Two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz had a fun flashback at Indian Wells on Monday thanks to a group of fans dressed as bees -- homage to his match that was interrupted by a swarm of the insects last year.
A group of about 10 fans sported yellow and black striped costumes and made buzzing sounds in support of Alcaraz during his 6-2, 6-4 victory over Denis Shapovalov, AFP reported.
The Spaniard said he spotted them when they were shown on the big scoreboard.
"It helped me a lot because you know during the whole first set I was looking at them and laughing," he said with a big grin. "And I always say that when I'm laughing, when I'm having fun on the court I show good tennis.
"So probably thanks to them I could show good tennis," added Alcaraz, who said he first became aware of the group during the second game of the match.
"It was funny. I took a selfie with them at the end, because I think they deserve it."
Last year Alcaraz's quarter-final against Alexander Zverev was halted abruptly as swarming bees drove the players from Stadium Court.
Alcaraz was stung, swatting the insects away in alarm before seeking shelter.
The bees swarmed the remote-controled "spider cam" and the umpire's chair and there was a 45-minute delay before bee keeper Lance Davis arrived and vacuumed up the bees to release them elsewhere, allowing the match to continue.
Davis's work had already been noted this year -- he performed the ceremonial coin toss before Alcaraz's opening match.
"When I saw him I was laughing," Alcaraz said. "It has been a funny thing."
