To mark the forthcoming Sony Ericsson Open, which starts tomorrow, the tournament celebrated by hosting the world’s first ever game of tennis on water.
Two of the World's leading tennis players, Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal, took to a custom-made court to try their luck on a more challenging surface than usual, completing a seemingly impossible task more befitting a miracle than to a modern day tennis tournament.
The revolutionary game took place at the top of the new Gansevoort South Hotel as it officially opened its doors for the first time. The water-covered court was constructed in the 110ft swimming pool set in the Gansevoort's exclusive 22,000sqft rooftop retreat overlooking Miami's South Beach.
The court took seven days to build as a specialist underwater team constructed two invisible platforms at either end of the pool for the players to stand and play using a combination of bespoke acrylic sheets and supporting acrylic tubes that were bonded together. The pool was then filled with water before adding the finishing touches of a net and Sony Ericsson Open ball girls and boys.
The Sony Ericsson Open is the World's fifth largest tournament and the only 12-day tennis event on the ATP and Sony Ericsson WTA Tour calendars. The event, which takes place from 26th March – 6th April features all of the world's top-ranked men and women players.
Defending Sony Ericsson Open Champion, Serena Williams, commented: 'It was a once in a lifetime chance to play tennis on water and it was great to be involved in a true world first. Playing against Rafa was a new challenge, but I think the surface helped to level the playing field - particularly as he volunteered to play at the deep end!'
Rafael Nadal commented: ‘I love playing on ALL surfaces, but this was different and playing against Serena made it even more special. Playing a game on water was a first for me, and I also liked the setting here in Miami overlooking the ocean since I love the sea."
Dee Dutta, Corporate Vice President and Head of Marketing at Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications added: 'We've pioneered a few World firsts - Night Tennis at the Sony Ericsson Open last year, tennis on a football pitch at Real Madrid CF at the Sony Ericsson Championships, and now a game of tennis on water. With this amazing game we hope we have created excitement around the world ahead of the Sony Ericsson Open.'
Sony Ericsson is committed to bringing entertainment, innovation and glamour to tennis by creating a unique sporting spectacle. Sony Ericsson strives to energise the fan experience at the Sony Ericsson Open and to take the excitement of the game to new audiences.
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