Don’t forget about the little guys
Actually, they really aren’t so little. I’m referring to the Pacific Life and Sony Ericsson Opens, two of tennis’ bigger tournaments that are frequently looked over because they are not Grand Slams. They are, however, both Masters Series events, and take place back to back throughout March.
Last year’s Pacific Life Open boasted 9 of the top 10 men in the world, and 15 of the top 25 women in the world. The player fields at the Sony Ericsson (named the NASDAQ 100 Open last year) were more or less the same. In addition, these two tournaments are also the most highly attended tournaments besides the four Grand Slams, with both sites totaling more than 270,000 people.
The locations of both tournaments have plenty to offer as well. The Sony Ericsson takes place on Key Biscayne, a ten minute drive from downtown Miami. So there is plenty of shopping, dining and clubbing to suit anyone’s needs, not to mention South Beach. Indian Wells, California, is a bit tougher to get to that Miami, but once you do it is definitely worth it. Surrounded by four different mountain ranges, including the Sierra’s, there really isn’t a more picturesque backdrop to watch top tennis players, play on any of Palm Springs’ 125 golf courses, or take a jeep tour of the California Desert.
The real beauty of these tournaments lies in the intimate settings. Everything at these tournaments feels, and in most cases is, more accessible than at the larger Grand Slams. Food lines (and bathroom lines!) are typically shorter, practice courts are easier to view, and the crowds are usually a bit friendlier. So, while the Pacific Life and Sony Ericsson may not have quite the same prestige as the Grand Slams do, they will surely not disappoint, even the most die-hard tennis fan.
December 21st, 2006 at 1:27 pm
The 4 majors are obviously the biggest tennis tournaments to attend. However, I have always thoroughly enjoyed your tours to the Pac Life and Sony Ericsson too. They are very prestigious tournaments and the people traffic is not as overwhelming as the majors. Thank you Grand Slam for maintaining your impressive service for these 2 events!
Go Blake!
December 29th, 2006 at 11:41 am
SUN… Both the Sony and the Pac Life offer alot of it. If you are from the Northeast or the Pacific Northwest March is a great time to escape the doldrums of the tale end of winter, and get a recharge from the SUN. Yes there is unbelievable tennis at both these events, everyone plays because there are alot of points at stake. Both tournaments are very excessable, in the early rounds you can get very close. I think the Pacific Life’s grounds are the best in the world…You are surrounded by beautiful mountains, (and very close to Joshua Tree park where there is some of the best hiking and mountain biking in the US) the courts are spread out in a beautiful setting. The sun seams to always be shining. The grounds a pretty big and the courts are spread out, if you are a interested in walking around and exploring the grounds there is a ton out there for you. If you want to get right to your court, there are courtesy golf carts to get you wherever you want to go. Best of both worlds. The tournament organization at the Pafic Life is also spot on. If there is a change in the schedule, or something special happening they make the whole crowd aware of it without interupting play. The tournament is run on a tight schedule, but it feels so laid back. I love it there. In Miami at the Sony Erickson Open, it is more of a bustling high energy feel on the grounds. Seams like more people (although there is not) because the grounds are a bit smaller. The tennis is just as energizing and the courts almost as accessible. You are also in Key Bisquayne. Five minutes from downtown Miami and about 20 from South Beach. I like to get my chested waxed and walk down the beach at least once in my speado. But thats just me. We are leaving for Australia in 2 weeks YA BOY
February 13th, 2007 at 7:47 pm
I’ve been to the NASDAQ the last three years with Grand Slam. They’re changing the name to the Sony this year but it certainly won’t change the caliber of tennis. This event not only attracts the worlds best players but it’s located in one of the most beautiful places in the US for this time of year. As you drive over the causeway just south of Miami, the excitement begins to set in. Aqua blue water…on both sides of the eye make you feel like your on an virgin island type of vaction. The tournament takes place in March and belive me, it’s hot during this time of the year in South Florida. A perfect time of year for a getaway especially if you’re coming from anywhere that’s been frosted over the past four-five months.
Anyway I’ve seen some of the best live tennis of my life here. Federer, Nadal, Henman, Rochus…(maybe the most exciting player to watch, they don’t call him the BIG “O” for nothing) Ferrer, Grojean, Sharapova and many more. More intimate stadiums, so unlike the grand slams, if you aren’t front row you can still see perfectly fine, and it also feels much less hectic than other events I’ve been to.
My dad and I also had some amazing dinners, next to Safin and his entourage at Le Bouchon de Grove in Coconut Grove and Tapas close by. Both incredible dining experiences. I could also tell you what a place South Beach is but hopefully you already know…something for everyone! If you haven’t been, get there at some point because there is no place like it. Anywhere.