Brad Gilbert debated on social media with Andy Murray about the condition of the courts at Indian Wells and the Miami Open. A couple of weeks ago, it was announced that Indian Wells had changed its surface for the tournament, using the same material as Miami.
In this edition, they adopted the Laykold system to standardize the courts at major North American tournaments, as it is the same material used at other events like the US Open, Cincinnati, and the Canadian Open.
Although the organizers assured that the courts would be faster, there were mixed opinions among players—and also coaches—as some didn't perceive much difference or even felt the courts were slower, like Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, and Daniil Medvedev, while Ben Shelton described them as "bouncy."
Former Coco Gauff coach Brad Gilbert shared his thoughts on social media regarding the surfaces of the Sunshine Double. “Interesting to hear they are saying the courts in Miami this year are playing really quick, last year were slower, IW was much slower this year, back in the day Miami always had the slower conditions of the Sunshine Double,” wrote Gilbert on his X account.
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The American received a response from Andy Murray, whom he had also coached in the past. The Brit is currently at the Miami Open with his current player and former rival Novak Djokovic, with whom he regularly hits in practice. "I always thought court surface in Indian Wells slow, high bouncing but ball fast through the dry air. Miami lower bouncing medium pace court but heavy balls due to humidity…”
Gilbert replied to Murray and compared the Indian Wells courts to clay courts. "Was much cooler in IW this year and new surface felt like it was much slower than before, and definitely Miami lower bouncing, IW bounces like high clay court."
Interesting 🤨 to hear they are saying the courts in Miami this year 😎 are playing really quick @miamiop, last year were slower, IW was much slower this year, back in the day Miami always had the slower conditions of the sunshine ☀️ double
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) March 22, 2025
Was much cooler in IW this year and new surface felt like was much slower then before, and definitely 💯 Miami lower bouncing , IW bounces like high Clay court
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) March 22, 2025
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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