2016 Miami Preview

2016 MIAMI OPEN PREVIEW

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CONTENTS “MARIA SHARAPOVA ADMITTED TESTING POSITIVE FOR MELDONIUM.”

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OPENING SHOTS

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By Christopher Levy

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TALKING POINTS

By Alberto Amalfi

TOP 10 INDIAN WELLS TAKEAWAYS

By Chris Oddo

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SHARAPOVA SUPPORTERS & SKEPTICS

By Alberto Amalfi

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VIDEO VIEW: SHOTS OF BRILLIANCE Tennis Now TV

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TEST CASE: GIANT STAKES FOR SHARAPOVA

By Chris Oddo

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SUNSHINE SUPERMAN: ROGER RETURNS

By Erik Gudris

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MIAMI OPEN PREVIEW

By Erik Gudris

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TWO WHO?

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CLOSING SHOTS

By Richard Pagliaro

FIND US ONLINE

TennisNow.com

facebook.com/tennisnow

By Mark Peterson

twitter.com/Tennis_Now youtube.com/user/TennisNowTV pinterest.com/TennisNow/

Live Scores Gossip Draws TV Listings Instruction Results Rankings Player Interviews Editorials Statistics Match Analysis Daily Updates Daily Video News Forums Photo Gallery Blogs 2016 MIAMI OPEN PREVIEW

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2016 MIAMI OPEN PREVIEW

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR The return is her signature shot, but Maria Sharapova’s serve is undoubtedly her most volatile stroke.

Armed with a piece of paper rather than a racquet, Sharapova dropped a seismic bomb on the sport revealing she tested positive for the banned substance meldonium during the Australian Open.

Hall of Famer Tracy Austin called Sharapova’s stunning announcement “an earthquake in the sport.”

The aftershocks continue to reverberate.

Chris Oddo explores the complexities of Sharapova’s case and the impact her status as the world’s highest-earning female athlete could have on her sentence. Chris was in Indian Wells covering the BNP Paribas Open and reveals the Top 10 Takeaways from drama in the desert.

Top players and Hall of Famers are backing the fivetime Grand Slam champion, while some peers and a vocal former No. 1 are branding Sharapova a cheater. Alberto Amalfi details Maria’s supporters and skeptics in their own words.

Erik Gudris Gudris explains why Roger Federer’s return is revitalizing spring sunshine after a bleak winer of scandal and previews top storylines for the Miami Open.

Tennis Now photographers Mark Peterson and Christopher Levy share vivid insider’s views of the joy, pain, sweat and struggle of life on the pro circuit.

WRITERS Alberto Amalfi

Erik Gudris

Chris Oddo

PHOTOGRAPHY Mark Peterson/Corleve Christopher Levy BNP Paribas Open Miami Open IMG Maria Sharapova Instagram Roger Federer Instagram Porsche Getty Head

DESIGN Natalie Valenkova

CONTACT US

Richard Pagliaro Editor Tennis Now Magazine

To advertirse with us: ads@tennisnow.com General comments or questions: media@tennisnow.com

Tennis Now

1 Barker Street, Suite 612 Mount Kisco, NY 10549 914.595.4211 2016 MIAMI OPEN PREVIEW

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Tennis Now photographer Christopher Levy captures the magic and majesty of Indian Wells.

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Art-Deco dressed acrobat Gael Monfils lights up Miami on the stretch.

2016 MIAMI OPEN PREVIEW

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TALKING POINTS

By Alberto Amalfi

Controversial, candid and provocative comments from the pro circuit.

Photo credit: BNP Paribas Open

“I think that you’d have to have your head in the sand if you didn’t at least assume that every professional sport there might be some sort of performance enhancing drugs being used. Honestly every professional sport I think this goes on to a certain extent.

“I mean, this went on when I was playing. I know players on the women’s tour who were using performance enhancing drugs and we didn’t even have drug testing.” —Chris Evert on PED use in sports.

“Losing stinks. I still take it pretty hard... I think the most important thing for me is I know I have a pretty distinct shelf life on my career. I have had a lot of very good moments, more good moments than bad moments in my career, so I try to focus on those more so than the bad moments.” —John Isner on coping with losing.

“The comments (about) the grunting, I don’t care about this.

I could give less of shit about it.

Because to me, I work my butt off on the court to try to win the match. And whatever it takes, I’m going to do it.” —Victoria Azarenka reacting to criticism of her grunting.

“In my next life when I come back I want to be someone in the WTA, because they ride on the coattails of the men. They don’t make any decisions and they are lucky. They are very, very lucky.

“If I was a lady player, I’d go down every night on my knees and thank God that Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal were born, because they have carried this sport. They really have.”

