Irina Falconi is living it up in one of the most beautiful tour stops this week, Indian Wells. The American just returned stateside from Kuala Lumpur, where she was the only player to take a set off of eventual champion Ashleigh Barty. Falconi is back in the Top 100 and ready to take advantage of a main-draw wild card. But first, she’s telling us about her journey to Indian Wells and showing us around the desert.

INDIAN WELLS, Calif.—The trip from Kuala Lumpur wasn’t the easiest, but I tried to make the most of it. First off, I had to buy a completely new airfare because to change it would have been more expensive. I had a flight at 8 a.m., which means I had to be at the airport by 5:30 a.m. at the latest. There was a car outside my hotel at 4:30 a.m. Fun times!

Because of the early wake-up call, and my long flight ahead, I decided to stay up and not sleep at all. I got on my flight, and before take-off I was out. It was seven hours to Tokyo, and then 10 hours to Los Angeles. Thankfully my boyfriend met me with the rental car right outside baggage claim, so that made the trip worth it. Oh, and so did In-N-Out.

I actually found out about the wild card from my agent on Thursday. He had sent a follow-up email to tournament director Tommy Haas, and that was when the wild card was confirmed. It was an awesome feeling, and I was glad to tell my team that I was playing in the main draw.

I have always enjoyed playing in the desert, and this is truly one of the most spectacular events of the year. Any time I’m playing in the main draw, it’s a great place to be.

Advertising

Photo Blog: Irina Falconi takes us on a tour of Indian Wells

Photo Blog: Irina Falconi takes us on a tour of Indian Wells

I spent a night at a Best Western when I initially thought I was in the qualifying draw.

Advertising

Photo Blog: Irina Falconi takes us on a tour of Indian Wells

Photo Blog: Irina Falconi takes us on a tour of Indian Wells

I moved over to a resort near Indian Wells, where main-draw players get to stay. ​

Advertising

Photo Blog: Irina Falconi takes us on a tour of Indian Wells

Photo Blog: Irina Falconi takes us on a tour of Indian Wells

I’ll get 10 nights paid for at the desert oasis. ​

Advertising

Photo Blog: Irina Falconi takes us on a tour of Indian Wells

Photo Blog: Irina Falconi takes us on a tour of Indian Wells

Indian Wells has everything: palm trees, mountains and Southern California’s ideal climate.

Advertising

Photo Blog: Irina Falconi takes us on a tour of Indian Wells

Photo Blog: Irina Falconi takes us on a tour of Indian Wells

This dish is called “Sky’s the Limit,” from a nearby restaurant called Wilma & Frieda. ​

Advertising

Photo Blog: Irina Falconi takes us on a tour of Indian Wells

Photo Blog: Irina Falconi takes us on a tour of Indian Wells

I got a courtesy car for the tournament, a Chevrolet Malibu.

Advertising

Photo Blog: Irina Falconi takes us on a tour of Indian Wells

Photo Blog: Irina Falconi takes us on a tour of Indian Wells

It’s just a scenic five-minute drive to the courts (traffic permitting). ​

Advertising

Photo Blog: Irina Falconi takes us on a tour of Indian Wells

Photo Blog: Irina Falconi takes us on a tour of Indian Wells

A banner of players marks the Indian Wells entrance. ​

Advertising

Photo Blog: Irina Falconi takes us on a tour of Indian Wells

Photo Blog: Irina Falconi takes us on a tour of Indian Wells

Indian Wells sends its best wishes to Petra Kvitova with a beautiful billboard. ​

Advertising

Photo Blog: Irina Falconi takes us on a tour of Indian Wells

Photo Blog: Irina Falconi takes us on a tour of Indian Wells

Starting Wednesday, Tennis Channel Plus will have the biggest WTA matches of the day from the BNP Paribas Open!

Tennis Channel Plus will have 12 straight days of WTA Action, including the Quarters, Semis and Finals.

All of the best action — Live and On Demand — on any screen — anywhere — only on Tennis Channel Plus!

Tennis Channel Plus is THE ultimate destination for WTA action in March. Subscribe today at BuyTCPlus.com. TENNIS.com readers can use promo code IW20 on Wednesday to get a 20% discount​.