Aces Wild

SAT 3/27

The opening weekend of the Nasdaq 100 Open Tennis Tournament is always a frenetic and oddly fashionable happening. Droves of tennis fans saunter in leisurewear ranging from ghetto chic to rest-home bland. They rush from court to court trying to get a look at their favorite players. (Beware of Martina Navratilova fans.) This year organizers are eagerly awaiting the comeback of tennis diva and former number-one player Serena Williams (above) after an eight-month absence because of a knee injury. La Serena announced that she is committed to playing the tournament, but she’s been known to withdraw at the last minute. More than watching her trounce underling players, her fans are looking forward to seeing what she’ll be wearing from her new $50 million line of Nike threads.

Another aspect to look out for is Miami’s fervent community of expats rooting like hooligans for their countrymen. If you want a thrill, squeeze into the bleachers during a match featuring an Argentine or Chilean player. The crazy atmosphere always makes the opening weekend special. Today’s second-round sessions begin at 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. at the Tennis Center at Crandon Park, 7300 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne. Tickets cost $20 and $40. Call 305-446-2200. — By Juan Carlos Rodriguez

VRRROOOM

Speed thrills Hialeah

SAT 3/27

Thundering roars of souped-up precision engines. The smell of burning rubber and rocket fuel. Checkered flags, beer, and foxy women. At Hialeah Speedway you’ll be lucky if you get your hands around a cold brew or sexy speed demon. The racing here is a local phenomenon, with a cast of colorful South Florida gearheads going at it in hot rod heaps and rigged stock cars. Tonight’s featured race, the Cyclone 75, is open to all junkyard speedsters who want a taste of motor sport glory, Hialeah style. The gates open at 5:30 p.m., races start at 7:00 p.m. at Hialeah Speedway, 3300 Okeechobee Rd. Tickets cost $5 and $10. Call 305-821-6644. —By Juan Carlos Rodriguez