Itaú Unibanco has announced the renewal of its sponsorship contract for the Miami Open, extending the partnership until 2028. Celebrating 17 years of collaboration, the Brazilian bank will continue as the presenting sponsor for the next five editions, under the banner “presented by Itaú.”
One of the notable features introduced to mark this occasion is the initiation of a new tradition at the tournament: the First Serve. Athlete Rafael Padilha, a rising talent nurtured through the bank-supported Rede Tênis Brasil project, will have the honor of striking the inaugural serve in a historic moment scheduled for March 20 at 11:35 am ET.
Born in Porto Alegre, Padilha discovered his passion for tennis at the age of nine through the Rede Tênis Brasil initiative. His journey in the sport led him to excel in various categories, becoming a top player in state rankings and participating in prestigious Brazilian and ITF Juniors tournaments. In 2023, Padilha had the opportunity to engage with his idols and gain insights into the professional tennis world during his visit to the Miami Open.
Eduardo Tracanella, Chief Marketing Officer of Itaú Unibanco, emphasized the bank’s commitment to supporting sports initiatives that inspire and empower individuals, ranging from grassroots programs to high-performance endeavors like the Miami Open. The longstanding relationship between Itaú Unibanco and tennis reflects a dedication to fostering talent and promoting the sport’s growth in Brazil.
Josh Ripple, Senior Vice President of Tennis Events at IMG, expressed excitement about continuing the partnership with Itaú Unibanco, highlighting the bank’s integral role in the evolution of the Miami Open over the years. The collaboration aims to drive innovation and enhance the tournament experience for both players and fans.
The 2024 Miami Open, a prominent ATP 1000 category event, is set to take place at the Hard Rock Stadium from March 17 to 31. The tournament will feature world-renowned tennis players, including Bia Haddad, supported by Itaú Personnalité, who has achieved a remarkable position among the top 15 globally in her category.
In addition to thrilling matches on the courts, attendees can look forward to an enhanced experience at the event, courtesy of Itaú’s exclusive lounge offering a blend of entertainment, relaxation, and interactive elements. The lounge will provide a premium viewing area, complete with a bar, DJ, comfortable seating, and engaging activities for visitors to enjoy.
Stay tuned for more updates and exciting moments as the 2024 Miami Open, supported by Itaú Unibanco’s enduring commitment to the sport.