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After a memorable experience at the Hard Rock Stadium enjoying the biggest pro tournament in the Sunshine State, Florida Tennis dedicates much of this issue to wrapping up our retrospective on the Miami Open by Itau.

We look back on the winners, the highlights, and the Florida-based stars that captured our imagination. Like who? Well... Danielle Collins, for one, is certainly making a massive statement this year. Back-to-back, the St. Pete superstar took home the hardware at both the Miami Open (hard court) and Charleston Open (har-tru) this year. Quite a feat!

Collins gave Florida Tennis an exclusive to contributor Zach Shahan on her gritty rise on the public courts in Florida. And, no, she doesn't believe it's all about fancy coaching — she emphasizes the importance of matchplay for juniors.

We also got a chance to visit the Credit One Charleston Open this year, where Collins also emerged the champ, and describe the event that keeps on winning major accolades from the WTA.

Back at the Miami Open, we got an exclusive with Rick Macci protege, South Florida's Sonya Kenin, who took home the doubles title with Bethany Mattek-Sands at the Hard Rock.

We also showcase the movers-and-shakers who engaged with Florida Tennis too. Where? In the Tennis Channel booth, at the luxurious Taste of Tennis event, during an Orange Bowl celebration, and even in the front rows of the tournament with tennis junkies like rock star Jon Bon Jovi. 

We're proud to announce that Florida tennis contributor, Adam Ross, won the first-ever Jim Martz media award at the Miami Open — an incredible honor. And we visit the USTA Florida 75th Anniversary party in Orlando to pay tribute to some special individuals (including our friends at the David Ensignia Academy) and listen to some old-school soul with KC and the Sunshine Band.

That same weekend, we attended the Billie Jean King Cup event at the USTA National Campus in Lake Nona where Boca Raton-based Jessica Pegula helped the US team shut out Belgium. We stayed at Hilton's new Hampton Inn &  Home2Suites location and give you our in-depth review of our fun visit there.

Over in Naples, we catch up with Brandon Nakashima to learn more about his comeback while training at the legendary Emilio Sanchez Academy. And Dave "Koz" Kozlowski sits down with Mary Carillo and many, many others to get their favorite stories in the tennis world.

We look back on the record-setting Delray Beach Open and reveal some more big news on that front — including tickets going on sale earlier this year! We also sit down for an exclusive with Miami-based tennis coach Charles de la Laurencie to learn more about his unique teaching style and influences growing up in France.

Former Florida Panthers and New England Patriots strength and conditioning coach, Ian Pyka from Boca Cryo, tells us how to properly get in shape to play our best tennis. And Lucky in Love ambassador (and mother of two), Ema Burgic, gave an exclusive interview to Florida Tennis to tell her tale of a pro tennis comeback after a recent divorce, an emotional story. We're rooting for her. 

A big thank you

Please be sure to support of our amazing advertising partners: Tennis Plaza, USTA Florida, Evert Tennis Academy, Sofibella, Rick Macci Tennis Academy, Boca Cryo, Cruise Control Gear, David Ensignia Tennis Academy, Delray Beach Tennis Center, College Tennis Exposure Camps, HITT at Sunrise Tennis Club, Youth Tennis Foundation of Florida, Limitless Tennis Center of Excellence, The One Cowork, Little Mo, University of Florida - Racquet Sports Management Master's and Certificate, USPTA, Lucky in Love, and The Hampton Inn Orlando Southeast Nona and Home2 Suites Orlando Southeast Nona.

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Written by Florida Tennis' Editor and Publisher Matt Pressman. Cover image of Danielle Collins courtesy of Miami Open / Hard Rock Stadium.