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.
