A Big Tennis Tournament Is Happening in Miami. Really.

However, with Florida essentially ridding itself of most pandemic-related restrictions, the roles have flipped. Players arrived in Florida during the past few days along with spring break revelers who are filling Florida’s beaches, bars and nightclubs. The players, who are used to indulging in Miami’s culture, restaurants and nightlife when they are not playing tennis, are living under strict guidelines that the men’s and women’s tennis tours created to keep them as safe as possible.

During the tournament, they must live in one of two hotels for players and officials. Had she played, Williams could not have commuted from her home, roughly 75 minutes away. The players’ movement is limited to the tournament and the hotel. No ventures to Joe’s Stone Crab, South Beach or Coconut Grove until they’ve lost.

“It does make it harder when you are part of the bubble,” Lauren Davis, the veteran U.S. player, said. “The experience is more draining. There is no outlet for the stress.”

Miami Open organizers did not construct the temporary 14,000-seat court inside the Miami Dolphins’ stadium this year. The most important matches will take place on three smaller courts.

Prize money has been slashed to $6.7 million, from the $16.7 million in 2019, though it is among the largest prize purses outside of the Grand Slam events and the tour finals. Nearly everyone at the tournament site will have to wear a mask at all times, except for players while they are on the court.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/24/sports/tennis/tennis-miami-open.html