—former BNP Paribas Open Tournament CEO Raymond Moore, who resigned the day after his sexist remarks sparked outrage from players and fans.

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2016 MIAMI OPEN PREVIEW

Photo credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve

“On match point I sucked, so that was it. I missed probably the easiest shot I had the whole match. That’s what happened.”

—Alexander Zverev on blowing a volley on match point against Rafael Nadal at Indian Wells.

“I WORK MY BUTT OFF ON THE COURT TO TRY TO WIN THE MATCH. ”

“WE SHOULDN’T HAVE TO DROP TO OUR KNEES AT ANY POINT.” “The only thing that’s really kind of weird: The trainer should be able to talk to the player.

Absolutely. One word can reignite and turn them into a tiger.” — former heavyweight champion and tennis fan Mike Tyson on why the ATP should adopt on-court coaching.

“There is a couple of times I heard comments like this, and this gonna be the last one, because I gonna sue her. I am tired about these things. I let it go a few times in the past. Not more, you know.

“To hear those comments from a person that should be serious, because she was minister of a big country and a great country like France. So I gonna sue her, and I gonna sue everyone who gonna comment something similar in the future, because I am tired of that.” —Rafael Nadal vowing he will sue Roselyne Bachelot, a former French secretary of sport, for saying Nadal’s break from tennis in 2012 was “without any doubt because he tested positive.”

“It’s so important to keep the sport sort of integrity, by when there is an issue, you have to address it immediately and you don’t just let it sort of get a little bit worse over time until it becomes just a huge thing and the whole sport is riddled with, whether it’s gambling or doping or whatever.” —Andy Murray on the responsibility of players to voice their support of integrity in the sport.

Photo credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve

“It’s always been my dream more than anything to be an Olympian since my mom was an Olympian. That’s always been my ultimate goal, to represent the United States.

“She tells the story about the East Germans. She swam in ‘76 (Olympics) and that’s when they were all on the steroids and it sounded like it was men coming into the locker room.

You know, with the deep voices and, like, pounding of the steps and everything like that.” — CoCo Vandeweghe on her mother Tauna’s experience as an Olympic swimmer.

Photo credit: BNP Paribas Open Photo credit: Jared Wickerham/ BNP Paribas Open

“There’s only one way to interpret that. Get on your knees, which is offensive enough, and thank a man... We, as women, have come a long way. We shouldn’t have to drop to our knees at any point.” — Serena Williams responding to Raymond Moore’s comments about the WTA.

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ROGER’S RED CARPET SHOT

FEDERER’S TOP 10 TWEENERS

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TOP 10 BEHIND THE BACK SHOTS

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10 INDIAN WELLS TAKEAWAYS

Tennis Now writer Chris Oddo, who covered the 2016 BNP Paribas Open, details top developments in the desert.

1. Meldonium Steals the Show Maria Sharapova’s suspension sparked a massive controversy as performance enhancing drug talk dominated the discussion in week one of the BNP Paribas Open. Sharapova was provisionally suspended on March 12th, but we still await the resolution of her case. Though the Russian has already admitted guilt, there could be mitigating factors. Did she, as Lindsay Davenport suggested, mention her meldonium use on her doping control forms at the Australian Open? What dos16

2016 MIAMI OPEN PREVIEW

By Chris Oddo

Photo credit: Christopher Levy

age of the drug was she taking during her 10year usage and will she be forthcoming with her medical records? Did WADA adequately inform players that the drug had been moved to the banned list on January 1st, and if so, why has there been a rash of positive tests for meldonium among athletes worldwide? Sharapova’s lawyers will argue for a shorter ban, and in the meantime tennis fans will sit and stew, knowing that one of the greatest players of this golden age of tennis is embroiled in a drug scandal. When the dust settles on this generation, will Sharapova be the only one?

2. Rebuilding Tower Takes Time

The Tower of Tandil wasn’t a factor in the second week of the tournament, but that doesn’t mean that Juan Martin del Potro didn’t take a big step at Indian Wells. Not only did del Potro play his first Masters 1000 matches in more than a year, but one of the sweeter feel-good stories of 2016 also had time to share the practice courts with top players for some very valuable high-intensity hitting. There has been much concern about the level of del Potro’s backhand since his return in Delray Beach in February, but the former world No. 4 assured reporters he’s more concerned with learning the limits of his surgically-repaired left wrist than pushing them at the moment.

This is a wise decision from del Potro, who is in close contact with his doctors and still needs to take special precautionary care of the wrist before he begins to use it with the reckless abandon he’s known for. “Yeah, the idea is still progressing my backhand,” he said after falling to Tomas Berdych in the second round. “My wrist, I need stability in my wrist, more strength and flexibility, everything. More or less these things I will get playing the match. I don’t know how is my backhand now, but I’m looking forward, I’m staying positive to improve that weapon, because I need it to play these [elite players].”

