Gauff is still trying to find a consistent high level a couple of years after her big breakthrough. Sure, she's a year younger, but amazingly feels more like the tested veteran at this point.

Kim Clijsters took a set off the feisty Katerina Siniakova - better known as Barbora Krejicova's doubles partner. (Please play a few more tournaments Kim! I'll never get tired of watching you play.)

The WTA player of the year will be Ashleigh Barty, although Krejicova is a much closer second than you might think. Special shout-out to recent former teen Iga Świątek, who was the only WTA to make the 4th round of each major this year. Granted, only in the French did she go the one step further, but I'm calling my shot and says she wins a second French Open next year.

The men's final involved Cam Norrie, who recently ascended to the #1 ranked Brit, which is a thing, I guess and alleged domestic abuser Nikolaz Basilashvili. I didn't actually watch so I don't know if tennis channel broached that topic with any more or less gusto than they addressed the Zverev situation (i.e. none at all) but Cam Norrie won so we can all feel better because we all sleep better at night believing that sports is nothing but a morality play - a notion that the recent takeover of Newcastle United (a club I nominally support) by the Saudi PIF(!) will quick disabuse you off. But I degress.