SHARAPOVA FORCED TO WITHDRAW FROM MIAMI OPEN
MIAMI (March 16, 2018) – Five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova has been forced to withdraw from the 2018 Miami Open due to a forearm injury. 22-year-old American Jennifer Brady moves into the main draw.
“I am really sorry that I have to withdrawal from one of my favorite tournaments with my left forearm injury. I am doing everything possible to return to the tour as soon as possible.”
“I know how much Maria wanted to play Miami this year, so I can imagine her disappointment,” said Miami Open Tournament Director James Blake. “We were looking forward to seeing her play Wednesday, but unfortunately injuries are part of the game. We hope she recovers quickly and is back on the court soon.”
Blake added, “We are in the final stages of preparation for the 2018 tournament and look forward to hosting another world class event with an incredibly strong player field.”
The men’s player field features several Grand Slam singles winners including defending Miami Open champion Roger Federer, who claimed his 20th major title at this year’s Australian Open. The men’s field also boasts Australian Open finalist Marin Cilic; former US Open Champion Juan Martin del Potro; and six-time Miami Open champion Novak Djokovic.
On the women’s side, there is no shortage of competition. Simona Halep, currently ranked No. 1 in the world, will be challenged by 2018 Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki; seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus Williams; 2017 US Open finalist Madison Keys; two-time Grand Slam winner Garbiñe Muguruza and reigning US Open champion Sloane Stephens.
Tickets are on sale now. Packages start at $136 and individual session tickets start at $35. Fans looking to catch all the action can purchase tickets online at www.miamiopen.com or call the Miami Open Ticket Office at 305-442-3367 to watch the tournament during its final Key Biscayne appearance.
The fun is not limited to the action happening on the courts. Fans can enjoy an array of activities from cooling off in the Stella Artois Center Court Lounge or honing your skills in the fast serve cage.
About the Miami Open presented by Itaú
The 2018 Miami Open will be played March 19-April 1 at the Crandon Park 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 94,000 employees and operations in 19 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, events and media, operating in more than 30 countries. The company represents and manages some of the world’s greatest sports figures and fashion icons; stages hundreds of live events and branded entertainment experiences annually; and is one of the largest independent producers and distributors of sports media. IMG also specializes in sports training; league development; and marketing, media and licensing for brands, sports organizations and collegiate institution