“I NEED STABILITY IN MY WRIST, MORE STRENGTH AND FLEXIBILITY” 3. Rebirth of Vika

Photo credit: Christopher Levy

4. Rising Russian Impresses How good is 18-year-old Daria Kasatkina? Well, good enough to rise over 200 rankings spots since last March. Tucked inside the Top 40 in the WTA rankings for the first time, the 2014 Roland Garros Girls’ champion is starting to show signs that she could be a true generational talent. It’s not just that she’s winning—she reached the quarterfinals in her Indian Wells debut, taking out Timea Bacsinszky along the way—it’s how she is winning. Kasatkina is athletic, quick, powerful off of both wings, possesses deft touch and a cunning tactical mind and. Even during the tightest of moments, Kasatkina knows how to keep it together on the court. It’s a skill that some of the most talented tennis players never seem to learn, but for her it seems like second nature. There really isn’t anything that Kasatkina can’t do on the court. If there’s anything that she lacks, it’s size. At just 5-foot-7 she’ll never be the type of player that can take the racquet out of an opponent’s hand. But neither did Justine Henin, and the Belgian did just fine in her day.

Photo credit: BNP Paribas Open

The desert delivered spectacular storylines.

None better than the breakout resurgence of former world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka. The Belarusian became the first player in history to knock off Serena Williams in more than three finals, and she rose back to the Top 10 for the first time since August of 2014. Azarenka saved 11 of 12 break points against Williams and fought off a late surge—and her own nerves—to collect her second title in the desert. Could this be the beginning of a big push for Azarenka?

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6. Rafa’s Uprising There was a subtle uptick in the form of Rafael Nadal last week in the desert, and it is definitely a sign that better tennis could be in the offing from the 14-time major champion. Nadal notched his first Top-10 win of the year beating Kei Nishikori in the quarterfinals and though he fell to Novak Djokovic for a sixth consecutive time in the semifinals, Nadal played the Serbian a lot tougher than he did in Doha earlier this year. Does that mean that Rafa is headed back to No. 1? Hard to say, but it does show that Nadal is capable of improving his level when he gains some much-needed confidence. The win over Nishikori and the competitive first set with Djokovic were very satisfying developments for Nadal.

Photo credit: BNP Paribas Open

5. Novak is Master Manager Novak Djokovic is in his own stratosphere right now, and his biggest challenge seems to be figuring out which intensity level to bring to the court. The Serb clearly doesn’t want to play with Grand Slam intensity day in and day out, and this can be challenging even for a dominant force.

The top seed seemed to lack clarity, intensity and determination during his opening matches with American qualifier Bjorn Fratangelo and German veteran Philipp Kohlschreiber. But by the end of the week, all the indecision was gone and in its place was pure, elevated purpose.

It’s all about managing the grind and peaking at the right time for Djokovic, and nobody does it better. He’ll play for his fourth Indian Wells-Miami double this week, and we expect him once again to ramp it up in the later rounds.

“IT’S ALL ABOUT MANAGING THE GRIND AND PEAKING AT THE RIGHT TIME FOR DJOKOVIC” 18

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Photo credit: BNP Paribas Open

7. Sascha’s Reality Tour Tall, wiry German Alexander Zverev is likely experiencing nightmares after missing an easy volley that would have propelled him past Rafael Nadal and into the quarterfinals at Indian Wells.

But that which does not kill Zverev will also make him stronger. Blessed with an artistic blend of power and finesse, Zverev is having a monster year for a player who has yet to turn 19. Wins over Gilles Simon, Grigor Dimitrov, Vasek Pospisil and Marin Cilic are no joke. Sascha is for real. If the heartbreak of his tough losses can spur him, expect him to be in the Top 20 within a year.

8. Fritz, Tiafoe Foundational Players 10. Inspiring Quote of the Week: Watching Frances Tiafoe take down Taylor Fritz Azarenka on Sexism at Indian Wells last week, American tennis fans couldn’t help but imagine the two, several years older, playing for some of the biggest titles in tennis. The shotmaking on display was that good, and equally impressive was the level of maturity that both displayed, both on the court and off. The two youngest players in the ATP’s Top 200 have grown by leaps and bounds in the last year, and both look headed for very bright futures on the pro tour. How bright? It’s hard to say. But what is exciting about both Fritz and Tiafoe is the fact that they are gifted athletes with ideal tennis bodies. Each also possesses a multi-dimensional game that should prove to be effective on all surfaces. After a generation of clay-allergic American men, it appears that Team USA finally has a pair of leaders who could pave the way for a new generation of American stars.

