More than 800 Hours with Seven Courts Covered from Start to Finish on WatchESPN

Venus to Join Serena with Return to Indian Wells after Long Absence

Djokovic Defending Two Titles

In March, ESPN has extensive coverage of tennis’ two biggest tournaments outside the four Majors – the BNP Paribas Open from Indian Wells, Calif., and the Miami Open presented by Itaú, including action from seven courts on WatchESPN from start to finish. The 48 hours on TV and WatchESPN includes the women’s and men’s semifinals and championships from both events. In addition, the multi-court presentation on ESPN3 starts the first day of action from each – Wednesday, March 9, at Indian Wells and Wednesday, March 23, in Miami.

Aside from each event’s impact on the season-long points race – including top-ranked Novak Djokovic defending both titles – the biggest storyline is Venus Williams joining her sister Serena to Indian Wells after a 15-year boycott. The elder Williams has skipped the event since 2001; Serena returned to the event last year.

ESPN’s lead tennis host Chris Fowler will work both events, joined in California by Patrick McEnroe who will do double duty calling matches and serving as analyst, Chrissie Evert, Brad Gilbert and Pam Shriver; and in Florida by Darren Cahill, Cliff Drysdale, Mary Joe Fernandez and Gilbert.

BNP Paribas Open, Indian Wells, Calif.

• WatchESPN: Daily coverage totaling more than 400 hours March 9 – 20 providing matches from up to seven courts, including the three main venues (Stadiums 1, 2 and 3). ATP matches in Spanish.
• TV and WatchESPN: 23 hours starting Thursday, March 17, and concludes with the Women’s and Men’s Championships on ESPN on Sunday, March 20.
• Chris Fowler, Chrissie Evert, Brad Gilbert, Patrick McEnroe, Pam Shriver
• Defending Champions: Novak Djokovic (two-time defending champ), Simona Halep

Miami Open presented by Itaú, Miami

• WatchESPN: Daily coverage totaling more than 400 hours March 23 – April 3, with all matches from up to seven courts, including the three main venues (Stadium, Grandstand, Court 1). ATP matches in Spanish.
• TV and WatchESPN: 25 hours starting Wednesday, March 30, and continues through the Women’s Championship (Sat., April 2) and the Men’s Championship (Sun., April 3) on ESPN2.
• Chris Fowler and Cliff Drysdale will share play-by-play duties, working with analysts Darren Cahill, Mary Joe Fernandez and Brad Gilbert
• Defending Champions: Novak Djokovic (two-time defending champ), Serena Williams (three-time defending champ

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