Miami Open: Not Rain but Man-Made Error Turns Disastrous for Event as Victoria Azarenka’s Match Put on Hold in Bizarre Scenes
Follow Us
Miami Open 2024 has descended into chaos this year. From incessant rains delaying matches to Casper Ruud’s complaints of lack of essentials, which James Blake downplayed, no one expected the Sunshine Double to bring a cloud of darkness to Magic City. As Victoria Azarenka and Yulia Putintseva stepped onto the court for an exciting quarterfinal, lo and behold, power went out.
Now a power outage may not seem to have much control over a tennis match being played outside in the daytime. But apparently, without any electricity backup, Hawkeye is also down, which has halted play in the main stadium.
Hawkeye down 🪫
Play has been delayed in the match between Azarenka and Putintseva due to a Hawkeye power outage. #MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/4HBMSRk4sz
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) March 26, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Victoria Azarenka could be later seen leaving the court in frustration and fans also took to X to express open disregard for the way the Miami Open is going this year.
One wrote about the ‘farcical’ turn of events because of endless mistakes.
The amount of mistakes and poor organisation at this event has been farcical #MiamiOpen
— Shane McGrory (@ShaneMcG1) March 26, 2024
One fan went as far as calling the tournament ‘cursed.’
the Miami Open is so cursed
— the villain (@theurbanjuror) March 26, 2024
Another pointed out how the organizers ‘should liquidate’ because of multiple issues.
no sound no light on the center court you guys should liquidate @MiamiOpen
— maja (@erechtejon) March 26, 2024
One called out ‘poor event management’ for the Miami Open because no power backup seems illogical in the 21st century.
My goodness the Miami Open has descended into farce a little this year hasn’t it?
Losing power to your Stadium court and no back up being ready to go? That’s poor event management
— Autistic Tennis Fan 🐝 (@AutisticTennis) March 26, 2024
One fan posted the Miami Open’s official statement on display at the court, where they said ‘Play will resume shortly.’
Power outage at @MiamiOpen players escorted off the court. pic.twitter.com/EotvZwY2oh
— Diego Parra (@DiegoParraJr) March 26, 2024
Three games had already taken place on Tuesday when the incident occurred, making it at least a 45-minute delay. Barbs have been directed at the management, some of them to do with the change in the arena. While it was understood that Key Biscayne needed upgrades that a 2015 court decision prevented, not everyone was sure of Miami Gardens.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Roger Federer on the “Fifth Grand Slam” aka Key Biscayne
The proximity to the beach, full stadiums, and great weather – Miami has always been a popular place for tennis. Set across the beach, Key Biscayne was a favorite for players as well as fans, who came in hoards to attend the Miami Open. Roger Federer, who first played on Key Biscayne as a junior in 1998, said, “It was a great event, a lot of history. You know, it was considered the fifth slam back in the day.”
But desperately needed changes and no one to make them resulted in a move 18 miles north to Miami Gardens, home of the Miami Dolphins. Tennis on a football field? It seemed almost impossible, but a hard court was put on the field and since 2019, the Miami Open has been held here.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Trending
‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff
April 21, 2024 02:43 PM EDT
Madrid Open: Rafael Nadal Loses Cool at Chair Umpire Fergus Murphy in Heated Scenes After Getting Robbed Off a Challenge
April 27, 2024 04:30 PM EDT
‘We’re Close Friends’- Ons Jabeur Opens Up About Rare Friendship With Spanish Tennis Legend Amid Coach’s Absence
April 26, 2024 07:21 PM EDT
Madrid Open Weather: Tennis Fans’ Joy in Jeopardy as Rafael Nadal, Coco Gauff, Jannik Sinner, and Others’ Fate Hangs in the Balance
April 27, 2024 11:02 AM EDT
Madrid Open 2024: Leylah Fernandez vs Ons Jabeur; Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction
April 27, 2024 06:35 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Although many were cautious about the change, it was understood why it was necessary as well – until now. The 2024 version has raised nothing but criticism from every corner of the internet, and even players are not happy. Technology, it seems, is not always a saving grace.
Edited by:
Arunima Bhanot