Major multi-tasker Serena Williams was right at home taking swings on the football field.
Serena, who owns a minority share of the Miami Dolphins, was swinging a shovel yesterday.
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The former world No. 1 joined her former Hopman Cup teammate, and current Miami Open tournament director James Blake, Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, and co-President of WME/IMG Mark Shapiro for the ground-breaking ceremony for a brand-new tennis facility at the Hard Rock Stadium home of the Miami Dolphins.
The Miami Open concludes its run on Key Biscayne with this month's tournament.
Starting in 2019, the Miami Open moves about 20 miles north to Miami Gardens and the Hard Rock Stadium.
Eight-time Miami Open champion Serena returns to action today when she takes on Indian Wells champion Naomi Osaka, coached by Serena's former hitting partner, Sascha Bajin, on stadium court today.
The sun sets on the Miami Open's final year at the tennis paradise that is Crandon Park on Key Biscayne.
Some players, including 2017 Miami Open finalist Caroline Wozniacki, expressed mixed emotions about the move.
"I think it’s a little bit of mixed feelings,” Wozniacki told Sandra Harwitt of The Miami Herald. “I’m really sad to see it go from here. Ideally, it would’ve been amazing if it would’ve stayed here, and would’ve been able to expand here, because there’s something special about playing at Key Biscayne.
“In my head, having been to the football stadium, I have a hard time seeing how everything is going to work out, how it’s going to feel as cozy and special as here,” Wozniacki said. “But, obviously, there’s great plans for the expansion and it was needed. "
Blake said he views this month's Miami Open as the end of one era and start of a new one.
"For me, it’s my first year [as Tournament Director], so it’s a priority to make sure 2018 is a great send-off to Crandon Park and a great experience for all of the players,” Blake said.
Photo credit: Miami Open/IMG