America’s Taylor Fritz Defends Title at 2023 BNP Paribas Open

Jill Weinlein

Tennis champion Taylor Fritz comes from quite a pedigree. He is the great-great-grandson of David May, the founder of The May Department Stores, and his mother was a top 10 tennis player. His father was also a professional tennis player and earned the title of US Olympic Development Coach of the Year in 2016.

At the age of 25, Fritz has earned the ranking of number 5 in the world, and number 1 in America. His ranking advanced when he defeated Rafael Nadal last year at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, earning the ATP Tour Masters 1000 title. This title is huge, because the BNP Paribas Open is the largest combined ATP Tour Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 tennis event in the world. Held at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, owned by Oracle Co-Founder, billionaire and tennis enthusiast Larry Ellison, the event this year is from March 6 – 19, 2023.

Fritz is back again to defend his title at the 2023 BNP Paribas Open ‘Tennis Paradise’. He partnered with Maestro Dobel Tequila for special meet and greet opportunities with fans, and to make the Tournament Official Cocktail – Ace Paloma. It’s name was inspired by Fritz’s smooth serve.

They selected Taylor Fritz to partner with the brand, because he shares the same level of commitment, expertise, and mastery in his tennis game, as they do in making tequila. 

Founded by 11th generation tequila maker Juan Dobel, Maestro Dobel is a modern expression of tequila, with a heritage and refined craft that spans over 250 years. Maestro Dobel is an innovator having introduced to the global market the first Cristalino tequila with Dobel Diamante. They also offer the first smoked tequila with Humito, and the first Pechuga tequila with Pavito.

Jill Weinlein

Before making an Ace Paloma, Fritz shared that for every tournament he plays in, his serve is a big part of his game. His competitiveness and how he competes with others is also a big part of his game.

Since he is a local boy, what he has at this tournament is the home support and the confidence. ‘This tournament, more than all the others is very special to me,’ said Fritz.

Mental and physical preparation is very important and he tries not to put too much pressure on himself. ‘How it works with the points and ranks, basically everyone starts over every year. That’s how I think about it. I’m going to take it one match at a time and we will see how far I can go. Hopefully I can defend the title, but that is kind of the mindset I had last year, just keep progressing. I wasn’t thinking about winning it last year until I got deep in it,’ said Fritz.

Fritz reminisced about while growing up in Rancho Santa Fe, he and his family would come to Indian Wells Tennis Garden every year. ‘It was a normal thing to do this time of year to watch tennis matches and just hang out with my friends,’ he said. ‘Every year I drive here, it’s really a special thing. I feel really comfortable, it’s like home here, especially now after winning last year. Coming to the tournament this year is extra special, I have a lot of confidence.’ said Fritz.

When asked how he stays focused before a match? He said, ‘I think having time to enjoy and decompress is important to me, so I can focus on getting ready for pre-match, and then be ready to perform.’

To prepare for this tournament as a defending champ, he shared how he likes to do the same thing the night before a match. ‘I eat the same dinner the night before a match. I like to warm-up two hours before my match. I like to work on my physio one hour and half before pre-practice. If my match is at 1 p.m., I’m starting my routine at about 8 a.m.,’ he said.

Jill Weinlein

Fans will be able to visit the Maestro Dobel bar and lounge, located next to Stadium 2, to enjoy table tennis, photo opportunities and cocktails featuring Maestro Dobel’s smooth range of tequilas, including two additional signature cocktails, the Spin Margarita and the Slice Ranch Water. 

Here is the recipe to make the offical Ace Paloma cocktail at home: 

1.5 oz. Maestro Dobel Diamante Cristalino 

2 oz. Fever-Tree Grapefruit Soda 

Twist of Fresh Lime 

Procedure: Build in a shaker, shake and pour over fresh ice into diamante glass. Top with Fever-Tree grapefruit soda and garnish with a rim of black lava salt and a pink grapefruit wedge placed right side upon the mouth of the glass, serve. 

Jill Weinlein