ANALYSIS: The champions that overcame the toughest routes to Miami Open glory including Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray

The Miami Open, the final stop of the prestigious Sunshine Double, gathers the best players on the ATP and WTA Tours, all chasing the coveted title in the Florida heat. Recognized as one of the most demanding ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 events, the tournament has often forced its champions to endure grueling paths to victory, facing multiple top-ranked opponents along the way.

While every title counts the same, not all triumphs are equal. Some victories stand out due to the sheer level of competition a player must overcome. Using the benchmark of defeating at least three Top 20 opponents, we look back at some of the most challenging title runs in Miami Open history.

From Serena Williams and Roger Federer to Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, some of the sport’s greatest champions have had to work overtime to lift the trophy.

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2013: Serena Williams Overcomes a Star-Studded Draw

Top rivals defeated: 4

• 4th round: Dominika Cibulkova (12)
• Quarterfinals: Li Na (5)
• Semifinals: Agnieszka Radwańska (4)
• Final: Maria Sharapova (2)

Arriving in Miami as the world No. 1, Serena Williams sought to reclaim the title after a five-year drought. Her road to glory featured an all-star lineup, including Maria Sharapova, her fiercest rival, 2011 Roland Garros champion Li Na, and defending champion Agnieszka Radwańska.

In the final, Williams mounted a comeback to defeat Sharapova 4-6, 6-3, 6-0, marking the start of three consecutive Miami titles.

2014: Novak Djokovic Thwarts Nadal’s Miami Dreams

Top rivals defeated: 2

• Quarterfinals: Andy Murray (6)
• Final: Rafael Nadal (1)

Chasing world No. 1 Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic entered Miami in red-hot form. The Serbian took down Andy Murray in the quarterfinals before meeting Nadal in the championship match.

In a one-sided final, Djokovic overpowered Nadal 6-3, 6-3, denying the Spaniard his first Miami title. Notably, both players reached the final without playing their semifinals, as their respective opponents withdrew due to injury.

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2001: Venus Williams Regains Her Miami Crown

Top rivals defeated: 2

• Semifinals: Martina Hingis (1)
• Final: Jennifer Capriati (4)

Venus Williams entered the tournament as the world No. 3 and a former champion. Her semifinal clash against Martina Hingis, the world No. 1, was a defining moment. She followed it up with a dramatic 4-6, 6-1, 7-6(4) victory over Jennifer Capriati, who had previously eliminated Serena Williams in the quarterfinals.

This would mark Venus’ final Miami Open title, cementing her legacy in the event’s history.

2009: Andy Murray’s Statement Win

Top rivals defeated: 3

• Quarterfinals: Fernando Verdasco (8)
• Semifinals: Juan Martín del Potro (6)
• Final: Novak Djokovic (3)

A rising Andy Murray, ranked world No. 4, arrived in Miami determined to prove he could compete with the Big Three. His path to the title included victories over Fernando Verdasco, Juan Martín del Potro, and Novak Djokovic in the final.

After del Potro stunned world No. 1 Rafael Nadal, it seemed the Argentine would contend for the trophy. However, Murray neutralized del Potro’s powerful forehand before cruising past Djokovic 6-2, 7-5 to claim the title.

Career defining run from Murray.

2019: Ashleigh Barty’s Breakthrough Year

Top rivals defeated: 3

• Fourth round: Kiki Bertens (7)
• Quarterfinals: Petra Kvitová (3)
• Final: Karolína Plíšková (5)

Ashleigh Barty’s rise to world No. 1 gained momentum with her Miami Open triumph. She navigated a demanding draw, overcoming Grand Slam champions Petra Kvitová and Karolína Plíšková, both ranked inside the Top 10.

In the final, Barty delivered a clinical 7-6, 6-3 victory over Plíšková, marking the start of her dominance on the WTA Tour.

2022: Carlos Alcaraz Announces His Arrival

Top rivals defeated: 3

• Fourth round: Stefanos Tsitsipas (5)
• Semifinals: Hubert Hurkacz (10)
• Final: Casper Ruud (8)

At just 18 years old, Carlos Alcaraz shocked the world by winning the 2022 Miami Open, defeating multiple higher-ranked and more experienced opponents.

The young Spaniard took down Stefanos Tsitsipas, Hubert Hurkacz, and Casper Ruud in the final (7-5, 6-4) to become the youngest Miami champion since Djokovic in 2007. His breakthrough victory signaled the emergence of a new generation, with Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner leading the charge.

2017: Roger Federer’s Masterclass

Top rivals defeated: 4

• Fourth round: Roberto Bautista Agut (14)
• Quarterfinals: Tomáš Berdych (10)
• Semifinals: Nick Kyrgios (12)
• Final: Rafael Nadal (5)

At 35 years old, after a six-month injury layoff, Roger Federer stunned the world by completing the Sunshine Double (Indian Wells + Miami) in 2017.

His journey included wins over Bautista Agut and Berdych, followed by an electrifying three-tiebreak semifinal against Nick Kyrgios. In the final, Federer denied Nadal yet again, winning 6-3, 6-4 to prove that he still had the ability to reinvent himself at the highest level.

Who Will Rise in 2025?

As the 2025 Miami Open approaches, the question remains: Will this year’s champion overcome an equally grueling path to victory? Tennis fans around the world eagerly await the next chapter of this legendary tournament.

This article originally featured on TenisAldia.ES and has been translated to English.

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