Sony Ericsson Open Tennis: History of the Miami Open

The Sony Ericsson Open tennis tournament — now known as the Miami Open — is one of the most prestigious tennis events in the world. Held annually in Miami, Florida, it is a combined ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 event that attracts the very best players on both the men’s and women’s tours. The Sony Ericsson Open name defined an era of Miami tennis that produced some of the sport’s greatest moments, and the tournament’s legacy continues today at its spectacular Hard Rock Stadium venue. This complete guide covers the full history of the Sony Ericsson Open and the modern Miami Open, past champions, records and everything you need to know about Miami’s premier tennis event.

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What Was the Sony Ericsson Open?

The Sony Ericsson Open was the name given to the Miami tennis tournament during its sponsorship by Sony Ericsson, the mobile phone manufacturer, from 2006 to 2013. The tournament itself has a much longer history, having been founded in 1985 as the Lipton International Players Championships. Over the decades it has carried several naming titles — Lipton, Nasdaq-100, Sony Ericsson and Sony — before becoming the Miami Open in 2014 under Itau sponsorship. Regardless of the name, Miami has consistently been one of the most important tournaments on the tennis calendar, often referred to as the “fifth Grand Slam” by players and fans alike.

Tournament History and Name Changes

• 1985 — founded as the Lipton International Players Championships at Crandon Park, Key Biscayne
• 1994–2001 — known as the Lipton Championships
• 2002–2006 — rebranded as the Nasdaq-100 Open
• 2007–2013 — the Sony Ericsson Open era; the tournament reaches its global peak in prestige and viewership
• 2013 — briefly known as the Sony Open Tennis as Sony Ericsson dissolved
• 2014 onwards — becomes the Miami Open presented by Itau
• 2019 — moves from Crandon Park to the spectacular new Hard Rock Stadium venue in Miami Gardens

The Sony Ericsson Open Era (2007–2013)

The Sony Ericsson Open era is widely regarded as the golden age of Miami tennis. The sponsorship brought global visibility, world-class production values and some of the sport’s most memorable matches. Held at the Crandon Park Tennis Center on the island of Key Biscayne — a stunning venue surrounded by Biscayne Bay — the Sony Ericsson Open attracted sell-out crowds and television audiences worldwide. This period coincided with the peak of the Federer-Nadal rivalry and the emergence of Novak Djokovic as a global superstar, giving the tournament some of the greatest tennis of the Open Era.

Past Champions: Men’s Singles

The Miami Open has produced a remarkable roll of champions across its history:

• Novak Djokovic — six titles; the most successful men’s player in Miami Open history
• Andre Agassi — six titles including multiple Sony Ericsson era victories; beloved by Miami crowds
• Roger Federer — four titles; his fluid hard court game perfectly suited the Key Biscayne conditions
• Rafael Nadal — three titles; proving his excellence extends beyond clay
• Pete Sampras — multiple titles during his 1990s dominance
• Boris Becker, Jim Courier, Thomas Muster — early champions who defined the tournament’s heritage
• Carlos Alcaraz — won in the modern era, underlining the tournament’s continued prestige

Past Champions: Women’s Singles

• Serena Williams — eight titles; the most successful women’s player in Miami Open history by a considerable margin
• Steffi Graf — six titles; her dominance in Miami mirrored her global supremacy
• Venus Williams — three titles; the Williams sisters made Miami their personal playground
• Martina Navratilova — multiple early titles in Key Biscayne
• Victoria Azarenka — two titles during her peak years
• Iga Świątek — won in the modern era as part of her run of consecutive titles

The Miami Open Today

The modern Miami Open is held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida — a purpose-built tennis facility constructed in the stadium’s car park. The venue features a retractable roof on the main stadium court, allowing play to continue in Miami’s famous afternoon rain showers. The tournament is held each March/April, sitting in the ATP and WTA’s “Sunshine Double” alongside the Indian Wells Masters the week before. The combination of Miami’s glamour, the star-studded field and the warm spring sunshine makes it one of the most enjoyable weeks on the entire tennis calendar.

Key Facts About the Miami Open

• Category: ATP Masters 1000 / WTA 1000
• Surface: hard court (DecoTurf)
• Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
• When: late March to early April
• Prize money: among the highest outside the Grand Slams
• Combined event: men’s and women’s draws held simultaneously

Crandon Park Tennis Center: The Original Miami Open Venue

For 33 years, the Miami Open was held at the Crandon Park Tennis Center on Key Biscayne — one of the most beautiful tennis venues in the world. Set against the backdrop of Biscayne Bay, surrounded by mangroves and ocean breezes, Crandon Park was beloved by players and fans. The venue still operates as a public tennis facility and is well worth a visit when in Miami.

Best Gear for Hard Court Tennis in Miami

The Miami Open is played on hard courts — the same surface you’ll find at most public and club tennis facilities. Here’s the essential gear for hard court tennis:

🎾 Hard Court Tennis Shoes

Hard court shoes are essential — durable outsoles, strong lateral support and cushioning for Miami’s hot hard court conditions:

• Tennis shoes for men — durable hard court outsole, cushioning and lateral support
• Tennis shoes for women — hard court picks with excellent support and fit

🎾 Tennis Rackets

The brands used by Miami Open champions:

• Wilson rackets — Federer’s brand; the world’s most trusted name in tennis
• Babolat rackets — Nadal’s brand; exceptional power and spin
• Tecnifibre rackets — exceptional feel; the hidden gem of the racket world

🎾 Tennis Balls

• Tennis balls — pressurised balls for hard court play

🎾 Tennis Overgrip

• Tennis overgrip — essential in Miami’s humidity; keeps your grip fresh and tacky

🎾 Tennis Elbow Brace

• Tennis elbow brace — targeted support for hard court sessions

🎾 Tennis Bracelet

• Diamond tennis bracelet for women — named after Miami’s most glamorous event; elegant on and off court

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Sony Ericsson Open tennis?

The Sony Ericsson Open was the name of the Miami tennis tournament from 2007 to 2013. It is now known as the Miami Open — an ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 combined event held each March/April in Miami, Florida.

Where was the Sony Ericsson Open played?

At the Crandon Park Tennis Center on Key Biscayne, Miami — widely regarded as one of the most beautiful tournament venues in the world. The Miami Open moved to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens in 2019.

Who has won the most Miami Open titles?

On the men’s side, Novak Djokovic and Andre Agassi both hold six titles. On the women’s side, Serena Williams leads with eight titles — the most of any player at the Miami Open.

When is the Miami Open held?

The Miami Open is held each year in late March to early April, forming the “Sunshine Double” alongside Indian Wells the week before.

What surface is the Miami Open played on?

Hard court (DecoTurf) — the same surface used at the US Open. Hard court shoes are essential; see our picks for men’s tennis shoes and women’s tennis shoes.

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• Tennis Grand Slam Winners: The Complete All-Time Guide
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Information accurate as of September 2026. Always check the official Miami Open website for current tickets, schedules and draws. Affiliate links help support Tennis Mindset at no extra cost to you.