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Beach Tennis USA
In partnership with Vision Italia and the Sony Ericsson Open Presents

THE 2011 ITF BEACH TENNIS USA MIAMI OPEN
MARCH 25 - 27, 2011

Key Biscayne, FL - The first day of the event started out in exciting fashion with the first ever Singles event held in the United States! Event with many of the pro competitors choosing to preserve their energy for the Doubles event, 20 competitors signed up to give Beach Tennis Singles a try.

Two American competitors (and Doubles partners in the main draw) advanced to the finals of the Men's tournament. Stephen Sayoc from Buffalo, NY and Marty Salokas from California entertained with quick and exciting ball exchanges. In a very even match, Sayoc ended up having a slight edge on his doubles partner, Salokas, taking home the trophy with a 8-6 win.

Saturday was the busiest day of the tournament, as the match schedule was packed to the limit, with 25 Men's and 12 Women's teams (74 pro competitors) signed up for the professional draw. Competitors from South America, the United States, Aruba, St. Martin, Italy, Czech Republic, Holland and other international destinations gathered on the beach of Crandon Park, right across from the Sony Ericsson Open. Both the Men's and Women's teams were divided into groups for a round robin pool play on Saturday, which meant less than five matches for each player that day. Not an easy task in the hot weather of Florida and moving the sand.

On the Men's side, three American teams (Marty Salokas/Stephen Sayoc, Mike Edison/Brett Johnson, Dan Johnson/Brian Johnson) managed to make it through the tough competition to the round of 16 single elimination draw, which was held the following day. The world's number one ranked team of Alex Mingozzi/Matteo Marighella from Italy, as well as the number two seeds Mazzarone/Folegatti also of Italy, cruised through the first day.

In the Women's tournament, both top-seeded teams of Joana Cortez/Samantha Barijan from Brazil and Nadia Johnston/Nicole Melch representing the US ended up advancing as the top teams out of their pool play.

Sunday, the American teams did not fare too well against the top duos from around the world. Johnson/Johnson were defeated 9-0 by Mazzarone/Folegatti of Italy, Edison/Johnson were defeated 9-1 by Guadgin/Mueri of Italy and Salokas/Sayoc were defeated 9-2 by Strano/ Font from Italy and Brazil.

The semifinals and finals were shifted to center court on the Sony Ericsson site. On the Women's side Cortez/Barijan defeated Marilena Sobocinski/Claudia Surugi of Brazil 9-2 and Johnston/Melch knocked out Julie Labrit/Virginie Carien of St. Marteen 9-5 in two very good semifinal matches. Running very short on daylight, the Women's final went out on the court. The top seeded Brazilians came out of the box really sharp, winning the first set easily 6-0, only to find themselves in a very even match in the second set; Johnston & Melch took the second set 6-4. Due to the lack of daylight, the third set was not played out but decided in a 10 point tiebreaker, having the Brazilians come out on top of Team USA 10-4.

On the Men's side in all-Italian battle in the finals, World Champions Alex Mingozzi & Matteo Marighella showed no mercy on their country men Maurizio Di Cori & Paolo Tronci, defeating them in two straight sets 6-2, 6-3. The match was played on the highest of levels and all those watching were in awe of this growing sport.

RESULTS

PRO Men's Final
Alex Mingozzi/Matteo Marighella defeated Maurizio Di Cori/Paolo Tronci 6-2, 6-3

PRO Women's Final
Joana Cortez/Samantha Barijan defeated Nadia Johnston/Nicole Melch 6-0, 4-6, Tiebreaker 10-4

PRO Men's Singles
Stephen Sayoc defeated Marty Salokas 8-4