Serena Williams, the legendary tennis champion, was front and center at the ground breaking ceremony for the new home of the  Miami Open tennis tournament. The event took place on Monday, March 19th, 2018 at the  Hard Rock Stadium in  Miami Gardens, Florida.

The 23-time Grand Slam winner was joined by Dolphins owner Stephen Ross as they both took shovels in hand to officially mark the start of the stadium’s renovations. This move will see the  Miami Open relocate from its longtime venue on  Key Biscayne to the newly revamped Hard Rock Stadium starting in March 2019.

“This is a historic day for the Miami Open,” Williams expressed. “As a Miami native, I’m excited to see the tournament move to this world-class venue. The upgrades and amenities will create an unparalleled experience for the players and fans alike.”

The $72 million renovation project at  Hard Rock Stadium will transform the facility into a state-of-the-art tennis complex capable of hosting the prestigious  Miami Open. Plans include the construction of a new 14,000-seat stadium court, a dozen additional hard courts, and upgraded locker rooms and player facilities.

“We are thrilled to welcome the  Miami Open to its new home at  Hard Rock Stadium,” said Stephen Ross, owner of the Miami Dolphins and the stadium. “This is a global event that deserves a world-class venue, and we are committed to creating an unrivaled experience for the players and fans.”

For Serena Williams, the move to Hard Rock Stadium holds special significance. The 36-year-old superstar grew up in nearby Compton, California, but has long considered Miami her second home. She has won the  Miami Open a record-setting eight times, solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest players in the tournament’s history.

“I have so many wonderful memories of playing in  Miami over the years,” Williams reflected. “To see the event find a new, state-of-the-art home is incredibly exciting. I can’t wait to compete here in the years to come.”

The 2019 Miami Open will mark the first time the tournament is held at its new location. Fans and players alike are eagerly anticipating the move, as the renovated  Hard Rock Stadium promises to elevate the event to new heights.

“This is a transformative moment for the  Miami Open,” said tournament director James Blake. “Hard Rock Stadium will provide an unparalleled experience that will only enhance the rich history and tradition of this event. We’re grateful to Mr. Ross and the entire Dolphins organization for their vision and commitment to making this a reality.”

As Serena Williams wielded her shovel alongside the Dolphins owner, it was a symbolic passing of the torch – from the tennis icon’s storied career to the bright future of the  Miami Open in its new home. With the groundbreaking complete, the countdown is on for this historic transition to take place in just over a year’s time.