We’re eager to see what Fritz and Tiafoe can produce in the years to come.

Photo credit: Christopher Levy

9. Force Field

Victoria Azarenka’s evolution on the court has been well-documented. But the Belarusian has been evolving as a thinker and a speaker as well.

Check out her comments on sexism here: “I think it’s still a problem in the world. It’s not just in sports. It’s in business. We try to talk about the equality. Sometimes it just gets unrecognized. I think what women do best is rise above those comments. You don’t hear complaints or bad comments towards men.

From my perspective, if we rise above that and keep working hard in everything we do, we’re better. We’re better at taking opportunities and being graceful. Why do you have to make the comment? Who cares? Who cares? Simple as that. Just to make more drama or jokes?

I mean, if that makes that person feel better or bigger or whatever, it’s a pretty sad person, I think. Because if you’re happy you don’t care what other people do. You just take care of you.

I think that’s more important to focus on us.

That’s what women players and examples like Venus and Serena and other players have been doing for -- you know, we got it from Billie Jean King where she proved everybody, Hey, look at me. I started something, so let’s go after it.

So I think it’s our duty to keep just working hard through whatever comments there is. We’ve got to rise above that.”

Yup, that about sums it up….

Photo credit: BNP Paribas Open

Milos Raonic’s fantastic season continued in the desert, and even though the Canadian was drubbed by Novak Djokovic in the final, the fact that he was able to pick up where he left off in Australia, where he reached the semifinals and nearly took out Andy Murray, proves that Raonic is ready to be a consistent force on the tour.

Always steadily working to improve, Raonic is one the most thoughtful and analytical players on tour. He’s improved by leaps and bounds tactically and from a technical perspective in the last year and will continue to do so—if he can find a way to stay healthy.

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SHARAPOVA

SUPPORTERS & SKEPTICS

By Alberto Amalfi

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2016 MIAMI OPEN PREVIEW Photo credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve

“As Maria said she’s ready to take full responsibility and I think that showed a lot of courage and a lot of heart. And I think she’s always showed courage and heart in everything she’s done.” —World No. 1 Serena Williams “The honesty and courage she displayed in announcing and acknowledging her mistake was admirable. Head is proud to stand behind Maria, now and into the future and we intend to extend her contract. Maria may have made a mistake, but she has earned the benefit of the doubt and we are extending it to her. We look forward to many more years of working with Maria.” — Johan Eliasch, Chairman and CEO of HEAD “I do feel that we all have to agree that (Maria) has been humble and responsible and brave in this process. To come out with that, it’s not an easy thing. To face so much media and so much attention from the world of sport and also other fields of life and carry that on your back, it’s something that you must admire and respect.

“Of course I was saying that it can happen to anybody if she didn’t know that it was on a forbidden list. Now I’m saying in that scenario it can happen to many players, because I can assure you that many players don’t look in those e-mails.” —Novak Djokovic

Photo credit: Maria Sharapova Instagram

“For Maria the situation is pretty difficult. But I think you have to understand, everyone has to understand, there are a lot of technical, new things that they put on the (banned) list. So it can be a technical mistake, also...

“I don’t think it was her intentions (to violate the rules). Well, I believe so. I want to believe so. It has to be resolved in some certain, delicate way and not taken to a different level, not taken out of proportion.” —Hall of Famer Marat Safin

“This is an over-the-counter medication that you can get in Latvia and parts of Eastern Europe... It hasn’t been illegal to take this drug up until a few months ago. So whether or not Maria was taking more doses than she was supposed to... even if she was taking it to enhance her performance, up until the beginning of this year, that was legal.” —ESPN analyst and former U.S. Davis Cup captain Patrick McEnroe “I think this is just a load of nonsense. The sportsmen take what they are given by the physiotherapists and by the doctors. I think Sharapova will play at the Olympics. However, we will need to see how this will develop.” —Russian Tennis Federation President Shamil Tarpischev tells the TASS news agency he believes Sharapova will be back on court this year.

Photo credit: Head

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“We are saddened and surprised by the news about Maria Sharapova. We have decided to suspend our relationship with Maria while the investigation continues.” —Nike statement announcing it suspended its $70 million endorsement pact with the former No. 1. Sharapova has worn Nike since the age of 11.

“In light of Ms. Sharapova’s recent announcement, we last week suspended her role as a Goodwill Ambassador and any planned activities while the investigation continues. We wish Ms. Sharapova the best.” —United Nations

Photo credit: Porsche

Porsche announced it has “postponed all planned sponsorship activities with Maria Sharapova.”

