By Mario Sarmento

Seventeen-time Grand Slam champion and two-time Sony Open winner Roger Federer makes his return to Miami alongside three-time champion Novak Djokovic this Friday’s day session.

The first weekend of the Sony Open gets off to a fast start Thursday, with the two finalists from last year leading the day and night sessions – Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova.

Six-time Sony Open champion Williams begins her championship defense Thursday on Stadium Court in the day session. At 7:30 p.m. that night, five-time finalist and crowd favorite Sharapova takes the court for her opening match of the tournament on Stadium Court.

But that’s just the appetizer, the weekend concludes with the men’s top seed, Rafael Nadal playing at 8 p.m.

All told, it’s going to be a weekend of great tennis, so get your tickets now by calling 305-442-3367, and watch the best players in the world make their 2014 Sony Open debut.

Thursday Day: Serena Williams

Thursday Night: Maria Sharapova

Friday Day: Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic

Saturday Night – Rafael Nadal