10 great places to indulge your love for tennis

— -- March is a big month for professional tennis, with top tournaments scheduled back-to-back in California and Florida. As the 2009 men's and women's pro tours heat up, Bud Collins, who has covered tennis worldwide for more than 40 years (budcollinstennis.com), shares his favorite venues with Tim Smight for USA TODAY.

Indian Wells Tennis GardenIndian Wells, Calif.

This state-of-the-art facility, which hosts the BNP Paribas Open from March 9 to 22, boasts the second-largest tennis stadium in the world (seating capacity 16,000) and a full-service tennis club. "It's a beautifully designed venue, situated right at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains," Collins says. "The tournament draws many of the world's elite players, the weather is ideal, and the atmosphere friendly and festive." The nearby golf courses, shops and restaurants of Palm Springs offer plenty of diversions. 800-999-1585; bnpparibasopen.org

Tennis Center at Crandon ParkKey Biscayne, Fla.

Now in its 25th year, the Sony Ericsson Open has grown to become one of the world's premier pro tournaments, drawing dozens of top players to South Florida each spring. "The setting is wonderful, just a stone's throw from the Atlantic Ocean," Collins says. "The atmosphere here has a touch of Latin culture to it, with terrific food and music." This year's tournament starts March 25 and runs through April 5. 800-725-5472; sonyericssonopen.com

Foro ItalicoRome

Built in the 1930s, Foro Italico encompasses several historic sports venues, including the Stadio Olympico, which hosted the 1960 Olympic Games. The Internazionali BNL d'Italia will be held April 25 through May 9. "The tennis center sits at the foot of Monte Mario, the highest hill in Rome," Collins says. "The back courts here are particularly appealing — they're surrounded by tall pines and terraced lawns, allowing fans to sit on the grass in the shade and watch the matches." Another unique aspect to this clay-court event: Men and women compete in successive weeks (men play first). internazionalibnlditalia.it