3/14 – Tennis’ Best Meet in Indian Wells & Miami

When the top men’s and women’s tennis players in the world visit the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., and the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami – the two biggest tennis tournaments in the world outside the majors – fans will enjoy an extensive schedule on ESPN3, with action also on ESPN2 and on ABC. Last year at these events, Novak Djokovic was ramping up his historic 2011 season with victories in the final of both events over Rafael Nadal – whom he also defeated in this year’s memorable Australian Open final.  On the woman’s side, Caroline Wozniacki defeated Maria Sharapova in the Indian Wells semifinal and Marion Bartoli for the title.  In Miami, Victoria Azarenka – who is now No. 1 in the world after defeating Sharapova in the Australian Open final – won the title for a second time, beating Sharapova. ESPN3 will present 125 hours combined from the events, streaming live the world feed from the main court at each tournament (started March 10 at Indian Wells, starts March 24 in Miami).  ESPN3 will simulcast ESPN2’s matches and offer more than 100 hours of action not aired on ESPN2 or ABC.  At Indian Wells, this includes the four women’s quarterfinals, the three men’s quarterfinals not on ESPN2 and one women’s semifinal.Indian Wells – ESPN2 will air a men’s quarterfinal and a women’s semifinal Friday, March 16 with the men’s semifinals broadcast on ABC on Saturday, March 17, and the men’s and women’s finals on ABC on Sunday, March 18.    Miami – action from the quarterfinals and semifinals March 28 – 30 on ESPN2. In California, Chris Fowler will call matches with analysts Darren Cahill, Mary Joe Fernandez and Pam Shriver.  In Florida, Fowler and Fernandez will be joined by Cliff Drysdale, Brad Gilbert and Patrick McEnroe.