Sony Ericcson Open

At the ending note of the national anthem, the 93rd Fighter Squadron provided a well timed flyover of four F-16's. The ceremony, televised to millions of viewers, enthralled a crowd of 14,000 people. As the fifth largest tennis tournament in the world, the Sony Ericsson Open showcases the top worlds men's and women's professional tennis players within the beautiful grounds of the Tennis Center at Crandon Park. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Lou Burton, 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs)

Makos open up tennis match

Published April 11, 2011
By Senior Airman Lou Burton
482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE -- The sun shined brightly once again on South Florida as the 482nd Fighter Wing contributed to the pre-match ceremonies for the men's final of the Sony Ericsson Open Tennis Tournament on April 3.

     The ceremony, televised to millions of viewers, enthralled a crowd of 14,000 people. As the fifth largest tennis tournament in the world, the Sony Ericsson Open showcases the top worlds men's and women's professional tennis players within the beautiful grounds of the Tennis Center at Crandon Park.

     After performances by Irina Kazakova, ribbon dancer and former Russian gymnastic team member, and Nicholas Marks, Spanish guitarist from America's Got Talent; the Homestead Air Reserve Base honor guard gave a brilliant display of colors during the national anthem.

     The national anthem was sung by Leah Partridge, an internationally renowned opera sensation and star of Cyrano. At the ending note, the 93rd Fighter Squadron provided a well timed flyover of four F-16's.

     "Having the jets fly over on the last notes of the national anthem is the most adrenaline inducing moment! I feel like a rock star! After that moment on Sunday I felt as though I could lift a car," said Ms. Partridge.

     Colonel David Davis, Vice-Commander of the 482nd Fighter Wing was front and center with players Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal and game officials to administer the game-opening coin toss.

     "It was a perfect flyover and everyone from the Homestead Air Reserve Base were true professionals," said Mr. Javier Velarde, event executive producer. " We requested a 12:50pm flyover and that is exactly the time the jets arrived."

     Djokovic defeated the top ranked Nadal on Sunday, 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (4), to win the Sony Ericsson Open for his fourth consecutive title of the year and 26 straight match since last season.

     " It was an epic final," said Mr. Velarde. "The tournament broke all the attendance and ratings records."