Early in the tournament, people would crowd around the practice courts to watch their favorite tennis player practice. They would sometimes be five to six deep with everyone trying to get a peek. Cameras of all sizes and kinds were in evidence all through the two weeks of the tournament. Most just wanted a photo of one of the top players, while others enjoyed photographing each other with the Tennis Garden in the background.

People watching is a great sport at these events. People would get tired and just fall asleep on the grassy areas around the courts; others enjoyed the food vendors all around the area. A special area was set aside just for eating outdoors from a varied menu. Each vendor has something special to offer.

Tennis clothing and accessories were available in several tents. A couple of style shows held a special interest for some of the people attending. Autograph sessions were held every day for the young and old. Kids everywhere carried photos and small and huge tennis balls. Many of the huge tennis balls had many autographs, evidence of the kids' industry. Even adults got into the act trying to get a special autograph. Fans would stand outside the tennis players' area waiting to see them. Some fans would even wear painted t-shirts with the names of their favorite player. Others carried banners for the tennis pros to see.

Later in the week when most of the players had lost and left the area, it got very quiet. Only A few players were left to play on courts two and three and the Stadium court. When the matches were over, it became a steady stream of guests leaving and it came alive again with people. It was very crowded then.

Attendance for this tournament broke last year's record of more than 332,000. Even in this bad economy, tennis fans knew this is a once-a-year event and did not want to miss it. Many traveled long distances just for this tournament, as it is classed as one of the best in the U.S. outside of the U.S. Open in New York.

The Tennis Garden is a very classy place and is run very well. Volunteers do an excellent job and the staff is the greatest. Co-chairman Raymond Moore and Charlie Pasarell should be very proud of this year's tournament.

BNP Paribas held it to its highest standard of play. Bacarrat designed a new award especially for this tournament. It looks the same from any angle and weighs more than 40 pounds.

The finals on Sunday were especially difficult for the players. The swirling winds blew with force. When the women would try to serve the ball, they would have to stop as the ball was blown way off where it should have been. A couple times, the wind blew so hard they couldn't even catch it, and the ball kids would have to retrieve it. Gusts up to 50 miles per hour were recorded.

The men had an easier time. The winds were not as bad all the time but once in a while huge gusts of winds would come up and blow everything around. Blowing dust and sand was a big culprit for the eyes. Hit balls went way off course. Luck was a factor in the call. Balls did not always go where they were planned.

Saturday was exciting as the doubles finals were held. Mardy Fish and Andy Roddick won the men's doubles and Victoria Azarenka and Vera Zvonareva won the women doubles.

Hard-fought matches for the men were won by Rafael Nadal who defeated Andy Roddick and Andy Murray and fan Favorite Roger Federer. Sunday's finals for both men and women were both won in straight sets. Rafael Nadal took Andy Murray 6-1 and 6-2, while Vera Zvonareva bested Ana Ivanovic 7-6 and 6-2. Zvonareva also won in the double's category and Nadal Won a second time here as well.

All the players said they would return in the future, as this is one of the favorites on the tour. Records were broken in other areas.

For more Pat Krause photos of the BNP Paribas Open, click here.

For more about the BNP Paribas Open, click here.

For more about the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, click here.