Welcome to Miami: Sabalenka’s whirlwind, Sinner’s forecast and Anisimova’s memes

Jannik Sinner braces for Miami's wild weather

If the Miami Open were a TV drama, unpredictable South Florida weather would be its “fifth character.” When the heat and humidity aren’t testing players’ fitness, the rain is often disrupting the schedule.

Jannik Sinner, the 2024 champion, says he’s ready for anything at Hard Rock Stadium:

“It’s definitely different. Indian Wells, it’s the opposite. It was very hot there, and yesterday when we arrived it was cold for Miami. But we all know it can change.”

Read More: 2026 Miami Open men's preview: Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz back on collision course

The Italian is taking his first shot at winning the Sunshine Double—Indian Wells and Miami back-to-back—and, as always, he kept expectations measured.

“Let’s see how it turns out,” he said. “Obviously, (Indian Wells) has been a great tournament for me. Now we try to get some practice sessions in, see what the weather allows us...

“But I’m happy to be here. This is a tournament that I missed last year—the last one before clay, an important tournament.”

Amanda Anisimova: The accidental meme machine

There are many joys to watching Amanda Anisimova play tennis. During the match, it’s a treat to watch her blast opponents off the court with seemingly effortless firepower.

Afterward, fans know it’s just as entertaining to scroll social media and discover the latest reaction GIFs she’s unintentionally generated—from dramatic eye rolls to visible moments of frustration.

“Oh my god,” the No. 6 seed groaned, laughing after she was asked if she’s aware of the viral posts. “Yeah, I get sent quite a bit of content.

“It’s pretty funny. I don’t even realize how much has bubbled up, and how many GIFs and memes there are of me!”

Read More: Miami Open women's preview: Are Sabalenka and Rybakina on another level?

Aryna Sabalenka's mindset after "really crazy" weeks

It’s been a whirlwind few weeks for world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. On the court, she claimed her first big title of the season at the BNP Paribas Open after reaching the final of the Australian Open.

Off the court, the 27-year-old also got engaged to fiancé Georgios Frangulis and adopted a new puppy, Ash, who now travels with Team Sabalenka as “my mental health support.”

As her Miami Open title defense begins, Sabalenka says her focus remains simple.

“My head is always in one direction: Keep working, keep improving, keep getting better, and going out there and fighting and hopefully get the win,” Sabalenka assured press.

“The last couple of weeks were really crazy for me. So many great things happen, and I can only feel happy, feel confident, feel strong... I just want to carry that energy into the season."

Read More: Aryna Sabalenka gives puppy Ash ice bath after Indian Wells triumph

Jessica Pegula's Hard Rock home turf

No. 4 seed Jessica Pegula says it’s good to be home in South Florida—and back at Hard Rock Stadium. Though she's the daughter of Buffalo Bills owners Terry and Kim Pegula, she feels surprisingly at home in the Dolphins’ NFL stadium.

“Growing up here, playing at home, being able to stay home (makes Miami) such a fun tournament for me,” Pegula said.

“Obviously, it’s now in a football stadium, which is another fun aspect. I know this stadium better than I know the (Buffalo) Bills’ stadium, to be honest. I come here so much for this tournament, and then I’ve come here for (Bills) away games…

“We’re coming in the exact same way, parking around the same area. It’s a weird feeling being back here—I know the stadium much too well.”