TAG Heuer suspended negotiations with Sharapova to renew her sponsorship pact that expired in December.

“Running a $30 million business depends on you staying eligible to play tennis... All the tennis players were given notification of (banned drugs) and she has a medical team somewhere. That is reckless beyond description.”— Dick Pound, former WADA President, explains Sharapova’s responsibility to the BBC. “All the other players are saying she’s a cheater.

You sure doubt and think that she didn’t deserve all she won until now. That’s dreadful, but it’s good that it’s finally out.

“She can play with words and find a good lawyer but on the principles of the situation, she’s wrong. She has no excuse that can defend what she’s done. For me there’s no doubt.”— Kristina Mladenovic tells the French publication Le Parisien players believe Sharapova is a cheater.

“It’s not up to me to decide the punishment, but if you’re taking performance enhancing drugs and you fail a drug test, you have to get suspended.

“II think taking a prescription drug that you don’t necessarily need, but take just because it’s legal, that’s wrong, clearly. That’s wrong. If you’re taking a prescription drug and you’re not using it for what that drug was meant for, then you don’t need it, so you’re just using it for the performance enhancing benefits that drug is giving you. And I don’t think that that’s right.”—Andy Murray “I was very shocked and disappointed. As I said before, she was an idol of mine growing up. To think of your childhood idol and wonder if it was a lie, it really affected me a lot.”—Genie Bouchard

Photo credit: Getty 22

2016 MIAMI OPEN PREVIEW

Test Case:

Giant Stakes for Sharapova Maria Sharapova admitted testing positive for meldonium, putting her career in crisis and a complicated case in motion.

By Chris Oddo

Maria Sharapova, the highest-earning women’s athlete for the last eleven years, faces the highest stakes of career.

Sharapova has seen her cache of lucrative sponsorship deals dwindle since news broke that she has been provisionally suspended for testing positive for a banned substance at the Australian Open in January.

Shortly after Sharapova admitted testing positive for meldonium, Nike suspended its deal with her, saying it wants to let the case unfold. TAG Heuer and Porsche followed suit, though her racquet sponsor, HEAD, backed her publicly.

Surely this is a difficult time for the 28-year-old Russian, but it is not a death sentence for her career. In the short-term, as Sharapova’s team and the World Anti-Doping Agency tack together the details of this complex case, there is much to consider.

First: Did Sharapova report her usage of the drug, also called mildronate, on her doping control forms? That would support Sharapova’s claim she did not know that the drug was illegal and render her usage of the substance as “inadvertent,” effectively bringing her max sentence down from a four-year ban to two.

Photo credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve

Second: What dosage of the drug was Sharapova taking? If the Russian can prove that she was taking the drug in small doses—less than the dosage of the over 100 other athletes that have tested positive for meldonium this year already—she could be able to convince the tribunal that she was not taking the drug for its performance-enhancing capabilities.

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Third: Did WADA do an effective job of communicating the fact that meldonium had become a banned substance for the first time this year? Some argue that Sharapova was warned five times about the changes to the banned substance list this year.

But Sharapova herself says the Byzantine methods of communications that WADA employs are not user-friendly.

Photo credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve

That could be one of several mitigating factors that allows the former Russian Olympic flag bearer to reduce her ban from a maximum of two years to perhaps nine months or a year.

A recent case that parallels Sharapova’s most accurately is that of Marin Cilic. The ITF accepted Cilic’s claim that he ingested the banned substance In a Facebook post, Sharapova nikethamide unknowingly (efwrote: “A report said that I had been warned five times about the fectively reducing his maximum upcoming ban on the medicine I ban from four years to two) and was taking. That is not true and it handed him a nine-month suspension. Cilic later appealed to never happened. That’s a disthe Court of Arbitration for Sport, tortion of the actual ‘communiwhich reduced his sentence to cations’ which were provided or simply posted onto a webpage.” four-and-a-half months.

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“Catching an athlete red-handed is one thing — it’s what tennis wants.”

Both Cilic and Sharapova ingested a substance unknowingly, albeit for different reasons. But there is a difference, and it could work against Sharapova. The former No. 1 admitted she’s used meldonium for the last ten years, which shouldn’t matter because the drug was deemed legal for all but two months of those ten years.

However, there is speculation WADA will take a firmer stance against meldonium because it is on a mission to punish its users. And therefore WADA might send a message to all athletes that they better be careful about using “loophole drugs,” because those can become banned if the organization has evidence of doping characteristics and abuse. Furthermore, WADA’s communication policy might actually be an inadvertent method of ensuring future deterrence of such epidemics.

