Sharapova and Wozniacki Hit the Courts at Indian Wells

(March 10, 2012) With television and online streaming coverage commencing for the BNP Paribas Open, tennis fans around the world will finally be able to catch the action on the purple courts of the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Here's a quick preview of some of the must see matches on the women's side today.

Ekaterina Makarova vs. Caroline Wozniacki

Defending champion Caroline Wozniacki has a tough opening match against the Russian Ekaterina Makarova who reached the quarterfinals of Melbourne back in January. With her lefty serve and big two- handed backhanded, Makarova can make anyone struggle but so far she's been unable to notch a win against Wozniacki in their previous two meetings.

Makarova is coming back to the tour after dealing with a right wrist injury and even though Wozniacki is vulnerable at the moment, it's expected "Sunshine" will burn bright today with a straight sets win.

Sam Stosur vs. Irina Falconi

Falconi, the charismatic young American who's been writing a witty and insightful blog this week for the WTA site, will face another test when she meets current U.S. Open Champion Sam Stosur for the first time. Stosur, after a dismal trip down under in January, appeared to right her game when she made the finals in Doha last month.

Though Falconi will have nothing to lose and will likely be cheered on by the partisan crowd, expect Stosur to get through, despite a few wobbles, in a straight sets victory.

Gisela Dulko vs. Maria Sharapova

Former IW champion Maria Sharapova will meet a familiar foe in the Argentine Gisela Dulko  who has played the Russian four times on tour including at this year's Australian Open.

Except for a three set win over Sharapova at Wimbledon a few years ago, every other match between these two has ended up a straight set rout in favor of the three-time Major champion. Sharapova, who hasn't played since the Paris Indoors last month, will be looking to get a good workout and some court time on the main stadium, and she'll get both in another easy straight set win.

Upset to watch for: Francesca Schiavone vs. Lesia Tsurenko

Francesca Schiavone, the former French Open champion, has a dismal start to 2012 with early round losses at all the events she's entered. Her recent loss to the Ukrainian Tsurenko during Fed Cup last month, in Italy on clay, was a further sign of the gutty Italian's recent woes.

Tsurenko, ranked No. 115, will come into this match with confidence and since Schiavone appears to have none and is playing at a event that she's had only mediocre success at, don't be surprised if Schiavone finds herself packing for Miami tomorrow.