Indian Wells Report: Fedophiles and Rafanatics

While scoping out the Indian Wells practice courts on Saturday, I met a phalanx of battle-tested tennis fans dressed in telltale red and white regalia. My fellow Fedophiles! These women (and a few men, too) came prepared with “Rogerholic Anonymous”

buttons (they generously gave me one) and big banners reading “Federer is Betterer Than Chocolate” and “Rogerholics Anonymous Convention.” The famous “Shhh. . .Genius at Work” banner was on its way after some last minute drama. Fed fans are like Boy Scouts - they’re always prepared.

Here’s a photo of the Rogerholics in their element (thanks, girls, for the photo!):

And supporting their man in the stadium:

Packs of Nadal fans were tougher to spot. Rafanatics seem more independent minded -  preferring to roam alone or in pairs, instead of forming organized groups. My theory is that Nadal is still romantically available (at least Xisca isn’t pregnant!), and until he settles down, it’s every Rafa fan for her (or him) self. While watching Rafa practice on Sunday (from the front row!) I was nudged aside by a couple of lusty cougar-types in low cut tops who were obviously hoping to catch Nadal’s eye. “Come on, baby!” they cheered during practice points.

Not that I blame them for trying:

Nadal-mania at Indian Wells:

Fess up, tennis fans! What’s your most intense case of fan-worship?

Rafa photo: REUTERS/Stringer (SPAIN)