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Issue link: https://digital.miamilivingmagazine.com/i/107294
ML38 PG 17_32.qxp:Layout 1 13-01-20 4:50 PM Page 28 NON-PROFIT Last December, Miami was treated to one heck of an exciting tennis match when retired star Andy Roddick set foot on Stadium Court, at Crandon Park Center in Key Biscayne, to play what was billed as his "Farewell to South Florida" against Spaniard Nicolás Almagro. The two had met only twice before, in the tour circuit, with Roddick – who announced his retirement at last summer's U.S. Open – emerging victorious. This time, Almagro took the exhibition, 6-4, 7-5, but this, everyone knew, was the Roddick show. "I enjoyed myself and it's nice to come back in a competitive atmosphere," said the Grand Slam singles champ, once everything was said and done. "I'm glad they had me here. I think the crowds have enjoyed the tennis they've seen." The tournament – which also featured Andy Murray, a U.S. Open champion and an Olympic gold winner; Colombian Alejandro Falla; and the top-ranked (and very tall) American John Isner – was produced by Argentina's Group NOS. The leader of brand-immersive sports and entertainment experiences chose to start a new sporting tradition in the Magic City because…. Well, why don't we let Julian Wortelboer, President and CEO of Group NOS, say. We caught up with him after the inaugural Miami Tennis Cup to congratulate him on a successful debut and to find out what's in store for 2013. Miami Living: How did Group NOS come to select Miami as the place to hold this exhibition tournament? Julian Wortelboer: Miami in the wintertime is the ideal place to have an exhibition tennis tournament. The weather is wonderful; the fans are amazing. ML: What was the rationale in featuring so few players? Also, obviously, Andy Roddick was the main attraction, but what went into selecting your roster of participants? JW: Our philosophy was not only to have six players but to have six 28 MIAMI LIVING