Miami Open 2026 to Feature Rising Stars and Unique Fan Experiences

Tournament Director James Blake previews the upcoming event at Hard Rock Stadium

Mar. 14, 2026 at 6:49pm

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The Miami Open tennis tournament will take place from March 17 to March 29, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, following the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells. Tournament Director James Blake discussed the event's preparations, including distributing wild cards, showcasing young talents, and providing diverse fan experiences like acai bowls, Cuban food, and padel courts.

Why it matters

The Miami Open is a premier tennis event that draws international attention and features some of the sport's biggest stars. As the second half of the Sunshine Double after Indian Wells, the Miami Open plays a crucial role in the tennis calendar and provides a platform for rising talents to make their mark.

The details

Blake explained that the tournament will feature more wild cards on the women's side to highlight champions like Venus Williams and Sloane Stephens, as well as young players making a comeback. On the men's side, the wild cards will go to promising young Americans and a talented French player, Moise. Blake also confirmed that rising stars like Fonseca and Ayala will be prominently featured on the center court, capitalizing on their international fan bases. Outside the stadium, fans can enjoy a variety of food options, an air trolley ride, and the addition of padel courts where top players will compete.

  • The Miami Open 2026 will run from March 17 to March 29, 2026.
  • The tournament will immediately follow the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells.

The players

James Blake

The Tournament Director of the Miami Open and a former professional tennis player.

Fonseca

A young tennis talent who will be featured prominently on the center court at the Miami Open 2026.

Ayala

A rising star in women's tennis who had a breakthrough performance at the Miami Open last year.

Moise

A talented French tennis player who will receive a wild card entry to the Miami Open 2026.

Venus Williams

A legendary tennis champion who will receive a wild card entry to the Miami Open 2026.

Sloane Stephens

A former Grand Slam champion who will receive a wild card entry to the Miami Open 2026.

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What they’re saying

“My days right now are dodging rain. Luckily we've got Musetti practicing behind me. We've got some new stuff with the new ownership group that came in last year. It's been a thrill to work with them and Steven Ross, partnering with the Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium. We're excited to continue the growth for the fans.”

— James Blake, Tournament Director (tennistonic.com)

“We were one of the first to have equal pay, and we're all about equality. There are more wild cards on the women's side than the men's side, but that's just a tour issue. WTA allows us to have more, and we're able to give them to great champions like Venus and Sloane, as well as players coming back from injury. On the men's side, we went with youth, including young Americans and a French player, Moise, who is incredible.”

— James Blake, Tournament Director (tennistonic.com)

“Fonseca needs to be on stadium and he will be. Ayala has had a thrilling year, and last year this event was a bit of a coming out party for her. Miami is such a cultural melting pot, and with their international fan bases, it will feel like home matches for both of them.”

— James Blake, Tournament Director (tennistonic.com)

“I love starting the day with Oak Berry's acai bowl. Fans can enjoy Cuban food, Italian food, American burgers, and more outside the stadium. We wanted it to be something you could experience without even going into the stadium and still have a great day.”

— James Blake, Tournament Director (tennistonic.com)

“We're going to have some of the best players in the world playing padel here on site. Miami has really taken to padel, and it's going to be exciting.”

— James Blake, Tournament Director (tennistonic.com)

What’s next

The Miami Open 2026 will continue the tradition of the Sunshine Double, providing an exciting showcase of tennis talent and fan experiences at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

The takeaway

The Miami Open 2026 promises to be a must-attend event for tennis fans, featuring a diverse lineup of rising stars, legendary champions, and unique off-court experiences that capture the vibrant spirit of Miami.