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Severe Reality Check for Miami Open as Grigor Dimitrov Joins Alexander Zverev to Voice Major Concern

Published 04/01/2024, 5:32 AM EDT

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via Reuters

Bulgarian ATP star Grigor Dimitrov dropped his bits about the new atmosphere of the Miami Open tournament. This important tennis championship took place at Key Biscayne Sports Complex every year till 2019. However, the authorities changed the location to the Hard Rock Stadium at the Kasey Center to enhance the audience’s experience, infrastructure, and improved facilities. However, some tennis players still find the tournament’s old location more charming and likable.

Before Dimitrov, Alexander Zverev opened up about preferring the Key Biscayne Sports Complex venue for this tournament. Following Zverev’s choice, Dimitrov reveals why he prefers the Miami Open tournament’s old venue more compared to its new one.

Grigor Dimitrov reveals his “bias” over Miami Open tournament’s old venue

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After the Miami Open finals, Grigor Dimitrov was asked about his feelings on the tournament’s environment, particularly the new Hard Rock stadium versus the old location. However, his response was quite surprising – “I don’t know. Like, I had one of my biggest wins at Key Biscayne, so I’m super biased on that. Not saying much on that. You know, it is what it is. I think as I said in the past years I haven’t been able to, like, really adjust the way I wanted to play out here, but I was very determined this year to do that (smiling).” 

via Reuters

However, Dimitrov didn’t really say that he disliked the new environment. Rather, he addressed how tennis players are focused on the game more than the venue. He ended his statement by saying- “Doesn’t matter where we’re at, what conditions are. We have to adapt. I think this is what I have been able to do very well, especially this year and even in the previous years that I have come to play here.”

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German tennis player Alexander Zverev also has a soft corner for the old venue of the Miami Open although he appreciated the umpteen facilities this new location is providing – “The Hard Rock Stadium is one of the biggest stadiums in the world…A very new stadium, very modern. Obviously, we have a lot more space here. But I loved Key Biscayne. I really did. I thought the atmosphere there was very special and very loud, very energetic.”

However, some players supported the new venue without a second thought about the old one. One such name is Carlos Alcaraz. Let’s see what he thinks about the new venue!

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Carlos Alcaraz says he feels “great” in the Miami Open’s new venue at Hard Rock Stadium

While many players found the Kay Biscayne Center more appealing for its charm and nostalgia, Carlos Alcaraz had an opposite point of view. He said– “A tennis court is always the same size, I feel great here.” Now the Hard Rock Stadium offers fifty luxurious suites for players whereas the old venue had only twenty-five.

In terms of players’ requests for ice baths, body massages, and private rooms for the top eight players and defending champions, Hard Rock Stadium is more equipped to host the tournament. While many players are rooting for the nostalgia, players like Alcaraz are prioritizing the need and the reality.

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Grigor Dimitrov’s statement about the Miami Open tournament’s old venue represented that he belongs to the group of players who prefer their old Key Biscayne nostalgia. However, Dimitrov’s comment at the same time showcases that good players must learn to adapt and play well in new venues.

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Written by:

Upasana Banerjee

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Upasana Banerjee is a Tennis Writer at EssentiallySports. Specializing in major trends within the tennis world, Upasana's keen eye captures newsworthy moments in the world of sports. Her adept information mining makes her a go-to source for insights into players' lives.
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Edited by:

Ananya Giri