Miami Open Unites: Players Help South Florida’s Most Vulnerable

Participants volunteered their time at five organizations across Miami-Dade

by Daniel Perisse

Miami Gardens, FL (March 21, 2023) – On March 20, several players taking part in the 2023 Miami Open took a break from their practice routines to be part of the third edition of the Miami Open Unites campaign, a day of service that brings together ATP and WTA players, tournament staff and volunteers to help South Florida’s most vulnerable in various philanthropic initiatives across Miami-Dade County.

Participants volunteered their time at five organizations. The journey began with Rebuilding Together, an activity in which Alex de Minaur, Diego Schwartzman, Caroline Garcia and Karolina Pliskova painted the exterior of a veteran’s home. Later that morning, Casper Ruud, Lorenzo Musetti, Yibing Wu, Barbora Krejcikova and Belinda Bencic went to the Miami Humane Society to look after adoptable puppies, increasing their chances of finding a new home.

In the afternoon, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Holger Rune and Marie Bouzkova weeded and planted in an urban garden with Health in the Hood, with all produce grown distributed free-of-charge to families, local food pantries, churches, and community centers.

Felix Auger-Aliassime, Denis Kudla, Madison Keys, Alycia Parks and James Blake, Tournament Director, ran a tennis clinic with First Serve Miami for Big Brothers, Big Sisters participants at the Moore Park Tennis Center, founded by Miami Open founder Butch Buchholz and tennis legend Arthur Ashe.

“We are thrilled to hold the third edition of Miami Open Unites,” said Blake. “This initiative brings our players and volunteers together to make a positive impact on our community, showing that we all can make a difference when we unite for a common cause. It is truly a favorite initiative for both the players and staff.”

At the end of the day, Andy Murray, Jannik Sinner, Sebastian Korda, Paula Badosa and Magda Linette, along with employees from tournament sponsor Hologic, served dinner for those in need at Miami Rescue Mission.

Each tour and the Miami Open tournament donated $5,000 to Miami Rescue Mission, and Hologic generously donated an additional $10,000.

“We’re proud to partner with Miami Open Unites, WTA Charities and top tennis pros to make a difference in the local community through volunteer service and philanthropy, just as we’re proud to help communities worldwide by giving year-round to important causes like women’s health, social equality and education,” said Hologic Vice President of Communications Jane Mazur.

Photos from the activities can be found here.