They once ambitiously called it the "fifth Grand Slam" back in the day when this Florida based tournament was first conceived in the mid 1980's. While it may not have managed to gain Grand Slam status, there is no denying that most if not all players consider the $7.54 million Sony Ericsson Open to be the most prestigious title outside of the four majors.

Therefore, it goes without saying that defending champions Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams will not relinquish their titles without one almighty fight as they fend off their rivals in a fight to the death. Expect blood, sweat and tears as this equal prize money event gets into full swing with the contestants battling furiously for the $590,000 top prize, beautiful Waterford Crystal trophy and prestigious title.

Djokovic comes to Miami in sublime form having pocketed the two biggest titles of the year so far; the Australian Open and the Pacific Life Open. The 20 year old Serb is the man to beat here and who would bet against the precocious Serb who won this event last year so spectacularly when he romped to victory without dropping a set all tournament, becoming the youngest ever champion in the process.

The world number 3 is now a marked man and former champion Roger Federer will be ready to wrench back the title that he aimed to win three times in a row until Guillermo Canas edged him out last year, earning the reputation as Federer's bogeyman having embarrassed the world number 1 in Indian Wells the week before.

Federer and Djokovic are in opposite sides of the draw and cannot meet before the final. It falls to Rafael Nadal to spoil what many perceive to be the dream final as he is scheduled to play the Serb in the semi-finals as he did in Indian Wells. The prognosis does not look good for the second ranked Spaniard who lost that encounter comprehensively and will do well to reach the last 4. Djokovic now has his number on hard courts and it is difficult to foresee anything other than another Serbian victory should they meet again.

Beyond Federer and Djokovic, it is difficult to see any other potential winner. However, Jo-Wilfred Tsonga, the exciting heavy weight athlete from France who delighted everyone with his thrilling run to the final of the Australian Open could spring another surprise. Although he is scheduled to face Federer in the quarterfinals, the popular Frenchman who is capable of playing sublime, fearless all-court tennis could go all the way if conditions are right for him.

The American number 1 Andy Roddick who won so impressively in Dubai, but then fell dismally to nemesis Tommy Haas at the first hurdle in Indian Wells, will face the winner of Serbian number 3 Viktor Troicki and talented Romanian Victor Hanescu. Should he come through that tricky encounter, he has Tsonga to look forward to in round 4 and should he survive that, Federer in the quarters. A pretty nasty draw most would agree.

The women's event will be without one of its biggest draws, Maria Sharapova, who pulled out citing a shoulder injury and the need to rest.

"You know, its been work, work, work since December, end of November", Sharapova complained. "So it was just a smart decision because, you know, I'm at a point in my career where I don't want to jeopardize my health." Expect to see plenty of Ms Sharapova somewhere on South Beach instead of the lush purple courts of Crandon Park then.

Top seed Justine Henin who like Federer is struggling to get on the winning path this year, finds herself in the same quarter as the person who beat her in the final last year, Serena Williams. Their prospective quarterfinal match will be a marquee match to behold with plenty of fireworks. Despite denials by both, there is no love lost between these two champions.

The Serbian world number 2 Anna Ivanovic, is the Djokovic of the women's game. You get a feeling with her that it is only a matter of time. Her desire and passion to be the best is undeniable. She seems to be able to play her best on hard courts, confirmed by her win last week in Indian Wells like her male counterpart, but falling to Sharapova in the final of the Australian Open. Her Serbian rival Jelena Jankovic is an outside bet for the title, however, her temperament at the highest level is still in doubt. A probable quarter or semi-finalist however.

Wimbledon champion and former Sony Ericsson champion Venus Williams is in town showing off her latest fashion designs, and could catwalk herself to the title if her game clicks in at the right time. The number 6 seed is in the same half as Serena and Henin and could face either in a semi-final showdown.

Svetlana Kuznetsova, although a champion here two years ago, is developing something of an also-ran tag despite her lofty ranking of 3 in the world. The mercurial Russian could meet Venus in an explosive quarterfinal, but is unlikely to go much further if Henin or Serena await in the semis.

Andre Jones

Crandon Park

Key Biscayne