World's Top Players support the All-Star Charity Tennis Event at The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne

The Sony Ericsson Open has once again attracted the world's top tennis players to South Florida as they battle their way through tough opponents and our hot weather to win the #1 spot! Last week I had the pleasure of checking out these top tennis stars as they gathered at The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne for an evening of fun. On Tuesday, March 22nd, Andy Roddick, Kim Clijsters, Caroline Wozniacki and Ryan Harrison came out to raise money for the Greater Miami Tennis & Education Foundation [GMTEF] at the resort's Cliff Drysdale Tennis Center to co-host the 2nd annual All-Star Charity Tennis Event. It was definitely a unique and intimate event where fans and tennis players had the chance to play against each other for a great cause! About 150 lucky spectators and VIP guests attended this event while enjoying champagne, specialty cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. Here are some great pictures for you to see and don't forget to visit the GMTEF's website to help our city's youth pursue their dreams in the tennis world! Above: The man we all like to call "The King of Serve" a.k.a. Andy Roddick. During this year's All Star Charity Event at The Ritz-Carlton, Andy showed the crowd how hard he could really serve as he played against local opponents. The event featured an exhibition match called the "King & Queen of the Court" challenge where the pros played against the amateur Round Robin winners (two local players who qualified for a spot to play during the event). My personal favorite and most exciting match to watch was the "Battle of the Sexes" because [of course] the ladies won!!! Make sure you congratulate Kim and Caroline if you run into them at the Sony Ericsson this week! It was an incredible experience to watch these women in action! Above: Belgian-native Kim Clijsters enjoying her time at the All Star Charity Tennis Event. During the matches, the audience was able to hear the players taking to each other because they each wore a small mic to add a flare of fun to the event. Trust me...these players are talented and have a great sense of humor! Did I mention Clijsters was the Sony Ericsson's 2010 women's champion? Go Kim! Above: Ryan Harrison returning a shot during the All Star Charity Tennis Event at the Ritz-Carlton in Key Biscayne. Harrison began his tennis career at the age of two and became the first American teenager to beat a Top 20 opponent in a Grand Slam since Roddick at the 2001 US Open. Above: Caroline Wozniaki [who arrived straight from her Indian Wells win] is a Danish pro tennis player and the number one singles player in the world. All of the proceeds from this event benefited the Greater Miami Tennis & Education Foundation (GMTEF) who were presented with a check for $13,000. GMTEF's mission is to develop, organize and conduct tennis, education and life skills development programs for youth from socially and economically challenged communities in Miami-Dade County. For more information on GMTEF or to learn about their upcoming events, visit their website. Cheers to a spectacular tennis event at the Ritz-Carlton in Key Biscayne [Miami's only AAA Five Diamond Resort] and remember to always give back to your community!

Betsy Johnson presents their "Sailor Betsy" Fashion Show at Grand Central in Miami

Sazoneros! You may have noticed that I took a little hiatus from my blog but I'm back with plenty of exciting festivities to share. If you're into music, I totally recommend you check out the incredible line-up of talent taking over South Beach for Ultra Week. For my sporty spices, make sure you visit one of the world's largest tennis tournaments taking place in our own backyard for the next two weeks...The Sony Ericsson Open! Oh, don't think I forgot about my fashionistas. This week, there's a whole lot of fabulosity in the air as Funkshion brings hip fashion designers [like Richie Rich] to Miami. After you're done soaking in Funkshion, mark your calendar for this one: on Saturday, April 2nd, swing by Miami's Grand Central to watch the "Betsy Sailor: A Betsy Johnson Fashion Show" featuring sounds by Mike Deuce and Josh Lecash. The event officially kicks off at 11 p.m. and admission is complimentary before 12 midnight as long as you email RSVP@grandcentralmiami.com. Want more? Join MBS on Facebook for continuous updates on the hottest events in Miami. See you around town! xo

Miami Welcomes the Sony Ericsson Open!

Are you ready for South Florida's largest tennis tournament? After being a part of this grand event for the past 5 years, I cannot imagine being anywhere else in the world during this two week tennis extravaganza (March 22- April 4, 2010). When I was a young ballgirl, I handed players like Andy Roddick their tennis balls during major matches inside Stadium Court. Last year, I stood by Roger Federer as he signed autographs inside the racket tent for a never ending line of fans! With every experience, my love for tennis keeps growing and I always try to encourage others to visit the courts. The Sony Ericsson Open is one of nine ATP Masters Series events on the ATP calendar. This tournament attracts the top men's and women's players from all over the world along with their loyal fans. All matches take place at the beautiful Tennis Center at Crandon Park in Key Biscayne.

You should purchase your tickets early to make sure you watch the biggest players battle their way into the finals. Serena Williams, the top ranked women’s player in the world, brings her hard-hitting, electrifying game of tennis to the 2010 Sony Ericsson Open when she begins her quest for a record breaking sixth title in Miami on Thursday, March 25th (Session 4) at 7 p.m.
In case you're wondering: the top 96 players on both the ATP and Sony Ericsson WTA Tours come out to play on the purple courts for one of the most prestigious titles in tennis. World No. 1 Roger Federer will begin his attempt for a third Sony Ericsson Open title on Saturday, March 27th (Session 8) at 8:00 p.m. Federer’s potential opponents will be determined when the men’s tournament draw is announced on March 22nd at 12:00 p.m.

If you're looking to have an AMAZING time with your friends, then start spreading the news. The Sony Ericsson Open is more than just tennis, it is a complete entertainment experience. Whether it’s high fashion, fine dining, fantastic shopping or great tennis action, there is something for everyone. Tickets to the Sony Ericsson Open can be purchased by phone (305-442-3367) or via the internet at www.sonyericssonopen.com. The two weeks of tennis conclude with the women’s final on Saturday, April 3rd and the men’s final on Sunday, April 4th. See you at the Tennis Center and always come prepared for rain or shine!