IF YOU GO TO MIAMI OPEN

Sun Sentinel By Harvey Fialkov

What: Miami Open presented by Itau is a concurrently held Masters 1000 ATPtournament and WTA Premier mandatory tournament that has a combined purse of nearly $11 million for men and women in 96-player singles draw as well as 32-player doubles draw.

When: Monday through Sunday, April 5: Qualifying rounds: Monday and Tuesday; Women’s main draw starts Tuesday with men to follow on Wednesday.

Where: Tennis Center at Crandon Park, 7300 Crandon Blvd., Miami.

Who: Top-ranked Novak Djokovic, a four-time champion here, will return to defend his title, as will most of the top 50 players from each tour. 2009 U.S. Open championJuan Martin del Potro is on the comeback trail. No. 1 Serena Williams, a record-breaking seven-time Key Biscayne champion, including the last two years, pulled out of Indian Wells with a knee injury. Her status is unknown. Locally, Plantation nativeSloane Stephens returns and Miramar’s Sachia Vickery received a wild card. World No. 2 Roger Federer chose not to play in Miami for the second time in three years. Exciting young Aussie Nick Kyrgios, ranked 37th, withdrew with an ankle injury, as did 2014 U.S. Open champion Marin Cilic (shoulder).

Prize money: Men and woman singles winner receives $787,00. Men and women’s doubles team receives $257,860.

Directions: From North take I-95 South, exit onto Key Biscayne (Exit 1). Continue through the traffic signal until the road bears left. Continue through two traffic lights to the toll booth leading onto the Rickenbacker Causeway. Fans are asked to leave more time when driving to event. Follow posted signs for appropriate parking areas.

Tickets: call 305-442-3367 or go on line to miamiopen.com.

Television: Tennis Channel, ESPN2 and CBSTV share the coverage.

Social media: Follow the tournament at miamiopen.com.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/tennis/fl-miami-open-information-0323-20150322-story.html