By: Christopher Menendez

Miami- It is a beautiful Easter Sunday at The Miami Open in Crandon Tennis Park. The air is filled with mixed emotions after yesterday’s multiple high profile exits. Needless to say, today has featured a slew of exciting matches for all in attendance.

After Federer’s withdrawal Argentine Horacio Zeballos received a second chance to prove himself in the men’s singles draw. Today he succeeded Spain’s Fernando Verdasco after a grueling three-set match that had the player’s neck and neck from beginning to end. The grandstand saw smart tennis techniques from both left-handed players who had each other chasing the ball.

Angelique Kerber, who recently earned her maiden Grand Slam title at the 2016 Australian Open, advances to the fourth round after Kiki Bertens retires from the game in the third set, 1-6, 6-2, 3-0. It seems Kerber’s left-handed luck continues to be on her side.

Tomas Berdych, emerging from a walkover in the third round, played American Steve Johnson in the main stadium today. Berdych beat Johnson, 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-3. In the fifth round, Berdych will play Gasquet in the next round.

After beating World no.4 Suarez Navarro earlier this week, CoCo Vandeweghe (USA) advanced to the third round in the women’s singles tournament against Monica Niculescu. Vandeweghe lost to

Niculescu, 4-6, 1-6. Vandeweghe’s best result here is reaching the 16th round in 2014.

The World no. 14 Dominic Thiem beat Next Generation player Yoshihito Nishioka, 6-2, 6-2. Thiem is the youngest player in the ATP rankings and currently stands at no. 13. He had a solid run in the fourth round at Indian Wells where he lost to Tsonga (who advanced to the next round in a win yesterday).

Richard Gasquet competed against fellow countrymen Benoit Paire and won, 6-3, 6-0. Gasquet is currently ranked no. 2 among Frenchmen with 13 titles.

About the Miami Open presented by Itaú

The 2016 Miami Open will be played March 21-April 3 at the Crandon Tennis Center in Miami. The two-week combined event is owned and operated by IMG. The Miami Open is one of nine ATP Masters 1000 Series events on the ATP calendar, a Premier Mandatory event on the WTA calendar, and features the top men’s and women’s tennis players in the world. The tournament is widely regarded as the most glamorous on the ATP and WTA calendars because of its exotic Miami location, thriving nightlife, five-star hotels and restaurants, beautiful weather and beaches, and its celebrity appeal. For ticket information, call +1.305.442.3367 or visit www.miamiopen.com.

About Itaú

Itau is the largest Latin America privately owned bank, with approximately 95,000 employees and operations in 20 countries throughout the Americas, Asia and Europe. Itaú’s relationship with sport goes back to the 1970s, when Itaú first sponsored the Itaú Tennis Cup in Brazil in 1970. Itaú has been a sponsor of the Miami Open for the last six years, and also sponsors the Rio Open, the only combined ATP/WTA event in South America. Itaú also supports the Brazilian Women’s Tennis Circuit, only female professional tournament in South America, certified by the Brazilian Tennis Confederation (CBT) and the International Tennis Federation (ITF), as well as the Tennis Institute Training Center, responsible for the development of young, new talent.

About IMG

IMG is a global leader in sports, fashion and media operating in more than 25 countries around the world. IMG’s businesses include Events Media, College, Golf, Tennis, Performance and IMG Academy, Fashion, Models, Clients, Licensing, Joint Ventures, and creative management agency Art + Commerce. In 2014, IMG was acquired by WME, the world’s leading entertainment and media agency. Together, the companies offer an unparalleled client roster; strategic partnerships with sponsors and brands; and marquee assets across sports, entertainment, events, music and fashion.