For the pro tennis scene, March is a special month for Florida, as the highest-level professional tournament in the state, the Miami Open, takes place at Hard Rock Stadium from March 17 to March 31. While some of the top tennis players in the world will be battling it out, USTA Florida will be commemorating their 75th year as an organization in a special way.
USTA Florida has teamed up with local graffiti artist, Sergio Quinonez, also known as “SURGE” to create a mural that will be the centerpiece of the Sunset Terrace Triangle. This mural not only pops out to catch the attention of spectators but captures the rich history of Florida champions that have competed at the tournament. The organization doesn’t want to spoil the surprise, so make sure when you’re at the 2024 Miami Open to take pictures in front of this masterpiece and share your photos on social media using the hashtag ‘#USTAFL75’ for a chance to be featured on USTA Florida platforms.
On the tournament side, there are seven confirmed players set to compete in the Main Draw.
Those players are Coco Gauff, Ben Shelton, Amanda Anisimova, Sebastian Korda, Sloane Stephens, Danielle Collins, and Sofia Kenin. The Doubles Draw hasn’t been confirmed yet, but the likes of Austin Krajicek and Nicole Melichar-Martinez are expected to compete as well.
For Coco Gauff, she is looking to build on her success at the Miami Open last year. A year ago, Gauff fell in the third round of the singles draw but dominated doubles with her partner Jessica Pegula. Expect to see that pair eager to defend their title, but Gauff will also be pushing to win singles in the Sunshine State.
The other young phenom of the Florida section is none other than Ben Shelton. At 21 years old, Ben is looking for his second career pro title. In October of 2023, Shelton won the Japan Open Tennis Championship and is looking to stay hot early on in 2024. This will mark his second-ever appearance at the Miami Open.
Amanda Anisimova, who made her comeback to tennis this year after taking half of 2023 off, has looked great so far in 2024. Anisimova made some noise at the Australian Open earlier this year, where she reached the Round of 16. Her loss came to the eventual winner, Aryna Sabalenka. She has never won the Miami Open but is ready to change that in the history books.
Also representing the section is Sebastian Korda, a skilled all-around player who is looking for his second career tournament win. Korda won the 2021 Emilia-Romagna Open and has had some good runs since then.
A former champion, Sloane Stephens, is ready to take the court and begin her journey at another Miami Open title. In 2018, Stephens dominated the competition and once again she is ready to put up a fight. She had a good showing at the Australian Open, winning her first two matches, before falling just short in a tough 3-set match.
Danielle Collins, who revealed earlier in the year that this would be her final season competing, is hopeful of going out on top. Collins first emerged on the scene in 2018 at this very tournament, where she stormed through some top names including, Venus Williams and CoCo Vandeweghe. Be on the lookout for Collins to make a run at a Miami Open title.
Finally, Sofia Kenin, a former Australian Open champion and Miami native is not a force to be taken lightly. Growing up in South Florida, Kenin is destined to put on a show where her tennis career began as a junior competitor.
The Miami Open begins on Sunday, March 17, and Florida players are ready to represent in their home state. Make sure to stop by the USTA Florida 75th Anniversary mural and get in on the yearlong celebration by visiting ustaflorida.com/75th. To stay updated on Florida players, make sure to follow USTA Florida on social media.
