Brad Falkner
The Tennis Channel
It all started back in 1976 when tight tennis shorts, headbands, and tube socks were the rage. In that centennial year, a modest tennis event took place at the Mission Hills Country Club in Palm Springs, and was won by Charlie Pasarell, who would go on to become the tournament's chairman and director. Few tennis tournaments around the world can compare with the rich history of the Pacific Life Open. The list of distinguished men's champions reads like a who's-who of tennis greats, including current and future hall of famers Jimmy Connors (three times), Michael Chang (three times), Jim Courier (twice), Pete Sampras (twice), Lleyton Hewitt (twice), Pete Sampras (twice), Yannick Noah, Andre Agassi, and defending champion Roger Federer.
The women's tournament began in 1989 as the Virginia Slims of Indian Wells and has had a host of notable champions such as Steffi Graf, Mary Joe Ferenadez, Lindsay Daveneport, Serena Williams and Martina Navratilova, who have each captured the coveted title twice. Martina Hingis, Kim Cljisters, Monica Seles, and defending champion Justine Henin Hardenne are also have also hoisted the crown.
This year marks the tenth time that the men and women will play concurrently and over 250 players will compete in the singles competition during the two weeks of Pacific Life Open action. Last year, the men's draw increased to 96 players, matching the woman's draw.
Tennis fans of all ages will find much more than world-class tennis at the 2005 Pacific Life Open. Exciting events for the entire family are taking place at this year's tournament, held March 9-20 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, include the popular Salute to Heroes (Friday evening, March 11), Mathis Brothers Furniture Family Weekend (March 11-13), "Live with Bud," Mercedes-Benz Ladies Day presented by Trina Turk (Saturday, March 12), and a variety of nightly entertainment in the Tennis Village.
"This tournament has always been about much more than first-class tennis," said Charlie Pasarell, tournament director. "The Pacific Life Open offers off-court entertainment for fans of every age, and this year, as we celebrate our 30th anniversary, fans have even more to look forward to."
The world's greatest men's players will unite for a special charity exhibition event during the Pacific Life Open designed to benefit UNICEF and other worldwide tsunami relief efforts. Roger Federer, winner of the 2004 INDESIT ATP Race and defending champion of the Pacific Life Open, was the catalyst behind organizing the event to be held at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on Friday, March 11.
"In Australia in January, the players were talking about what we could do as a group," Federer said. "I'm delighted that we will come together to play in this unique event designed to raise funds for tsunami relief efforts. It's an important cause and the night will be a very enjoyable one for the fans who come watch."
Brad Falkner, a member of the International Tennis Writers Association, has traveled the globe covering professional tennis for a variety of media outlets including Sports Ticker, U.S. Open.org, USTA.com, Tennis Week.com, Tennis reporters.net, Tennis Magazine, Tennis life, and Inside Tennis.