The fact that 100 athletes have tested positive for meldonium this year means two things: One, it truly was being abused and, two, WADA did not communicate the fact that it had become a banned substance as effectively as it could have.

remain in the body for up to three months. “Meldonium has a half-life of between four and six hours” but “its terminal elimination from the body may last for several months depending on factors such as dose, duration of treatment, and sensitivity of testing methods,” Reuters reports.

Given that fact, Sharapova could have tested positive for meldonium even if she hadn’t taken it after it was banned. This could give Sharapova’s lawyer, John Haggerty, another angle to play for mitigation.

Whether she knew it or not, Sharapova was using a performance enhancing drug that aids in oxygen uptake into the bloodstream and heart. It’s exactly the activity tennis wants to police, and keep out of the game. Anyone caught, must be punished.

But how long should that punishment be? And what arguments can Sharapova make to lessen the ban? As good as Sharapova is on the court, she’ll need to be better in the courtroom when she argues her case to get back in the game.

It’s a complicated case that could effectively end her career.

It’s unimaginable Sharapova would have continued to take this drug had she known it was a banned substance, and it really shouldn’t matter what she was using the drug for when it was deemed legal. An oversight— however egregious—is threatening to stymie the career of one of tennis’s biggest stars. Catching an athlete red-handed is one thing—it’s what tennis wants.

But catching an athlete because of a combined lack of communication and oversight? Not quite ideal.

This week, another interesting angle was introduced to the case: Reuters reported that the maker of meldonium, Grindeks, says that traces of the drug can

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SUNSHINE SUPERMAN:

ROGER RETURNS

By Erik Gudris

Roger Federer’s return to action will be a ray of spring sunshine after a bleak winter for the sport.

Roger Federer’s emoji collection is as vast as his shot selection.

Federer’s return to action at the Miami Open ignited an emoji rally from the tennis world sharing the same sentiment: Thumbs Up. Federer, who took two months off to recover from knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus after his Australian Open semifinal loss, initially targeted Monte-Carlo for his comeback. Empowered by a speedy rehab, Federer surprised many when he announced, via emojis of course, he will play the Miami Open.

Photo Credit: Mark 26 Peterson/Corleve 2016 MIAMI OPEN PREVIEW

A couple of hours before his scheduled Miami Open comeback match against Juan Martin del Potro, Federer was forced out of the tournament due to a stomach virus. He is scheduled to return on the red clay of Monte-Carlo next month. Federer’s return will be a ray of spring sunshine after a long, bleak winter for the sport. Various controversies involving match-fixing charges and Maria Sharapova’s revelation that she had taken a banned substance created plenty of off-court turmoil.

Now fans can experience excitement after enduring all of those depressing headlines—watching the 17-time Grand Slam champion back in action is a welcome spring break after a winter of discontent. A two-time Miami champion in 2005 and 2006, when he defeated current coach Ivan Ljubicic in the final, Federer has played the event sporadically in recent years. He reached the 2014 quarterfinals in his last Crandon Park appearance. Federer’s Miami return was confined to the Crandon Park practice

Photo credit: Roger Federer Instagram

court, but still brought some buzz to the tournament.Miami has struggled in recent years to keep pace with the popular Indian Wells tournament that precedes it on the Masters schedule. With former client Federer in the field, the IMG-owned Miami Open truly boasts an elite draw and boosts ticket sales with the biggest draw in the sport on board.

https://twitter.com/rogerfederer/status/710467356343078912

The 34-year-old Swiss can certainly benefit from match play after missing two months. His success on American hard courts in recent years means the 2015 Cincinnati champion can do well in south Florida. The inevitable question remains: Can Federer figure out a way to defeat world No. 1 Novak Djokovic?

Djokovic defeated Federer in the Australian Open semifinals after stopping the Federer Express in both the Wimbledon and US Open finals last year. Federer did beat Djokovic three times in 2015, including in the Cincinnati final. That tournament, like Miami, is played on outdoor hard courts and those similar conditions could help Federer should he meet the five-time Indian Wells champion again.

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Photo Credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve

When the Miami draw was revealed, Federer found himself in Djokovic’s section of the draw.

Their next meeting may come in Monte-Carlo. Federer’s withdrawal denied the prospect of match with del Potro that would have Federer’s early-round matches been a rematch of the 2009 US will likely provide key answers.

Open final.

“THE POST-SURGERY FEDERER FACES MANY QUESTIONS.”

Will Federer’s movement be compromised after knee surgery? Will he continue using his now-famous SABR attack propelling him to charge the net off of his service returns? Or will Federer play a more conservative baseline style as he finds his footing?

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Many speculated about Federer’s schedule even before he had surgery. In this Olympic year, many thought Federer would limit his schedule to stay fresh for the Rio Games where he plans to play singles and partner Martina Hingis in mixed doubles.

