David Grutman and DraftKings hosted an exclusive "Welcome to Miami" dinner on March 18, 2025, to bring together some of tennis's biggest names as they arrive for the renowned Miami Open tournament. The event took place at Gekko, a chic Japanese-inspired steakhouse located in Brickell, where players mingled over cocktails and a sumptuous dinner curated by DraftKings.
Stars of the tennis world made their presence felt, showcasing their unique personal styles upon arrival. Novak Djokovic, along with his friend Grigor Dimitrov, made an entrance from a prior event, with Djokovic sporting a striking black La Chemise Lacoste suit while Dimitrov opted for a dapper white ensemble. Rising star Carlos Alcaraz took a more laid-back approach with a simple gray Louis Vuitton hoodie and sleek black jeans.
Aryna Sabalenka, the currently top-ranked female player in the world, arrived with her boyfriend Georgios Frangulis and was seen on the red carpet alongside the night’s host, David Grutman. This star-studded gathering was not just a social event but marked the beginning of an exciting week in Miami for both fans and players as the Miami Open is known for its high-energy matches and thrilling performances.
As the dinner unfolded, notable tennis action commenced at the Miami Open, with several matches taking place earlier on March 20, 2025. Aryna Sabalenka was quick to showcase her skills by defeating Viktoriya Tomova 6-3, 6-0 in the third round of the tournament. This victory came shortly after Sabalenka's earlier struggles, which saw her narrowly lose to teenage sensation Mirra Andreeva at the Indian Wells final just the week before.
Meanwhile, in men's singles, some unexpected results unfolded. Brit Cam Norrie faced a disappointing defeat at the hands of Yunchaokete Bu, who swept him away with a score of 6-4, 6-2, while top seeds like Coco Gauff and Reilly Opelka continued their strong performances. Gauff dominated her match against compatriot Sofia Kenin, concluding the match with a stunning score of 6-0, 6-0, not dropping a single game in the process, which lasted just 47 minutes.
Other matches of note included Elena Rybakina being upset by the young American talent Ashlyn Krueger, who triumphed with a score of 6-4, 2-6, 6-4. Rybakina, the eighth seed and last year’s runner-up, unexpectedly faltered in the second round. Jasmine Paolini secured her advance to the next round by defeating Rebecca Sramkova 6-4, 6-4, while Qinwen Zheng also made it through with a score of 6-1, 7-5 against Lauren Davis.
The excitement surrounding the Miami Open, taking place at the Hard Rock Stadium, is palpable with a significant prize pool of $8.963 million. With emerging talents and seasoned players showcasing their skills, tennis fans can expect a thrilling display of talent throughout the tournament. Additionally, the integration of the pre-tournament gatherings, such as Grutman and DraftKings' dinner, highlights the blend of sport and lifestyle that Miami embodies.
As Sabalenka prepares to face her next opponent, Romanian qualifier Elena-Gabriela Ruse, the anticipation for subsequent matches remains high. Her performance against Tomova set a solid precedent for the days to come as she aims to reclaim her form and advance further in the tournament.
Looking ahead to the future matches, several key matchups are on the horizon as more first-rate athletes vie for the coveted title. History shows that the Miami Open is often a launching pad for new talents and a notable stage for veterans to showcase their enduring prowess.
In summary, the Miami Open continues to unfold with dramatic twists, passionate matches, and a gathering of tennis legends that resonate beyond the court. As the players focus on victories, the events surrounding the tournament further enrich the unique tennis experience Miami offers.
