Former world No.4 James Blake is set to become the new tournament director of the Miami Open, according to local sources.
Blake is rumoured to have been given a role similar to that of Tommy Haas at the BNP Paribas Open. Haas is the tournament director of the event, which is help at Indian Wells. Rumours of Blake’s appointment were first reported by Jim Martz, founder of Florida Tennis Magazine. Martz received an email from Wayne Bryan, father of the Bryan brothers, concerning a recent celebrity fundraiser. In it, he mentions Blake’s potential new position.
“Tournament Directors were everywhere! There were three ATP Tournament Directors at the event. Tommy Haas has served a year as the TD at the Indian Wells Tournament and has done a masterful job, while we send along our most heartfelt congratulations to James Blake on being named the new TD at the Miami Tournament – – – he too will do a great job in this lofty position. Hall of Famer, Butch Buchholz, as you probably know, was the founder of the Miami Tournament and served for many years as the TD there.” Bryan wrote in the email.
There has no no official confirmation from either Blake or the Miami Open about the appointment. According to one tournament source, the appointment is a ‘rumour that hasn’t been announced.’
Earlier this year, the Tennis Channel announced an extension in their collaboration with Blake. The American, who has commented for the network since 2013, agreed to work at more tournaments during this year and next. In the role, he will be spending time at the networks base in Los Angeles as well as in the field.
During his career, Blake won 10 titles on the ATP Tour and reached the quarterfinals of three grand slam tournaments. In 2006 he was runner-up at Roger Federer at the Masters Cup, now known as the ATP World Tour Finals. He managed to break into the end-of-season top 10 twice (2006 and 2008) before retiring from the sport in 2013.
Rumours of Blake’s potential appointment come during the likely relocation of the Miami Open. Plans have been submitted to move the event to the Miami Dolphins Stadium from the Tennis Centre at Crandon Park. It follows a dispute between tournament owners IMG and the Matheson family. The Matheson’s own the park, and successfully won a legal battle to block IMG’s purposed $50 million investment in the area.
Next year’s Miami Open will take place between March 19th – April 1st at its current home of Crandon Park.
