17 mins ago23:25 Charlie Malam
Still no news on when we’ll have players back on court. The last update was that there’d be no play by 6.30pm local time (11.30pm UK).
It’s 6.25pm in Miami so we’re steadily running out of time and approaching the possibility both finals are pushed back until tomorrow.
Below is the most action we’ve had the last few hours…
49 mins ago22:53 Archie Griggs
False alarm!
The rain has started falling once again, forcing even more delays.
The women’s doubles finalists briefly returned to the court but did not get to play a single point.
They were immediately handed umbrellas and eventually went back down the tunnel, with the rain refusing to budge.
Many of the fans who returned to the stands expecting to watch a tennis match have also left the arena.
Back to square one in Miami.
The rain has returned just minutes after it appeared to subside (Image: SKY SPORTS)
1 hour ago22:26 Archie Griggs
The rain in Miami has finally subsided and fans are being welcomed back into the stands.
Play is yet to resume but the court is being dried, which can only be a positive sign.
2 hours ago21:47 Archie Griggs
Novak Djokovic appears to have suffered a facial injury ahead of tonight’s Miami Open final.
Earlier today, he was spotted with visible swelling around his right eye.
It remains to be seen if the injury will hinder him against Jakub Mensik when they eventually face off.
Another delay has just been announced, with play not starting before 10.30pm (UK time).
Novak Djokovic appears to have injured his right eye (Image: ESPN)
2 hours ago21:19 Archie Griggs
Miami Open bosses have confirmed that play will not resume before 10pm (UK time).
A reminder that the women’s doubles final will need to be completed before Novak Djokovic‘s showdown with Jakub Mensik can begin.
That match is only three games old, meaning it could be a while before the Serb takes to the court.
3 hours ago20:49 Archie Griggs
Novak Djokovic‘s former coach Goran Ivanisevic has explained why he does not think the Serb gets the recognition he deserves.
“He goes and says what he thinks, he’s the only one, he says what others think and what they shouldn’t say,” said Ivanisevic.
“Novak tells the truth and it hurts people, not everyone will hear it. I know what others think, they twist it a bit, and he is like that.
“We are Balkans so they put us all in the same category, you are this or that. He showed them on the court, and they can’t take that away from him.
“He is the best. You don’t have to love him, you have to respect him and acknowledge him.”
4 hours ago19:56 Archie Griggs
Organisers have now announced that play will not resume before 8.30pm (UK time).
The rain is showing no sign of easing up, with lightning also spotted in the Miami sky.
However, it is expected to clear within the next couple of hours, meaning we are likely to get some action later on.
The gloomy weather in Miami is yet to ease up (Image: SKY SPORTS)
5 hours ago19:10 Archie Griggs
Play will not resume at the Miami Open until at least 7.45pm (UK time).
The women’s doubles final has been suspended for over an hour.
As a result, it seems likely that Novak Djokovic‘s match against Jakub Mensik will be pushed back.
That is unless the women’s doubles final is moved to another court.
5 hours ago18:44 Archie Griggs
Aryna Sabalenka has revealed that she will be celebrating her Miami Open triumph with burgers, pizza and tequila.
“I thought my team will be so excited but then I saw them, probably they’re so excited, they spent a lot of emotions in the final,” she said.
“Today we’re going to chill, but tomorrow I’m going to force them, yeah, to do something, to have drinks.
I don’t know, maybe some burgers, pizza, just to have fun.I think we should celebrate because we struggled after those tough finals.
“I think after this final, we have to celebrate a little bit just to remember the moment, you know. Tequila, yes, of course.
“I didn’t say that. It was just obvious in my head. Yeah, it’s going to be tequila. I’m getting older.
“Before I would celebrate with some sugar stuff. Nowadays it’s alcohol. I hope I’m not going to become alcoholic, but yeah.”
Aryna Sabalenka wants to celebrate her Miami Open success in style (Image: GETTY)
6 hours ago17:53 Archie Griggs
The heavens have opened in Miami, which has caused disruption to the women’s doubles final.
The players have left the court and will not return until the weather subsides.
