World number one Serena Williams will not play the next week’s Sony Ericsson Open in Miami because of a knee injury, which is the third bad news regarding the women’s draw, as Maria Sharapova and second-ranked Dinara Safina had already pulled out.

Serena Williams’ withdrawal is a special blow to the tournament because the American is a five-time Miami singles champion, and was a runner-up last year to Victoria Azarenka.

Venus Williams and Svetlana Kuznetsova will now headline the women's field at the Sony Ericsson Open. (photo: Upali Wickramasinghe)

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Three-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova and second-ranked ATP player Novak Djokovic will face each other in a mixed doubles exhibition match on March 23 during the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami.

Sharapova’s doubles partner will be music star Jay Sean, while Djokovic will line up alongside former Spice Girl Mel B. Therefore, we will have a celebrity match of epic proportions, guaranteeing lots of fun, as always when Sharapova and Djokovic are next to each other.

The video is showing the reactions of Jay Sean and Mel B when they found out who their tennis partners would be.

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Daniela Hantuchova posed for Hello! magazine’s photographer Chris Bott during the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami.

Hantuchova modeled poolside at the Four Seasons Hotel and also gave an interview for the magazine. The Slovakian, currently 43rd in the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour rankings, discussed life on the road and living out of suitcase. (source: Daniela Hantuchova's official website via WTA Hotties)

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Seed No.11 Victoria Azarenka upset world No.1 and top seed Serena Williams 6-3 6-1 to claim the biggest title in her career.

The 19-year-old Belorussian denied the American a record sixth Sony Ericsson Open title and at the same time became only the sixth teenage champion in tournament history, joining Monica Seles, Martina Hingis, Steffi Graf, Venus Williams and Gabriela Sabatini.

Williams gave Azarenka credit for winning the final, even though Williams’ left thigh was heavily strapped and she was struggling with her movement. I agree that Azarenka's capability shouldn't be denied, especially when we have in mind their last meeting, when Azarenka had to retire because of very evident illness, despite taking the first set.

The Belorussian won her first WTA singles title three months ago in Brisbane, and has now already added the third one to her resume.

Currently at the career high ranking of No.10, Azarenka will rise even more, to a career best No.8. Williams will remain No.1.

Winning the Sony Ericsson Open Azarenka earned $700,000 and Williams received $350,000. (photo via Sky Sports)

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Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka will play each other for the third time in their careers and the second time in 2009 to fight for the Sony Ericsson Open title.

The 19-year-old Azarenka was the first to reach the final, beating Svetlana Kuznetsova in the semis. Serena Williams joined the world No.10 after winning the 20th career encounter with sister Venus 6-4 3-6 6-3.

It will be very interesting to see this final, as Azarenka could make a big breakthrough by defeating the top-ranked player in the world, the defending champion and also the five-time Miami titlist in the biggest final of her career.

Also, remember this year’s Australian Open? Azerenka and Williams met in the fourth round, with Azarenka winning the first set, but having to retire in the second due to dizziness and illness. The Belorussian was playing superbly and was capable of pulling off an upset, but she was so sick that she almost collapsed on court. Therefore, the Sony Ericsson Open final is a great second chance for Azarenka.

Also, it shouldn’t be forgotten that should Serena claim her sixth Sony Ericsson Open title, she will make a record. At five, the American is currently equaled with Steffi Graf. (photos: Ralf Reinecke)

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