The 2026 Miami Open has come and gone and the clay-court season is underway. But Florida Tennis can’t quite say goodbye to our very own Masters 1000 without a few parting thoughts and some photos.
It was another great year for this premier event, and that starts at the top with Tournament Director James Blake. He always has time for the fans, players and the media and continues to strive for the Miami Open to be a great experience for all.
Above: Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori of Italy wait to enter the stadium before winning their championship match. Photo credit: Mauricio Paiz.
Once the rain subsided, this turned into the sunniest Miami Open ever with three Sunshine Doubles accomplished. Jannik Sinner won the Indian Wells title and backed that up with the Miami Open victory. Aryna Sabalenka beat hometown favorite Coco Gauff to achieve the feat as well. And last, but not least, America’s own Taylor Townsend teamed with Katerina Siniakova to capture the Miami Open title after winning at Indian Wells.
Off the court, the food and beverages were outstanding, including the $100 hot dog topped with caviar and gold shavings and the Love All Frosé.
Above: 2026 Miami Open champion Aryna Sabalenka. Photo credit: Mauricio Paiz.
Celebrities were also in the house, including rocker Jon Bon Jovi, a serious tennis fan. And if you wanted to chat about tennis, there was Dani Klupenger from Tennis Channel and Blair Henley covering the Grandstand Court, while Andrea Petkovic from Tennis Channel was in the house too.
For tennis podcast junkies, there were live tapings of The Players’ Box Podcast with Jessica Pegula — fresh off defending her crown at the Charleston Open — along with Jennifer Brady, Madison Keys and Desirae Krawczyk.
Above: Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend capture the Miami Open doubles title. Photo credit: Mauricio Paiz.
Florida Tennis was lucky enough to get an exclusive interview with the Nothing Major Podcast hosts John Isner, Steve Johnson and Jack Sock. They were also on hand for a live taping of their podcast, while Sam Querrey was busy wrapping up his commentary work after Indian Wells.
The Miami Open had it all this year. It started and ended with great tennis, including the Wheelchair Invitational.
Above: 2026 Miami Open champion Jannik Sinner. Photo credit: Mauricio Paiz.
Large and enthusiastic crowds packed the grounds, especially the Brazilian contingent when João Fonseca took the court, the Filipino fans when Alexandra Eala was playing, and Coco’s fans who were out in full force as well.
There was an abundance of fun activities such as padel, and name another tennis event where you can ride a gondola while sipping champagne, then follow that up with tremendous food and shopping in between great tennis matches.
We are very lucky to have this world-class Masters 1000 tennis event in our own backyard.
See you at the 2027 Miami Open.
Now back to the regularly scheduled clay-court swing.
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Adam Ross is a contributing writer and podcast host for Florida Tennis. He won the Miami Open’s Jim Martz Media Award in 2024. He volunteers for the USTA Florida and the Tennis Collectors of America/TCA.