News | March 20, 2014

Williams Sisters Warm Up For Sony Open… And The Kids

News | March 20, 2014

By Sarah Driks

Tuesday, at the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, cameras flashed as tennis stars Serena and Venus Williams, Novak Djokovic, Ana Ivanovic, Fernando Velasco and Marion Bartoli gathered to play in the fifth annual All-Star Tennis Charity Event. Kicking off the Sony Open, brave tennis fans had the chance to warm up with the all-stars and take down a few tips.

Haute’s own Sarah Mirmelli, an avid tennis player, played a few points against number two player in the world, Novak Djokovic, as well as Fernando Velasco. Spectators enjoyed Champagne and color commentary from Grand Slam legend Cliff Drysdale and ESPN’s Darren Cahill while the Williams sisters played a friendly match against Djokovic and Velasco. The event raised $18,000, all of which benefits First Serve Miami, a charitable organization that provides free tennis and education programs to economically and socially-challenged youth.