Tennis victor Taylor Fritz has an impressive lineage. He descends from David May, the founder of The May Department Stores, being his great-great-grandson. Furthermore, his mother was a top-ranking tennis athlete, and his father held a professional tennis role, being honored with the acclaimed US Olympic Development Coach of the Year award in 2016.
With 25 years under his belt, Fritz has soared to number 5 in the global rankings, clinching the number 1 spot in the United States. His climb to the top was propelled by his triumph over Rafael Nadal at the previous year’s BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, where he seized the ATP Tour Masters 1000 crown. This accomplishment is monumental as the BNP Paribas Open stands as the largest combined ATP Tour Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 tennis tournament globally. The event, hosted within the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, belonging to Larry Ellison, Oracle Co-Founder, billionaire, and avid tennis enthusiast, is scheduled for March 6 – 19, 2023.
Fritz returns to the scene to guard his title at the 2023 BNP Paribas Open ‘Tennis Paradise’. Collaborating with Maestro Dobel Tequila, he will partake in exclusive meet and greet sessions with fans and concoct the Tournament Official Cocktail – Ace Paloma, christened in honor of Fritz’s elegant serve.
The brand chose Taylor Fritz as their ally due to his synchronization in dedication, proficiency, and mastery exhibited in his tennis prowess, much akin to their tequila craftsmanship.
Established by Juan Dobel, an 11th generation tequila maestro, Maestro Dobel symbolizes a contemporary rendition of tequila, embodying a heritage and refined artistry spanning over 250 years. Renowned for pioneering the first Cristalino tequila, Dobel Diamante, they also unveiled the first smoked tequila, Humito, and the premier Pechuga tequila, Pavito, to audiences worldwide.
Before preparing an Ace Paloma, Fritz shared the paramount role his serve plays in his gameplay in every tournament. His competitive spirit and contesting philosophy greatly influence his tactics.
Being a native, Fritz thrives on the home crowd’s backing and his own self-assurance. ‘This specific tournament holds a profound significance for me than any other,’ expressed Fritz.
Mental and physical readiness bear immense importance to him, preserving against undue stress. ‘Regarding the scoring and rankings, everyone essentially embarks anew each year. That’s my approach. I’ll take it step by step and witness my progression. Hopefully, I can maintain my title, adopting the mindset of gradual advancement as last year. I refrained from contemplating victory until the later stages,’ disclosed Fritz.
His reminiscences of growing up in Rancho Santa Fe, attending the Indian Wells Tennis Garden yearly with his family, evoke a sense of nostalgia. ‘It became a customary affair to spectate tennis matches and relish the camaraderie with my friends,’ he shared. ‘Each year I drive here, it feels special. I’m at ease here, it feels like home, especially after my victory last year. This year’s tournament holds added significance, filling me with assurance,’ he added.
Responding to inquiries about his pre-match focus, Fritz highlighted the essence of leisure moments for unwinding. ‘Allowing myself leisure time is vital, aiding my preparation for the match performance,’ he stated.
Adhering to a specific routine as a defending champion, Fritz detailed his match-eve regimen. ‘I stick to the same dinner, commence my warm-up two hours beforehand, engage in physiotherapy an hour and a half prior to practice. For a 1 p.m. match, my routine starts around 8 a.m.,’ he elaborated.
Supporters can revel in the Maestro Dobel bar and lounge, adjacent to Stadium 2, indulging in table tennis, capturing memorable photographs, and relishing cocktails featuring Maestro Dobel’s premium tequila range, inclusive of two exclusive concoctions – the Spin Margarita and the Slice Ranch Water.
Below is the Ace Paloma cocktail recipe for crafting at home:
1.5 oz. Maestro Dobel Diamante Cristalino
2 oz. Fever-Tree Grapefruit Soda
Twist of Fresh Lime
Procedure: Combine ingredients in a shaker, give it a good shake, pour over fresh ice into a diamante glass. Top with Fever-Tree grapefruit soda, garnish with a black lava salt rim, and add a pink grapefruit wedge atop the glass. Serve and savor.
Image Source: Maksim Konstantinov / Shutterstock
