The fields of participants at the Miami Open may be a bit thinned out, especially on the men’s side, but a few attractive names came into the main field only via wildcard.
All titles are still available in Indian Wells, but the attention of many tennis players is already focused on Miami – if they are able to compete there. In addition to Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic, Dominic Thiem, David Goffin, Lucas Pouille and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga will be absent from the men’s event. On the ladies’ side, a long-planned comeback has not yet come about: Marion Bartoli is not on the list of wildcard recipients announced by the organizers.
But very much like at the BNP Paribas Open, Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka. The two returnees had fought differently in Indian Wells, Azarenka lost to Sloane Stephens in round two, Serena lost the Sisters duel with Venus one floor higher. Another veteran is Bethanie Mattek-Sands, who is trying to take a step back to regular WTA operations in Miami after her injury at Wimbledon last year.
Amanda Anisimova, a 16-year-old American, also has a spot in the main draw in Miami. Anisimova failed in Indian Wells after three impressive victories only because of Karolina Pliskova. Claire Liu and Whitney Osuigwe were two other young local heroes who won wildcards, both players having scored in the junior grand slams last year. From a German perspective, Antonia Lottner can be pleased. A little. After all, Lottner was awarded a place in the qualification tableau.
The men’s competition also supports young people, with Nicola Kuhn, for example, benefiting from this. The Spaniard with German roots was also awarded a wildcard, as was Mikael Ymer from Sweden. Nicolas Jarry has recommended himself with his successes on sand for higher tasks, also the Chilean has his starting place safely. Finally, Miomir Kecmanovic’s debut on the very big ATP stage will be interesting to watch. The Serbian was one of the dominant juniors, and the first big test at a Masters 1000 tournament awaits him in Miami.