Citi Taste of Tennis brings the house down in Indian Wells

INDIAN WELLS, Calif.—On Monday night, Citi Taste of Tennis helped launch the 2019 BNP Paribas Open with a roaring party. Players came to the poolside event in droves, with a crew of celebrity chefs eagerly waiting to serve them their best delicacies.

Held at the Hyatt Regency, the event mixed the tennis and culinary worlds seamlessly as a result of a vision created by AYS, a female-owned event planning company. The founders of AYS are mother-daughter duo Penny and Judi Lerner, who were celebrating their 20th anniversary in business together.

"We just thought of it like this is a great place for people to get together and understand both cultures: regional cuisine and international tennis," Penny Lerner told Baseline. "I think players were like 80-85 percent eating in-room dining when we started this because we were booking a lot of their hotel rooms and seeing them in the hotel bar. We were like, 'What are you doing? There's a fantastic restaurant two blocks away of the best food in the world.'"

John Isner, newly named brand ambassador for Citi Taste of Tennis, doesn't like to miss an event.

"I love to eat so I never miss out on events like this. The food is such a wide range," he told Baseline. "I had some jerk chicken from the British Virgin Islands so I think they do an incredible job. Sometimes us players are hotel, courts, hotel, courts and to get out and try more stuff is very beneficial."

Venus Williams has become a staple at Citi Taste of Tennis parties, attending them regularly over the years.

"I think my favorite moment was the first one when Serena and I were able to do a dish together," Williams told Baseline. "It was like cooking doubles."

The seven-time Grand Slam champion is in full support of everything from the vision behind the events to the food served on the plates.

"I love the organizers. They're doing great things," Williams **said. "I love being a part of it and I also love great food. Honestly, who doesn't love great food?"

A lot of players like Eugenie Bouchard, Sam Querrey, Danielle Collins, Taylor Fritz, Amanda Anisimova, Mackenzie McDonald, Dayana Yastremska and Lauren Davis come early and stay for the long haul, trying all the dishes and drinks made by the likes of Top Chef's Richard Blais, Larry Eells, Raymond Shadman, April Estelle, Jason Moffitt and many more.

"There's so many different tastes and it's an open bar so you can try everything. Music, good company is also part of the night," Alize Cornet said. "As long as the party is at 7 p.m. you can party at least till 9, or 10, and you can still practice in the morning. I think you can find a good balance—that's what I do every day."

Alexander and Mischa Zverev are another example of regular attendees, coming to all of the parties held in Indian Wells, Miami, D.C. and New York.

"I really like the Miami Citi Taste of Tennis—for me it's something special—it's an unbelievable vibe," Alexander Zverev said. "Every Taste of Tennis is different. To be with with your fellow players, and to hang out and enjoy your time before a tournament starts, it's nice."

The players' rankings ranged wildly, but every single one of them got their chance to feel like an A-lister. It's something Lerner thinks each athlete deserves.

"In tennis, the Top 5 always have the opportunity to walk on these fabulous couples. The 95 that don't ever get that opportunity, we provide it for them," she said. "Why shouldn't they feel pretty, beautiful or handsome? These are the greatest looking athletes in the world, I think, and they should have their moment to shine."

While the blue carpet was a hit, the highlight of the latter part of the night may have been Gael Monfils tearing up the dance floor while his girlfriend Elina Svitolina watched from the sidelines.

The Frenchman got the dance floor started largely by himself, drawing in players, guests and even a few catering employees to break out their best moves. "Wow moments" like those are what Lerner hopes for when planning events. Monfils love of music and dance is no secret, but it flourished on a big stage thanks to the atmosphere carefully created by Citi Taste of Tennis.

"There's a lot of research and study that goes on behind the scenes—we try to truly understand who the players are so they have a platform to amplify their brand," Lerner said. "Far too many times we see players in situations where they're a little uncomfortable or a little unsure. As a guest, you can feel that."

The guests and players felt zero discomfort on this particular night as a full-blown dance party ensued, fueled by delicious food and great company. There's no better way to start a tournament week than with a night out that leaves you well-fed and feeling great about yourself and the people you spend your time with.