Social

Queen of the Desert: Selfie Superstar LaWanda returns to Indian Wells

By David Kane Mar 07, 2023
Social

Emil Ruusuvuori opens up about panic attacks, mental health challenges

By Liya Davidov May 10, 2025
Social

Quote of the Day: Danielle Collins channels Elena Dementieva in Rome Iga Swiatek upset

By David Kane May 10, 2025
Social

Quote of the Day: Daniil Medvedev prefers Rome's old Pietrangeli court, too

By David Kane May 09, 2025
Social

Quote of the Day: Iga Swiatek tries to protect her privacy in Rome

By David Kane May 08, 2025
Social

Quote of the Day: Maria Sakkari sees you watching her matches

By David Kane May 07, 2025
Social

No days off for Aryna Sabalenka—not even on her birthday 🎂

By David Kane May 07, 2025
Social

Alex De Minaur grow vintage car collection, talks Fiat, Ferrari in Rome 🚗

By David Kane May 06, 2025
Social

Paula Badosa knows "I’m going to retire young" but won't stop until doctors advise it's time

By Liya Davidov May 05, 2025
Social

Casper Ruud posts compassionate note to Iga Swiatek on X after Pole's Madrid defeat

By Ed McGrogan May 01, 2025
Social

Queen of the Desert: Selfie Superstar LaWanda returns to Indian Wells

The BNP Paribas Open’s most beloved superfan enjoyed a busy first day on the grounds, nabbing photos with everyone from Iga Swiatek to Coco Gauff and Daniil Medvedev.

ByDavid Kane

Published Mar 07, 2023

Tennis Channel Live: 2022 Indian Wells Women’s Final
TENNIS CHANNEL LIVE: Looking back at the 2022 BNP Paribas Open final.

Advertising

For most of tennis’ elite, the BNP Paribas Open doesn’t begin until they get their annual selfie with superfan LaWanda Watts.

Watts, or @LaWanda50 as she is known on Twitter, has become a fixture at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden for her bright smile and prolific camera roll, making her “the most coveted photo” in Tennis Paradise, according to former US Open champ Marin Cilic.

LaWanda touched down on the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on Monday and has already made a major dent in her selfie haul, starting off strong with two-time winner Victoria Azarenka and 2022 runner-up Maria Sakkari:

Advertising

From newer faces like Yibing Wu and Jack Draper, LaWanda got a pair of photos with American hotshot Coco Gauff, who called Watts a “legend” when they got their selfie last spring.

Defending champion Iga Swiatek stopped by later in the day, and Daniil Medvedev evidently made a quick turnaround from winning the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.

LaWanda was waiting:

Advertising

A fruitful first day ended with one more Grand Slam champion as Australian Open victor Aryna Sabalenka stopped by the greens:

Advertising

With many selfies quickly going viral, the queue of outstanding players will likely be even longer tomorrow so they can pick up their favorite souvenir.