However, ‘Sascha’ stayed a bit longer, deciding to give Lövik a brother, adopting “Pop” after cuddling with him during the visit. “Sascha came into the room, Pop walked over to him and they had a major, major cuddle session.

It was love at first site,” said Jossie Aguirre, Humane Society of Greater Miami Director of Marketing and Special Events. “He’s still in my arm [and is] very calm,” Zverev said. “He seems quite happy and I’m very happy to take him home.”

Zverev was joined by his fellow Miami Open (and reigning champion) finalist John Isner at the event. Danielle Collins, Jelena Ostapenko, Ashleigh Barty and Belinda Bencic were only too happy to join in on all the cuddling with cute animals.

The Bryan brothers, Bob and Mike, along with Aryana Sabalenka brightened the day of children at Baptist Children’s Hospital by delivering toys and spending time with the kids. Dominic Thiem, Miomir Kecmanovic, Guido Pella, Elise Mertens, Julia Goerges and Kiki Bertens worked on strokes of another kind, painting the home of an elderly Miami Gardens’ resident in partnership with volunteers from Rebuilding Together.

The Miami Open will take place at a new home, the Hard Rock Stadium, in the Miami Gardens neighborhood, moving from the Key Biscayne location. Newly established tournament director James Blake made the most of a rain-soaked day of play by getting into the charitable spirit himself.

He presented Health in the Hood with a check on the behalf of the ATP and WTA. It was an excellent way for the brightest stars of tennis to show their appreciation to the community hosting such a prestigious tournament. The official opening ceremony took place on Wednesday, March 20, with Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic, and Naomi Osaka on hand to help with the proceedings.