The 2024 Miami Open will add Major League Pickleball (MLP) events and wheelchair tennis. These exciting additions are the first in the history of the annual prestigious tennis event. More importantly, adding MLP events in a professional tennis event will help bridge the gap between the two famous sports.
“We are delighted to welcome both wheelchair tennis players and MLP stars to this year’s Miami Open presented by Itaú. We want to continue to build on the festival atmosphere that is now so synonymous with the Open, and we are proud to be the first 1000 series event to showcase elite wheelchair tennis and pickleball athletes to our fans.” Tournament Director James Blake said in a press release.
The MLP event will be held on March 27-29, featuring a pro-am team exhibition match and a pro-am round-robin, where pros will team up with celebrities. Fans will see 16 of the world’s best pickleball players, including Hurricane Tyra Black, Andrei Daescu, Jessie Irvine, Rachel Rohrabacher, Federico Staksrud, and Pablo Tellez.
Meanwhile, the professional wheelchair tennis matches will be held from March 26 to 28. All four Grand Slams have included this division since 2007, but this is the first time it will be added to a 1000 series event. Japan's Shingo Kunieda, a four-time Paralympic gold medalist and winner of 28 major singles titles, is set to be the tournament director.
The 2024 Miami Open, presented by Itaú, will be held at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, from March 17 to 31. Aside from the exciting events, over 30 leading restaurants and bars in Miami will offer their services to guests and spectators. This includes David Chang’s Fuku Chicken, Cheeseburger Baby, and Ella’s Oyster Bar.
