INDIAN WELLS, United States, March 11, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - 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.

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."