ATP Masters 1000 | Miami Open Presented by Itaú: A Dynamic Journey Through Tennis History

The Miami Open presented by Itaú is one of the most prominent and beloved tournaments on the global tennis calendar, known for its high-stakes matches, vibrant location, and elite participation. From its humble beginnings in the 1980s to its present-day status as one of the most important events outside the Grand Slams, the Miami Open has consistently shaped the sport’s evolution—both culturally and competitively.

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Founding Vision: Butch Buchholz and the “Winter Wimbledon”

The origins of the Miami Open trace back to Butch Buchholz, a former top-ten player and a driving force behind the tournament’s foundation. In the early 1980s, Buchholz envisioned a new kind of event—one that would rival the majors in scope, length, and prize money. He wanted to create a “Winter Wimbledon” that would take place during a traditionally quiet period in the tennis calendar, offering players and fans alike a marquee event before the European clay swing began.

The tournament was launched in 1985 under the name Lipton International Players Championships, with the inaugural edition held at Delray Beach, Florida. It quickly made waves as one of the first tournaments to offer men’s and women’s competitions with equal prominence. The following year, it moved to Boca Raton, before finally finding a more permanent home in Key Biscayne, an island just off the coast of Miami.

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Establishing a Tennis Tradition

From 1987 to 2018, the Miami Open was staged at the Crandon Park Tennis Center in Key Biscayne, where it evolved into one of the most anticipated stops on both the ATP and WTA Tours. With its tropical setting, hard courts, and early-spring scheduling, the event became part of the prestigious “Sunshine Double,” pairing with the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.

During this era, the tournament regularly drew the sport’s biggest names. Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf, Serena and Venus Williams, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic all delivered memorable moments on Crandon Park’s Stadium Court. The venue became synonymous with high-intensity finals, dramatic weather swings, and loyal South Florida crowds.

However, as the tournament grew, limitations at Crandon Park—including local development restrictions and outdated infrastructure—became increasingly apparent. Buchholz and his successors explored various options for renovation, but legal constraints made large-scale improvements impossible.

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Hard Rock Stadium: A New Chapter Begins

In 2019, after years of legal and logistical challenges, the Miami Open moved from Key Biscayne to its new home at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, the same site that hosts the NFL’s Miami Dolphins. This marked a significant shift—not just in location but in identity.

Transforming a football stadium into a world-class tennis venue was no small feat. A custom-built, 14,000-seat temporary center court was constructed inside the stadium bowl, and dozens of outer courts were installed across the surrounding grounds. The new layout offered fans improved facilities, expanded food and entertainment options, shaded seating, and better transportation access.

Though some fans and purists were initially skeptical of the change, the modern infrastructure and larger footprint allowed the Miami Open to flourish in ways previously impossible. Attendance surged, and players embraced the enhanced locker rooms, training spaces, and hospitality offerings.

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Tournament Milestones and Champions

Throughout its history, the Miami Open has been the site of many career-defining moments. Andre Agassi holds six titles at the event, while Serena Williams captured an impressive eight, dominating the Key Biscayne courts for over a decade. Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer have both left indelible marks on the tournament—Djokovic in particular, with six titles that helped solidify his hard-court legacy.

The event has also witnessed breakthrough performances from younger stars. Players like Carlos Alcaraz, Naomi Osaka, and Iga Świątek have used the Miami Open as a springboard for their rise to the top of the game. With its deep draws, elite competition, and early-season timing, the Miami Open often foreshadows the form players carry into the Grand Slam events.

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A Combined ATP and WTA Showcase

One of the defining features of the Miami Open from the start has been its commitment to hosting both ATP and WTA events concurrently. Unlike many tournaments, where men’s and women’s events are held separately, Miami has always offered a unified stage. This not only adds prestige but reinforces the tournament’s role in promoting gender parity and elevating the sport as a whole.

For two weeks each March, fans can witness both top-tier men’s and women’s matches side by side, from opening rounds to championship weekend. The format helps the tournament draw wide international attention and ensures consistent participation from top-ranked players.

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Itaú’s Role and Continued Growth

The title sponsor, Itaú, a major Brazilian bank, came on board in 2009. The partnership helped stabilize and expand the tournament’s global reach, particularly into Latin America. Given Miami’s diverse population and strong cultural ties to the region, Itaú’s involvement has added a layer of international identity that aligns with the city’s global character.

The event’s recent upgrades have also embraced entertainment beyond tennis—live music performances, culinary showcases, family activities, and luxury hospitality packages have turned the Miami Open into a lifestyle event that blends sport, culture, and commerce.

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The Future of the Miami Open

Today, the Miami Open presented by Itaú remains one of the most important events on the calendar for both tours. It continues to evolve in response to changing fan expectations, emerging talent, and innovations in event management. With Hard Rock Stadium as its new base, the tournament is positioned for sustained growth and relevance in the years ahead.

Though its days at Crandon Park are remembered fondly, the Miami Open’s future looks brighter than ever. Its rich history, combined with its embrace of modernity, ensures that it will remain a vital force in professional tennis—where legends are made, new stars are born, and Miami continues to shine on the global stage.

So come on now and meet our team of experts!