MIAMI, FL – March 6, 2014 – (HISPANICIZE WIRE) – The Sony Open has long been the premier tournament for both Hispanic tennis players and fans. “I like playing in Miami for several reasons: the Latin community, the environment and because it is my home, and my whole family can come see me play,” said Puerto Rican tennis star Monica Puig. She is not alone. Playing at the Sony Open represents something of a homecoming for Hispanic tennis players. With 64.3 percent of the population in Miami being Hispanic or Latino—it is no wonder that the Sony Open holds that unique distinction.
“I was very disappointed that I was not able to attend last year’s tournament and am looking forward to returning in 2014″
Over the course of several years, the tournament has generated a sense of cultural affinity for Hispanics. Playing in the tournament reminds Argentina’s Juan Monaco of playing on the Latin American tour. “It can be because there are many Latin peoples. Argentines, Brazilians, Chileans. You can feel like you are home playing in South America,” Monaco said. Hispanics and Latinos make up a very significant portion of local attendees and visitors from across the globe. A quarter of the roughly 300,000 attendees visit from outside the United States—namely countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico.
Players from Argentina, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Spain and Colombia are scheduled to take part this year. Leading the pack is 13-time Grand Slam champion and current World No. 1 Rafael Nadal. In 2013, the Spanish tennis star recorded one of the greatest comeback seasons in tennis history after suffering a knee injury that prevented him from participating in the 2013 Sony Open. As a three-time Sony Open runner-up, Nadal returns to Miami seeking his first Sony Open title.
“I was very disappointed that I was not able to attend last year’s tournament and am looking forward to returning in 2014,” Nadal says. “I love to play in Miami because of its beautiful location and tremendous fan support.”
Nadal’s opening match at the Sony Open is set for Saturday, March 22 at 8pm.
He joins other Hispanic tennis players like Tommy Robredo (Spain), Feliciano Lopez (Spain), Juan Monaco (Argentina), Santiago Giraldo (Colombia), Alejandro Falla (Colombia), Juan Martin del Potro (Argentina), Monica Puig (Puerto Rico), and Garbiñe Muguruza (Venezuela)—among others.
Tickets to the 2014 Sony Open are on sale now and can be purchased by phone (305-442-3367) or online at www.sonyopentennis.com. With Saturday evening tickets starting at just $46, fans can be a part of the electrifying experience Nadal brings to playing under the lights during opening weekend at the Sony Open. A sensational two weeks of tennis caps off with the women’s final on Saturday, March 29 and the men’s final on Sunday, March 30.
Fans can also join the conversation online at:
Website: http://www.sonyopentennis.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sonyopentennis
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sonyopentennis
ABOUT THE SONY OPEN
TEhe 2014 Sony Open will be played March 17-30 at the Crandon Tennis Center in Miami. The two-week combined event is owned and operated by IMG. The Sony Open is one of nine ATP Masters 1000 Series events on the ATP calendar, a Premier Mandatory event on the WTA calendar, and features the top men’s and women’s tennis players in the world. In 2013 Andy Murray defeated David Ferrer for his second Sony Open title, while Serena Williams knocked off Maria Sharapova to capture her record sixth title in Miami. For ticket information, call (305) 442-3367 or visit the website at http://www.sonyopentennis.com.