Roger Federer has arrived in Indian Wells

Roger Federer at practice today Photo Courtesy of Laura Schmid

Every writer or reporter takes on an assignment to write a story, cover an event or interview a player. Sometimes the story finds you.

For me, that's exactly what happened today. I was fortunate enough to witness something remarkable to me and many fans in attendance at the practice courts this warm California afternoon.

For the last three days, I have  spent time at the BNP Paribas Open with my wife. We walked the grounds taking pictures, watched players practice, interviewed a few players, listened to coaches talking strategy and smiled at the little kids waiting anxiously to get a picture with their favorite player.

 Roger Federer photo Courtesy of Laura Schmid

We watched players Clijsters, Henin, Oudin, Ivanovic, Azarenka, Jankovic and Hantuchova. On the Mens side,Donald Young, Davydenko, Gasquet, Baghdatis and this afternoon, the man, the worlds number one, Roger Federer.

It's an amazing site watching fans run to follow these players to the courts. I couldn't help but follow along and set up my spot, claiming the bench behind Rogers court.

This was the first time I have seen the master magician at work. Roger was so relaxed on the court right from the start. The usual warm-up routine, starting with a little mini tennis and after a few minutes heading back to the baseline.

Roger glides on the court surface, floating to get into position to whip that ball any where he wants it to go. It's like watching Rembrandt or Picasso work their brush on the canvas. Roger painted his strokes on his blue canvas with such precision and patience. It's simply incredible.

Around his pr court, fans holding giant tennis balls, the Swiss flag,  cameras were covering the courts perimeter, little kids holding their autograph books hoping Rogers autograph will join the pages. After about two hours, the practice session was over. For some fans, that could be the only chance they will get to see Roger up close. What I found impressive is what happened after his practice was over.

An older female began screeching across the court trying to get Rogers attention. The crowd busted out in laughter. The high pitched sound of the ladies voice, "Roger, Roger,Roger", was like hearing someone scratch their nails on a chalkboard.

Where I was standing, many began to laughand make fun of the lady. After about ten minutes of waiting Roger gets up and begins walking over to the stands where all the fans were begging for autographs. the fans start cheering realizing he is coming over. The lady who was being laughed at was the first person Roger signed for.

No security guard, no police escort, no tournament staff. Just the best player to have ever played the game, taking the time to  walk over to the stands, have a couple pictures snapped, signed autographs and talked with some of the fans.

 Roger Federer Photo courtesy of Laura Schmid

When it was all over, walking back to the media center you couldn't help but here the many positive comments being made about what they just witnessed.

Roger is truly a class act. He didn't have to do what he did today, but he did.

This truly is the place to be for any who is a tennis fan. The opportunity you will have by being up close and personal with the best tennis players in the world is a chance in a lifetime. Your family will have a great time.

Who knows, maybe Roger comes walking your way.

For more Info: www.bnpparibasopen.com