The action on both the ATP and WTA Tours is about to step up a gear for the sunshine double of Indian Wells and the Miami Open.
Indian Wells has already made big changes, after altering the court surface for the first time in 25 years.
This is something that has divided opinion, with two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz unsure of Indian Wells’ decision.
Indian Wells will also see Madison Keys return to action, in her first tournament since winning the Australian Open in January.
Despite most of the attention being on Indian Wells for the next fortnight, the Miami Open have also made a major announcement ahead of the tournament getting underway.
Miami Open award wildcard to former champion Petra Kvitova
Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova missed the entirety of the 2024 season after falling pregnant, before giving birth to her first child, Petr, in July.
Kvitova recently made her return at the ATX Open, admitting that she loved being back out on court despite losing in the first round to Britain’s Jodie Burrage.
The Czech player is set to continue her comeback at Indian Wells after receiving a wildcard for the tournament, with the Miami Open now also awarding Kvitova a place in their main draw later this month.
Kvitova has reached four quarter-finals at Indian Wells over her decorated career, but went all the way to winning the title in her last appearance at the Miami Open.
After beating Elena Rybakina in the final, Kvitova claimed her ninth and most recent WTA 1000 title.
Before Kvitova can turn her attention to Miami, she will play her first round match at Indian Wells against Varvara Gracheva.
Who are the other Miami Open wildcards?
Kvitova is not the only wildcard to have been awarded by the Miami Open, with the tournament announcing all but one of their recipients.
In the men’s singles draw, wildcards have been awarded to American players Learner Tien, Chris Eubanks and Eliot Spizzirri, alongside Chinese star Yibing Wu and Italian youngster Federico Cina.
There may be another wildcard made available, with rising star Tien the first alternate to gain direct entry if any player withdraws.
Joining Kvitova as women’s wildcards include former champion Sloane Stephens, who is struggling for form, Ajla Tomljanovic, Alexandra Eala, Victoria Mboko, Tyra Caterina Grant and Sayaka Ishii.
One wildcard in the WTA draw is still yet to be awarded, with the Miami Open main draw getting underway on Tuesday March 18.