Alcaraz, Swiatek Return to Defend Miami Open Titles

Returning champions appear as main favorites this year at Hard Rock Stadium

Miami Gardens, FL (March 18, 2023) – The 2023 Miami Open presented by Itaú brings again the world’s greatest players and the next generation of tennis legends to the Hard Rock Stadium courts from March 19 to April 2. The ATP and WTA’s official lists feature, respectively, last year’s champions Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek, who will be back to try to defend their titles.

Besides Swiatek, ranked number 1 in the world, the WTA draw brings to Magic City the 2023 Australian Open winner Aryna Sabalenka, 2022 US Open finalist Ons Jabeur, Florida native Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula, America’s best-ranked women in the WTA. Former Miami Open winners Sloane Stephens (2018) and Victoria Azarenka (2009, 2011, 2016) are also playing this year.

Among men, Alcaraz will face fierce competition against former Miami Open winners Hubert Hurkacz (2021) and John Isner (2018), and finalists Casper Ruud, Jannik Sinner, and Alexander Zverev. Taylor Fritz is the best ATP-ranked American player and is also among the favorites.

The ceremony for the Women’s Singles main draw will happen at 2pm on March 19 at the Final Set Stage, and matches begin on Tuesday, March 21. As for the Men’s Singles, the draw will take place on March 20, also at the Final Set Stage, with play starting on Wednesday, March 22.

The first draws to be played will be the qualifiers, to be held March 19-21 and that will determine 12 additional slots in each Singles’ draw. The Men and Women’s Doubles draws will be announced later next week, and matches start on March 23.

More than world-class tennis: Enjoy the entire Miami Open experience

Besides the thrilling on-court action for the fans to enjoy, a full line-up of events is scheduled for the next two weeks. With the qualifying beginning on a Sunday this year, this will be the first time the Miami Open will last 15 days, so fans can enjoy a great experience in the largest edition of this tournament yet.

For fans hungry for more than tennis, the 2023 Miami Open will offer several world-class dining and beverage experiences including Suviche, Novecento, Omakai, Kiki on the River and more, giving attendees a true taste of the city. Fans can also head to the Maestro Dobel Tequila Bar to sip on the ‘Ace Paloma’, the signature drink of the 2023 Miami Open.

“With a Sunday start this year, we can bring an extra day of the best tennis in the world to Miami,” said Miami Open Tournament Director, James Blake. “We’re also thrilled to offer a taste of the city to those on campus from around the world. Miami’s culture is so unique and vibrant, and we’re proud to be able to showcase it on site, bigger and better than ever before.”

On March 20, the Miami Open will also launch the third edition of the Miami Open Unites campaign. This day of service brings together ATP and WTA players, Miami Open staff, and volunteers to help South Florida’s most vulnerable in various philanthropic initiatives across Miami-Dade County.

There will also be an induction ceremony for the Orange Bowl Tennis Hall of Fame on March 27, and College Tennis will be one of the main attractions on March 31, with the University of Miami hosting Clemson for matches with both Men and Women’s teams. Kids’ Day powered by IMG Academy will be held on April 1, the same day of the Women’s Singles and Men’s Doubles Finals.

In the final Friday and Saturday of the tournament, the Miami Open will feature The Final Set presented by Stella Artois concert series with Afro-Cuban Grammy nominated funk artist Cimafunk (March 31) and legendary R&B group Kool & the Gang (April 1). Fans who purchase tickets to Sessions 22 and 23 will be treated to the concert immediately following the conclusion of play or trophy presentation, each day.

“The Miami Open has always been well known for mixing world-class tennis and entertainment,” said Miami Open Tournament Director James Blake. “Since moving the tournament to Hard Rock Stadium in 2019 we’ve taken both the tennis and the food, beverage, and entertainment to the next level. This concert series is the next step in showing our attendees we remain committed to continuing to evolve the tournament to create the best experience possible for them.”

For Finals weekend, play on Saturday, April 1 (Session 23), will commence at 12:30pm with the Men’s Doubles Final, followed by the Women’s Singles Final starting not before 3:00pm. On Sunday (Session 24), the Men’s Singles Final is scheduled for 1:00pm, followed by the Women’s Doubles Final, not before 3:30pm.