Serena Williams Plays At Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne for Charity

For six years in a row, the Miami Open’s biggest tennis stars have come to Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne’s Cliff Drysdale Tennis Center for a special all-star charity event. It’s an expo to benefit TECHNO, a non-profit youth-led charitable organization that seeks to help people in disadvantaged areas of Latin America.

Spectators can see pro players in a not-so-formal setting, and those that buy the right tickets can play against them. Names include Serena Williams, Ana Ivanovic, Kei Nishikori, Martina Hingis, Marion Bartoli, Chris Evert, and others who will be participating in the event. 24 amateur players who buy the right ticket, will have the chance to hit against the world’s best in a Round Robin qualifying tournament. This year, among the chosen 24 is Haute Living’s own Sarah Mirmelli. 

The event takes place at the start of the Miami Open, on March 24th from 2 – 6 p.m. Sponsors include Finlandia Vodka, Herradura Tequila and wines by Newstro Tiempo Malbec. In addition to assorted libations and nibbles, there will be an exhibition match between the pros, a pro Round Robin and a King of the Court match that will see pros and amateurs pitted against one another.

Tickets begin at $90 for champagne and viewing, but for $750 and $1,500 tickets you can play in the Round Robin, get VIP seating, photo opportunities with the players and hitting time against the pros. For $5,000? All that and a VIP access pass and one-on-one meet and greets.

Of course, Ritz Carlton is offering up Ultimate Tennis Dream packages that include all of the above and an ocean front suite for $5,999 with champagne on arrival and breakfast. So it just keeps getting better. Get your tickets by calling the Cliff Drysdale Tennis Center at (305) 365-4300 or email Mark Chellas at mark.chellas@ritzcarlton.com.