Clearly, Federer feels ready to go and perhaps doesn’t want to wait around for the clay season.

In his comeback tournament, Federer’s expectations may be measured, but fans will want to see him go deep in the draw and possibly get another crack at defending champion Djokovic, who leads their head-to-head series 23-22.

Federer’s mere presence on court is the best result for tennis. Miami fans will be ready to shower applause on the man who brings sunshine to the sport.

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MIAMI OPEN PREVIEW

Photo Credit: Miami Open

By Erik Gudris

Defending champions Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams own the keys to Crandon Park, but comebacks and chaos are major questions in Miami.

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The Miami Open is the last big tournament of this season’s already eventful first quarter. What might happen at the combined ATP and WTA event could well answer some pressing questions that started the season and preview what’s to come.

Can Anyone Stop Novak Djokovic?

Despite struggling at times after his Australian Open title run, Novak Djokovic is still the dominant player on the ATP Tour. By winning his fifth Indian Wells title, Djokovic enters Miami as the strong favorite to repeat as champion. That’s not to say the ATP elite won’t try their best.

Andy Murray, a part-time Miami resident who trains at Crandon Park, and Stan Wawrinka, who has foiled Djokovic on major stages, will be looking for better results after their early exits in the desert.

Roger Federer, returning to the tour earlier than expected after knee surgery, will be energized for a strong comeback. And then there’s Rafael Nadal.

The Spaniard played his most competitive match against Djokovic in some time in their Indian Wells semifinal. With Nadal trying to put his recent struggles behind him, another deep run in Miami could well put the Spaniard on solid footing heading into his favored clay court season.

Photo Credit: BNP Paribas Open

WTA: Order or Disorder on the Court?

Will Miami once again see an unpredictable women’s event where seeds fall each day? That’s been the case this season in Melbourne, Dubai, and Indian Wells. While this speaks to the overall depth in the WTA tour, many wonder: Who is ready to possibly challenge Williams for the top ranking?

Agnieszka Radwanska, now No. 2, is playing with more power along with her trademark spin and touch. The former Miami champion could well challenge Williams if they meet in the semifinals.

Angelique Kerber, fresh off winning the Australian Open, has lost early in recent events. Is the German lefthander really ready to take the next step and challenge for another big title? The real threat to all players, including Williams, could be Indian Wells winner Victoria Azarenka. Now fully healthy, Azarenka won her biggest title in two years thanks to her determined belief and aggressive serving on big points against Williams in their final. If the eighth-ranked Azarenka enjoys a deep run in Miami, she add to the belief that she could well be the player to watch all year.

Photo Credit: Christopher Levy 2016 MIAMI OPEN PREVIEW

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American Breakthrough on Home Soil?

Serena Williams and John Isner enter as the top U.S. players in their draws, but could another American player enjoy a breakthrough result on home soil? In Delray Beach, Sam Querrey won his first title in four years and looks to build on that success in Miami. With his massive serve, U.S. No. 2 Jack Sock is hoping to power past the field.

On the women’s side, Venus Williams will look to bounce back after an early exit at Indian Wells. But the player to watch could be Sloane Stephens.

Earlier this season, Stephens captured WTA titles in Auckland and Acapulco. Showing more confidence and poise, Miami may just be the perfect place for Stephens, who grew up training in Florida, to take the next big step in her career.

Photo Credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve

The Comeback Kid? Juan Martin Del Potro enjoyed a welcome comeback in Delray Beach and Indian Wells. Though he still looked tentative hitting big backhands in his first matches after wrist surgery last year, things are looking up for the Tower of Tandil. In Miami, he will get another chance to see where he is against the elite of the game as he could face Roger Federer in the second round.

Photo Credit: Jared Wickerham/BNP Paribas Open

Will Serena Surrender the Keys to Her House?

Reigning champion Serena Williams enters Miami as an eight-time champion. While she remains a heavy favorite to rule again, she has yet to win a title this season. Williams lost back-to-back finals in Melbourne and Indian Wells. Her last visit inside the winner’s circle was in Cincinnati over six months ago. Williams will remain World No. 1 regardless of her result here. But if she doesn’t win the title at her home tournament, then she will feel even more pressure trying to defend her French Open and Wimbledon crowns later this summer.

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2016 MIAMI OPEN PREVIEW

TWO WHO?

By Richard Pagliaro

Photo credit: BNP Paribas Open

Top candidates running for the role of Serena Williams’ real rival.

“After Serena, from 2 to 20 in the rankings, it’s like musical chairs—anything can happen,” said Hall of Famer Chris Evert.

Crowd roar is a silent scream when Serena Williams enters the arena.

