The next couple of weeks, tennis’ spotlight shifts to Miami as the ATP and WTA’s best players descend on Crandon Park to battle for the Sony Ericsson Open trophy.
Leading the troops for the ATP will be this year’s Australian Open champion and world number one, Roger Federer. After an early exit at Indian Wells, Federer is looking to regain his form by ending a four year drought in South Florida. However, Federer’s task won’t be easy. Defending champion and 2010 Australian Open finalist, Andy Murray, will attempt to make it two in a row while Rafael Nadal after being sidelined by injuries for weeks will try to prevail for the first time in Miami.
Also, not to be forgotten, Novak Djokovic, Sony’s 2008 victor and new world number two, who like Federer stumbled at Indian Wells will be ready to sizzle in the Miami heat. After advancing to the finals at Indian Wells, Andy Roddick, the champion in 2004, will see if he can continue his excellent play in the Magic City. All this bodes well for a very competitive tournament on the men side.
Although reigning Australian Open champion and five time Sony winner, Serena Williams, will be absent due to injury, sister Venus, a three time vanquisher at Sony is hoping to capture glories of old. Venus last reached the finals in 2001. But, Victoria Azarenka, last year’s conqueror, will have plenty to say as she sets her eyes on a second straight Sony prize. In addition, Caroline Wozniacki, the 2009 U.S. Open finalist and Jelena Jankovic, 2008 Sony finalist, who squared off in the finals at Indian Wells will do their best to carry their momentum down to Sony.
After a disastrous start to the season, former Sony winner and 2009 French Open champ Svetlana Kuznetsova is searching to reestablish her footing by doing well in Miami. Yet, the most intriguing players on the women side are Kim Clijsters and wildcard entrant Justine Henin. With both ladies fresh out of retirement and having quickly found their winning ways, the field can be said to be wide open.
Along with singles, there will be plenty of doubles action to enjoy. After being derailed at Indian Wells in the first round, Mike and Bob Bryan will be seeking redemption while Daniel Nestor and Nenad Zimonjic who were disappointed in the finals in the desert by Marc Lopez and Nadal will be trying to make amends. Liezel Huber and Cara Black, the ladies’ top seed, hope that this will be the year they will breakthrough with their initial title in Miami.
Qualification rounds start today. To purchase tickets, take a look at the draws and for more detailed information, click on sonyericssonopen.com.
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