It remains to be seen if the rain will delay Novak Djokovic‘s match against Jakub Mensik, which is scheduled for 8pm (UK time).
A statement from Miami Open bosses reads: “The Miami Open intends to resume play as soon as weather permits.”
7 hours ago16:53 Archie Griggs
Novak Djokovic has invited Nick Kyrgios to play doubles with him at the Belgrade Open in November.
The two players joined forces in Brisbane earlier this year and Djokovic wants to rekindle their partnership in his home country.
“I do really wish that we play another time [in] doubles,” he said.
“Later on this year we have a tournament in Belgrade. I’m planning to play it.
“I don’t know if he’s planning to come, so maybe, yeah, maybe we should slam it there.”
Novak Djokovic wants to revive his doubles partnership with Nick Kyrgios (Image: GETTY)
8 hours ago15:58 Archie Griggs
Aryna Sabalenka is ready to attack the clay-court season following her Miami Open triumph.
The world’s top-ranked female player beat Jessica Pegula in yesterday’s final and is already looking ahead to what is next.
“I think physically I’m ready to go,” she said. “Physically I’m strong, and I’m not rushing the point and I know I can stay in the point for how long I need.
“I think that’s the key because I think I have got everything to be a good player on the clay court, so I think that is what we’re going to focus on.
“I haven’t talked to my team, but I can assume we’re going to focus on my fitness.”
9 hours ago14:49 Jack McEachen
Rafael Nadal‘s uncle and former coach Toni has heaped praise on Miami Open breakout star Alexandra Eala.
Her incredible run to the semi-final firmly put the 19-year-old on the radar, now Toni Nadal has backed her to reach the top of the sport after coming through the Nadal academy.
“For the academy and for me in particular, it’s a huge success,” he said. “She’s the girl who’s been with us the longest. In all this time, there’s never been a single complaint from anyone, neither from her nor from her family.
“She’s shown she has great potential because it’s not easy to beat the world’s No 2 and No 5 in the same tournament. Once she gets her game right, she could be among the best in the world.
“She stood up to (Iga) Swiatek and didn’t back down. Only at one point, at 2-0 in the second set, was she a little hesitant and needed to be more aggressive with her serve.”
10 hours ago14:11 Jack McEachen
Taylor Fritz, who Jakub Mensik defeated in the Miami Open semi-final, believes that the Czech teen has a shot at beating Novak Djokovic.
The American failed to deal with Mensik’s big serve and thinks that if he repeats those efforts in today’s final, can come out on top.
“His serve is great, it has always been powerful, but now he also places it with incredible precision,” said Fritz.
“It’s also amazing how he has improved in all aspects of his game in a short time, I think he might have a chance to beat Djokovic, it all depends on whether the Serbian can read his serve better than I can.”
Jakub Mensik will hope his serve is enough to down Novak Djokovic. (Image: Getty)
10 hours ago13:24 Jack McEachen
Alexander Zverev has offered an honest assessment of his dismal form, despite being world No. 2.
He crashed out of the Miami Open in the last 16 to Arthur Fils and has won just six matches at the last five tournaments.
“I have been losing many matches lately without controlling the things on the court,” he admitted. “I have to look at myself more than examining my rival’s performances. Arthur is very powerful. He can accelerate the pace from almost every part of the court.
“I played better than in the previous weeks, but I should not have lost the match from a break up in the decider. I lost four straight games or something like that.
“I have lost many times from being in a winning position, and I need to work on that with my team.”
11 hours ago12:38 Jack McEachen
Novak Djokovic has taken to social media after Lionel Messi sent the Serb a message via his goal celebration.
Messi watched on as Djokovic defeated Grigor Dimitrov to reach the Miami Open final, before then scoring for Inter Miami in MLS.
He mimicked using a tennis racket to celebrate the goal, which Djokovic reacted to on Instagram by posting it to his story with three starry-eyed emojis.
12 hours ago11:50 Jack McEachen
Novak Djokovic will go toe-to-toe with Jakub Mensik as he aims to win his 100th career title at the Miami Open.
The match is scheduled to begin at 8pm and can be watched live on Sky Sports Tennis.
