Miami Open Facing Challenges to Keep Pace with Indian Wells

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: March 13, 2015

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The BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells has become an oasis in the desert. Meanwhile, Miami's preeminent tennis tournament has suffered some beach-style erosion. 

The two most prestigious non-Grand Slam tournaments appear to be heading in opposite directions—something the Miami contingent will work to correct. Each year Indian Wells gets better. Despite efforts to keep pace, Miami currently can't boast the same prestige.

The tournaments used to compete for the status as "The Fifth Slam." If Miami is unable to adjust, the China Open in Beijing might be a more formidable competitor for Indian Wells.

Located in Crandon Park on the island of Key Biscayne, the Miami Open offers players and fans access to the South Beach nightlife. The venue is nestled among plush tropical plants and surrounded by beautiful blue water. 

It used to be the hottest ticket outside of the Slams. 

Recently, as other tournaments—especially those in Asia—improved, Miami has been trying to keep up. Last year, French player Paul Henri Mathieu tweeted his thoughts on the matter: 



What happened? Conflict happened.

Recognizing the tournament's estimated economic impact of $380 million, in 2012, Miami-Dade County voters approved a referendum that would allow $50 million in development. The International Player's Championship Inc., the company that runs the tournament, planned to use the money for improvements and renovation.

Tournament officials still needed to clear another hurdle: opposition from Bruce Matheson, a descendant of the family that agreed to public use of the 808-acre park. Matheson is against the proposal and has gone to battle with IMG, the parent company of IPC.

Tournament organizers had argued in court that Matheson had no right to stand in the way of the badly needed upgrades. 

In September 2014, a ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Tennis

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