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The news that the tournament will stay in south
Florida ended speculation it would move interstate or overseas
and delighted local resident Serena Williams.
"I am thrilled the Miami Open is staying in Miami, where it
belongs," the 23-times grand slam champion said on the
tournament website.
The centerpiece of the new facility will be a 14,000-seat center
court on the stadium field, with screens covering unused seats.
Organizers describe the move to the Miami Gardens location as a
significant update, with more courts (30 compared to 21 now),
more parking and better spectator and player facilities.
Organizers cited the move as necessary because the tournament
outgrew its current island home at Crandon Park, which will host
the event for the final time next March.
The Miami Open is one of nine ATP World Tour Masters 1000
events, the most prestigious level outside the grand slams and
ATP finals, and one of four Premier Mandatory Events on the WTA
women's tour.
(Reporting by Andrew Both in Cary, North Carolina; Editing by
Toby Davis)
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