Sam Querrey wants a change to be made at Indian Wells in a bid to improve the experience for fans attending the tournament.
Many tennis fans have criticized Indian Wells for removing Stadium 2 access for ground pass holders for this year’s event.
The experience of Indian Wells fans has been harmed by the decision, which has led to many half-empty matches at Stadium 2.
It is the second showcourt at Indian Wells Tennis Garden in California, following the primary showcourt Stadium 1.
Former player Querrey has now issued his verdict on the current scenes at Tennis Paradise, which has historically been viewed by many as the fifth Grand Slam.
Should there be a fifth Grand Slam?
If so, which tournament would it be?
Sam Querrey wants Indian Wells ticketing change
American icon Querrey said on the Nothing Major Show: “If you want to take the financial aspect of it aside, maybe the tournament is making more money, they probably are.
“But if you go out to Stadium 3 and 4 it’s overflow. People can’t get into the courts.
“But Stadium 2, especially these night sessions, they have been almost empty.
“Simultaneously on Saturday there was a record number of fans who walked through the grounds at 58,000 and change.
“It’s almost contradicting itself when you talk about that and show an empty stadium.
“I hope they go back to the formula of upper bowl in Stadium 2 is ground pass only, because [Ben] Shelton versus [Reilly] Opelka should be waiting room only.
“Obviously the rich people bought the tickets for Stadium 2 a year ago.”
Indian Wells must learn from its mistake
It’s clearly not a good look for anyone when stadiums are not remotely close to being filled, which really could have been avoided at Indian Wells.
The fans suffer as they don’t get as electric an experience as they could, while the disappointment for the players involved speaks for itself.
The fantastic Indian Wells reputation also takes a hit, one that it should do everything possible to avoid next time out.
If you could change one rule in tennis what would it be and why?
The fans and the players really should be the number one priority for such tournaments, particularly if they want both groups to return in the coming years.
It’s a lesson to be learned for Indian Wells organizers, and one that other tournaments would also be wise to take note of.
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