And our Express Sport live blog will also keep you completely up to date with all the action.
Novak Djokovic wil be in action in today’s final. (Image: Getty)
13 hours ago11:06 Jack McEachen
Andy Murray could win his first title as a coach if Novak Djokovic defeats Grigor Dimitrov today.
But he has already had one big question answered, and by none other than Lionel Messi.
Having met the football superstar at the Miami Open, he jokingly asked the Argentine “if he could do it on a cold rainy night in Stoke”.
Murray claims that Messi replied: “‘Callate la boca’ which I think means yes in Spanish.”
Those proficient in the language or able to use Google translate will know… it does not.
13 hours ago10:15 Jack McEachen
Novak Djokovic has received some warm words from his Miami Open final opponent before their showdown.
Grigor Dimitrov has hailed Djokovic’s ability to block out the noise and remain confident in his own talents.
The Serbian star, with more pressure on him than any other player on tour, is said to “wear confidence like a stain on your shirt” according to Dimitrov.
14 hours ago09:19 Jack McEachen
Miami Open’s breakout star Alexandra Eala has issued an emotional statement reflecting on her tournament.
Eala reached the semi-finals of the competition, beating Iga Swiatek, Paula Badosa, Madison Keys and Jelena Ostapenko on her way.
She wrote: “Wow, this year’s Miami Open has left me speechless and so full of emotion, mostly pride and gratitude.
“I’m proud of myself for pushing through those tough moments, as well as to have been able to make a statement for the Philippines in one of the biggest stages of tennis.
“Moreover, I’m thankful for all the positivity coming my way, and I pray that you all continue sending support through the highs and lows. Salamat sa lahat ng pagdadasal at magagandang mensahe.
“I recognize that these two weeks have opened the door to so many opportunities for me, but along with those opportunities come a whole new set of obstacles I will have to navigate through. The real work starts now.”
Alexandra Eala has had a tournament to remember. (Image: Getty)
15 hours ago08:29 Jack McEachen
Jessica Pegula stole a drink from Aryna Sabalenka live on TV after their Miami Open final.
Sabalenka bettered Pegula on court but the American got her revenge afterwards, interrupting an interview to take the margarita right from under her.
The Belarussian star could only laugh as Pegula made off with her beverage, before asking for another.
16 hours ago07:38 Jack McEachen
Jessica Pegula admitted that it was tough to “like” Aryna Sabalenka, having been beaten by her friend in the final of the Miami Open.
She labelled the new champion the best player in the world after an “amazing” last month, with the American very gracious in defeat.
“Congrats Aryna to you and your team,” Pegula said. “Three finals. I really don’t wanna like you right now but you’re the best player in the world for a reason.
“You keep pushing and challenging everyone to get better. Congrats for an amazing couple of weeks here. Great tournament at Indian Wells too. The last month of tennis you’ve been able to play is amazing.”
16 hours ago07:35 Jack McEachen
Aryna Sabalenka made a direct apology to her Miami Open final opponent Jessica Pegula following their match yesterday.
Sabalenka put in a dominant performance to down her close friend Pegula, who she offered to split the rewards with.
Speaking after her 7-5 6-2 victory, Sabalenka said: “First of all Jess I’m so sorry. For real. If I could share the trophy with someone, trophy, prize money, points… I’d share it with you.”
16 hours ago07:32 Jack McEachen
Novak Djokovic has caused some supporters to raise their eyebrows with his choice of attire during matches at the Miami Open.
Between games, the Serb has sat down on the side of the court and put on oversized gloves, before taking them off to return to play.
His fashion has left many with questions, but they are supposedly there to cool down the hands of today’s finalist and help regulate temperature.
They can be found online for just £23, perhaps Djokovic is setting a new trend?
Novak Djokovic and his large blue gloves. (Image: Sky Sports.)
16 hours ago07:26 Jack McEachen
Hello and welcome to Express Sport’s live tennis coverage, where we will be bringing you all the latest news, scores and updates from the Miami Open – including today’s final between Novak Djokovic and Jakub Mensik.