Who will emerge as Serena’s real rival this season?

The world No. 1 walks on court wearing headphones, tuning into musical inspiration to pump herself up and dial down self doubt.

Evert points to a former No. 1 as the woman most likely to rise to the role.

Veterans have hit high notes against Serena — Roberta Vinci halted her Grand Slam quest with a shocking US Open semifinal win and Angelique Kerber countered brilliantly upsetting her in the Australian Open final —but sustaining the performance is as fleeting as five-octave range.

“I think mentally Vika Azarenka is probably the strongest of all of the other players besides Serena right now,” Evert told Tennis Now. “She just has a great tennis IQ and she is fearless and has that belief in herself. She still has that hunger.”

Here’s a look at top contenders for the second spot.

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Victoria Azarenka CAREER RECORD vs. SERENA: 4-17 2016 RECORD: 16-1 AD IN: Serving boldly, Vika swept Serena in the Indian Wells final to make history as the first woman to beat Williams in four finals. An immaculate ball-striker, Azarenka is a volatile returner and exudes a strong sense of self belief against Williams.

AD OUT: Foot and knee injuries have plagued her; an inability to close has haunted her. Azarenka has built leads in her last four matches with Williams, but prevailed only in Indian Wells.

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Simona Halep CAREER RECORD vs. SERENA: 1-7 2016 RECORD: 6-6 AD IN: One of the quickest players in the game, the 2014 French Open finalist drives the ball down the line off both wings, defends with vigor and compensates for her modest 5-foot-6 size with agility and a fast first step. Halep has won titles on all surfaces and is showing more discipline working with coach Darren Cahill.

AD OUT: She has not won a title since capturing her 11th career championship at the 2015 Indian Wells and has come up flat in some major matches, including her 2015 US Open semifinal and an opening-round Australian Open exit.

Photo credit: Christopher Levy 2016 MIAMI OPEN PREVIEW

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Garbine Muguruza CAREER RECORD vs. SERENA: 1-3 2016 RECORD: 6-5 AD IN: One of the game’s most talented power players obliterated Serena at the 2014 Roland Garros, tested her at the 2015 Australian Open and bowed to her in the 2015 Wimbledon final. The world No. 4 takes the ball early, hits hard and flat and knows how to close at net: Muguruza qualified for the WTA Finals in both singles and doubles last season.

AD OUT: Stress from defending a break-out season has left her looking drained and cranky on court. Muguruza has sniped at coach Sam Sumyk—”tell me something I don’t already know”—with the ornery attitude of a woman who’d rather be elsewhere. 22-year-old Spaniard’s result have not matched her vast potential: She’s won only two titles.

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Petra Kvitova CAREER RECORD vs. SERENA: 1-5 2016 RECORD: 5-7 AD IN: When she’s firing with authority, the two-time Wimbledon winner’s flat strokes and twisting lefty serve empower her to play first-strike tennis against anyone.

AD OUT: Prone to wild fluctuations of play and mental walkabouts, Kvitova can be her own worst enemy donating games with scatter-shot stretches. Her flat strikes provide little margin for error leaving her vulnerable in windy conditions and she’s struggled with breathing issues in heat and humidity.

Photo credit: Christopher Levy 2016 MIAMI OPEN PREVIEW

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Angelique Kerber CAREER RECORD vs. SERENA: 2-5 2016 RECORD: 13-4 AD IN: The feisty lefty surprised Serena in Melbourne to win her first major title. Kerber can open the court with her slice serve, counters pace sharply, is an accurate returner and has reached the semifinals in three of the four Grand Slams. “She has an attitude that people can learn from: To always stay positive and never give up,� said Serena of Kerber.

AD OUT: The 28-year-old German is solid in all areas, but lacks one imposing weapon. The euphoria of winning her maiden major incited a competitive hangover: Kerber has not won a tournament match since Melbourne.

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Agnieszka Radwanska CAREER RECORD vs. SERENA: 0-10 2016 RECORD: 17-3 AD IN: Shrewd court sense, mischievous creativity, fine allcourt skills and a damaging return game all make Radwanska a unique and challenging opponent.

Radwanska redirects pace effectively and enjoys creating crazy angles. She’s reached the semifinals or better in eight of her last nine tournaments.

AD OUT: She’s winless in 10 career clashes vs. Serena for a reason: Williams has devoured Radwanska’s second serve and can overpower her. While Radwanska is trying to strengthen her forehand, she tends to hit it with more sidespin than topspin which can leave her vulnerable when stretched.

Photo credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve 2016 MIAMI OPEN PREVIEW

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Tennis Now photographer Mark Peterson captures the grit, sweat and pulsating emotion of the 2016 season.

By Mark Peterson

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