Key Biscayne

Pro tennis surrounded by water? Look at the big Miami tournament in those early days

By Miami Herald Archives

The Miami Open now plays in front of crowds on the grounds of Hard Rock Stadium.

But the tournament didn’t start there in Miami-Dade County.

A waterside tennis complex at Crandon Park near Key Biscayne served as the tournament’s home until 2019, when it signed a deal to move to the Miami Gardens stadium site.

The tournament was known as the Lipton at the site along the Rickenbacker Causeway spanning Biscayne Bay.

What did those early days look like?

Here’s an inside look through the Miami Herald photo archives:

THE FANS

In 1998 at the Lipton Championship near Key Biscayne, young tennis fans hold oversized tennis balls as they wait for Andre Agassi to autograph them.
In 1998 at the Lipton Championship near Key Biscayne, young tennis fans hold oversized tennis balls as they wait for Andre Agassi to autograph them. Carl Juste Miami Herald File


In 1997, her at the first day of the Lipton Tennis Tournament at Key Biscayne. Downtown Miami is in the background.
In 1997, her at the first day of the Lipton Tennis Tournament at Key Biscayne. Downtown Miami is in the background. Patrick Farrell Miami Herald File
Lipton Tennis signs were put over barriers at the Rickenbacker Causeway tollbooths in 1987.
Lipton Tennis signs were put over barriers at the Rickenbacker Causeway tollbooths in 1987. Aixa Montero Miami Herald File

THE STANDS

Lipton Tennis Tournament Chariman, Butch Buchholz at the new stadium at Key Biscayne in 1994.
Lipton Tennis Tournament Chariman, Butch Buchholz at the new stadium at Key Biscayne in 1994. Al Diaz Miami Herald File
Estelle Abelson of Ottawa, Canada, checks out the view from seats near the top of the Tennis Center at Crandon Park, during Select- A - Seat Day for the Lipton Championships in 1994.
Estelle Abelson of Ottawa, Canada, checks out the view from seats near the top of the Tennis Center at Crandon Park, during Select- A - Seat Day for the Lipton Championships in 1994. Nuri Vallbona Miami Herald File
In 1994, David Mathew carries a plank used for the bleachers on the top level of the stadium at the Lipton Tennis site. Workers were busy preparing near Key Biscayne.
In 1994, David Mathew carries a plank used for the bleachers on the top level of the stadium at the Lipton Tennis site. Workers were busy preparing near Key Biscayne. Charles Trainor Jr. Miami Herald File
Lipton Tennis Tournament chairmanB utch Buchholz at the new stadium at Key Biscayne in 1994.
Lipton Tennis Tournament chairmanB utch Buchholz at the new stadium at Key Biscayne in 1994. Al Diaz Miami Herald File
In 1987, the Lipton tennis site off the Rickenbacker Causeway.
In 1987, the Lipton tennis site off the Rickenbacker Causeway. Tim Chapman Miami Herald File

THE PLAYERS

Venus and Serena Williams in 1998 at the Lipton.
Venus and Serena Williams in 1998 at the Lipton. Miami Herald File


Patrick Rafter gives the thumbs up after he defeated Michael Chang at the Lipton in 1994.
Patrick Rafter gives the thumbs up after he defeated Michael Chang at the Lipton in 1994. Charles Trainor Jr. Miami Herald File
In 1997 at the Lipton, Venus Williams returns a volley vs. Martina Hingis.
In 1997 at the Lipton, Venus Williams returns a volley vs. Martina Hingis. David Bergman Miami Herald File
In 1999 at the Lipton, Jennifer Capriati celebrates after defeating Silvija Talaja in straight sets.
In 1999 at the Lipton, Jennifer Capriati celebrates after defeating Silvija Talaja in straight sets. David Bergman Miami Herald File
Yannick Noah at the Lipton in 1987.
Yannick Noah at the Lipton in 1987. Brian Smith Miami Herald File
Monica Seles at the Lipton in 1990.
Monica Seles at the Lipton in 1990. Bill Frakes Miami Herald File

This story was originally published March 21, 2024 at 5:00 AM.

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