Study Calendar

Maria Sharapova made her debut at the Miami Open in 2003 as a 15-year-old qualifier. She lost in the first round to eventual runner-up Monica Seles. This year, she returned to the tournament as the No. 2 seed and the highest-ranked player in the draw. She will face her first opponent on Friday.

In her first match, Sharapova will play against Nadia Petrova, a fellow Russian she has known for years. The two have faced each other five times before, with Sharapova leading 3-2 in their head-to-head record. Their last meeting was in the semi-finals of the 2012 French Open, where Sharapova won 6-3, 6-3.

“I’ve known Nadia since I was 11 or 12 years old,” Sharapova said. “She’s a very experienced player, and we’ve had some tough matches. It’s never easy to play against someone you’ve known for so long, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Petrova, currently ranked No. 26, advanced to the second round after defeating American qualifier Bethanie Mattek-Sands 6-4, 6-2 on Wednesday. The 30-year-old Petrova has won 13 WTA titles in her career, including the 2006 French Open doubles title with Sharapova.

Sharapova, who won the Miami Open in 2005 and 2006, is seeking her third title at this event. She has been in strong form this season, reaching the semi-finals of the Australian Open and winning the title in Stuttgart. The 26-year-old Russian is confident about her chances in Miami.

“I feel good about my game right now,” Sharapova said. “I’ve been working hard, and I’m excited to be back in Miami. It’s a tournament I’ve always enjoyed, and I hope to do well here.”

The winner of the Sharapova-Petrova match will face either American Sloane Stephens or Frenchwoman Alize Cornet in the third round. Stephens, 20, is considered one of the rising stars in women’s tennis, while Cornet, 23, has been a consistent performer on the WTA Tour.

Other notable matches on Friday include No. 3 seed Serena Williams taking on Italian Flavia Pennetta, and No. 4 seed Victoria Azarenka facing German Angelique Kerber. Williams, a five-time Miami Open champion, is looking to add to her collection of titles, while Azarenka, a two-time Australian Open champion, is seeking her first Miami Open title.

Miami Open

The Miami Open is a prestigious professional tennis tournament held annually in Miami Gardens, Florida, typically in March or April. Established in 1985, it quickly became a key event on the ATP and WTA tours, known for attracting top-ranked players and large crowds. The tournament has been hosted at the Hard Rock Stadium since 2019, following its long tenure at the Tennis Center at Crandon Park in Key Biscayne.

French Open

The French Open, also known as Roland Garros, is a prestigious Grand Slam tennis tournament held annually in Paris, France. It was first established in 1891 and is famous for being played on red clay courts, which makes it a unique and challenging event in the sport. The tournament takes its name from the aviator Roland Garros, and its history includes legendary champions like Rafael Nadal, who has dominated the event with numerous titles.

Australian Open

The Australian Open is a major tennis tournament held annually in Melbourne, Australia, typically in January. It first took place in 1905 as the Australasian Championships, evolving into one of the four Grand Slam events. Known for its hard courts and intense summer heat, the tournament attracts top

Miami Open

The Miami Open is a prestigious professional tennis tournament held annually in Miami Gardens, Florida. Established in 1985, it quickly grew into one of the most important events on the ATP and WTA tours, often referred to as the “fifth major” due to its high player participation and status. The tournament has been hosted at the Hard Rock Stadium since 2019, moving from its long-time home at the Crandon Park Tennis Center in Key Biscayne.

French Open

The French Open, also known as Roland-Garros, is a prestigious Grand Slam tennis tournament held annually in Paris, France. Established in 1891, it is the only major clay-court championship and is named after the French aviator Roland Garros. The tournament is renowned for its slow, high-bouncing surface, which tests players’ endurance and skill.

Australian Open

The Australian Open is a major annual tennis tournament held in Melbourne, Australia, and is one of the four Grand Slam events. First held in 1905 as the Australasian Championships, it has grown to become a premier sporting event, known for its intense summer heat and hard court surface at Melbourne Park. The tournament attracts top players from around the world and is famous for its vibrant atmosphere and night matches.

Hard Rock Stadium

Hard Rock Stadium, located in Miami Gardens, Florida, opened in 1987 as Joe Robbie Stadium and has since been home to the NFL’s Miami Dolphins and the University of Miami Hurricanes football team. It has undergone several major renovations, including a canopy roof added in 2015-2016, and has hosted numerous iconic events such as multiple Super Bowls, the 2010 MLB All-Star Game, and international soccer matches. The stadium also played a key role in the 2020 Miami Open tennis tournament and will host matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Tennis Center at Crandon Park

The Tennis Center at Crandon Park, located on Key Biscayne in Miami, Florida, is a renowned tennis facility best known for hosting the Miami Open from 1987 to 2018. Originally built in the 1980s, the center features a 14,000-seat main stadium and was designed to complement the park’s natural tropical environment. Its history includes serving as a premier stop on the ATP and WTA tours, attracting top players and large crowds before the tournament moved to a new location in 2019.

Key Biscayne

Key Biscayne is a barrier island in Miami-Dade County, Florida, known for its pristine beaches and the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse, built in 1825. The island has a rich history, including its use as a coconut plantation and a strategic military outpost during the Seminole Wars and the Civil War. Today, it is a popular recreational destination, featuring Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and upscale residential communities.

Roland Garros

Roland Garros, located in Paris, France, is the iconic tennis stadium complex that hosts the annual French Open, one of the four Grand Slam tournaments. Originally built in 1928, the venue was named after the pioneering French aviator Roland Garros, who was a World War I fighter pilot. Its distinctive red clay courts have made it a legendary and challenging site in the world of professional tennis.

Stuttgart

Stuttgart, the capital of Baden-Württemberg in Germany, has a rich history dating back to the 10th century when it was a stud farm for the Dukes of Württemberg. It evolved into a major industrial hub in the 19th and 20th centuries, famously becoming the birthplace of the automobile with pioneers like Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz. Today, Stuttgart is known for its automotive industry, vibrant cultural scene, and landmarks like the Stuttgart State Opera and the Mercedes-Benz Museum.