Miami Open 2025 Preview: Florida’s best should shine on home soil

The 2025 Miami Open presented by Itaú is coming soon and tennis fans around the globe are gearing up for two weeks of thrilling action at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. With a rich history dating back to 1985, this tournament has long been one of the premier stops on the professional tour, often earning the title of the “Fifth Grand Slam.”  

The Miami Open is part of the ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 series, making it one of the most important events on the calendar. Following Indian Wells, it remains the second leg of the prestigious "Sunshine Double," where players compete in back-to-back hard court tournaments in the U.S.

The tournament's roots trace back to the early 1980s, when former ATP executive Butch Buchholz envisioned a world-class tennis event in Florida. The inaugural edition took place in 1985 in Delray Beach before briefly moving to Boca West in 1986. By 1987, it found its long-term home in Key Biscayne, where it remained for over three decades. During this era, the event became known as the Lipton International Players Championships, later evolving into the Sony Ericsson Open and eventually the Miami Open presented by Itaú.

Above: Coco Gauff. Photo credit: Miami Open presented by Itaú / Hard Rock Stadium.

For years, Crandon Park in Key Biscayne was synonymous with the tournament. However, as the event grew in popularity, the aging facility became a concern. Legal disputes prevented necessary upgrades, leading tournament organizers to relocate in 2019 to its current venue—Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. The move modernized the event, bringing state-of-the-art courts and increased fan engagement while maintaining its reputation as one of the most dynamic stops on the tour.

The 2025 Miami Open won’t just be about international superstars—it will also be a showcase for Florida’s own top talent. There are so many Florida-based pros to spotlight but four WTA players to watch would be Coco Gauff, Sloane Stephens, Sofia Kenin, and defending champ Danielle Collins. Meanwhile, four ATP players to look out for include Ben Shelton, Reilly Opelka, Sebastian Korda, and Austin Krajicek.

Coco Gauff, a Delray Beach native, is one of the biggest names in women’s tennis. Having already claimed a Grand Slam title at the 2023 US Open, Gauff will look to win her first Miami Open this year. She reached the semifinals in 2023 and has since continued to mature as a player. With her explosive athleticism and improved serve, she could be dangerous in this year’s draw.

Above: Sloane Stephens. Photo credit: Miami Open presented by Itaú / Hard Rock Stadium.

Miami has also been a successful tournament for Sloane Stephens, who won the 2018 title after a dominant run. While her results have been inconsistent in recent years, the contender from Ft. Lauderdale remains a player who can rise to the occasion on big stages. She also won a Grand Slam title at the 2017 US Open.

Sofia Kenin, another Florida-based player from Pembroke Pines, is also searching for a return to top form. A former Grand Slam champion at the Australian Open in 2020, Kenin has battled injuries and inconsistency but possesses the tactical brilliance to compete with the best. Case in point: she won the Miami Open doubles title last year with Bethanie Mattek-Sands.

Danielle Collins captured the biggest title of her career when she won the Miami Open last year. The St. Petersburg native delivered an unforgettable performance and followed it up with a back-to-back title at the Charleston Open. While she initially planned to retire at the end of 2024, she should be returning to Miami to defend her crown. She'll be one to watch, given her powerful game and fiery on-court presence.

Above: Danielle Collins. Photo credit: Miami Open presented by Itaú / Hard Rock Stadium.

On the men’s side, Ben Shelton is showing promise as he continues to climb up the rankings. The University of Florida standout reached the semifinals at the 2025 Australian Open and will look to carry that momentum into Miami. His big lefty serve and fearless play make him one of the most exciting young players on tour.

After struggling with injuries, Reilly Opelka made a stunning return at the start of 2025, defeating Novak Djokovic in Brisbane. The 6-foot-11 Floridian from Delray Beach reminded everyone of his massive serve and powerful game, proving he can still compete with the best. If he finds his rhythm, he’ll be a tough opponent in the draw.

Sebastian Korda, the son of former Australian Open champion Petr Korda, has long been regarded as one of America’s top young talents. The Bradenton native has a smooth all-court game and his shot-making ability is up there with the best. A strong Miami Open performance could be the breakthrough moment he’s been searching for.

Above: Sebastian Korda. Photo credit: Miami Open presented by Itaú / Hard Rock Stadium.

While the spotlight is often on singles, Tampa-based Austin Krajicek is a player to watch in doubles. A Grand Slam champion and former world no. 1 in doubles, Krajicek has established himself as one of the best doubles players on the ATP Tour. Expect him to be a factor in Miami’s doubles competition.

With Florida’s top players ready to compete alongside the biggest stars in the sport, the 2025 Miami Open presented by Itaú promises to be another thrilling edition. From Collins' potential title defense to Shelton’s aggressive game, this year’s tournament is destined to deliver unforgettable moments.

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Written by Florida Tennis Editor and Publisher Matt Pressman for the USTA Florida special section appearing in the upcoming issue of Florida Tennis magazine. Photo credit (top): Miami Open presented by  Itaú / Hard Rock Stadium.