James Blake’s Winning Formula: Grand Slam Energy, Community Heart

If you think James Blake has slowed down since hanging up his racquet, think again. The former World No. 4, Davis Cup champion, author, philanthropist, and now Miami Open Tournament Director is as energized as ever—and he’s got nearly 400,000 fans coming to celebrate at the Hard Rock Stadium to prove it.

Blake took time out of his busy schedule to catch up the Adam Ross on the Florida Tennis podcast (check out the video at the bottom of this article). “It’s gonna be a great day,” Blake said with a smile, talking about the opening Sunday of the tournament. “When you can get people out here having fun and get it for free—it’s exciting.” 

Above: Miami Open Tournament Director James Blake. Photo by Adam Ross for Florida Tennis.

Free tennis? Yes, you heard that right. The Miami Open kicks off with a fan-first approach, opening the gates for free this Sunday so everyone can experience world-class qualifying action, food trucks, bars, and live music without dropping a dime. “You get to see unbelievable players,” Blake said. “Some people don’t realize just how great the qualifying matches are—these people are fighting for their jobs.”

And while the qualifying matches may be fierce, the vibe is pure fun. That’s been Blake’s mission since taking the reins in 2018—make tennis accessible, make it festive, and make it unmistakably Miami. “I wanted this to be an event where you didn’t necessarily have to be a diehard fan,” he said. “You can come out, get an açaí bowl, a cheeseburger, a slice of pizza, hear some live music, and have a great time.”

Hospitality plays a big role in that. The venue—Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins—offers a level of luxury not typically associated with tennis events. “That’s one of the benefits of being in a football stadium,” Blake said. “We’ve got suites that are luxurious, air-conditioned, and even Stephen Ross’s personal suite—the Nines.”

Above: Stephen Ross with James Blake. Photo by Adam Ross for Florida Tennis.

Yes, that Stephen Ross. The visionary behind the Dolphins and a man Blake credits with helping save the Miami Open. “He absolutely had the idea and the vision to be able to put tennis here,” Blake said. “There was a lot of skepticism from the players… but he wanted to keep it in Miami, and now it’s been fruitful.”

As a former pro, Blake also knows how important it is to create an exceptional player experience—and that’s why the Miami Open feels different. “We’re able to put some turf down, we’ve got warm-up areas, soccer balls, golf mats—players can feel comfortable and not be bothered,” Blake said.

The players love it. And Blake makes sure they feel that love—especially the past champions. “We give a suite to all the top eight players and all past champions,” he said. “John Isner loved rubbing it in—‘Hey, where’s my suite, James?’”

Above: Blake at the Miami Open. Photo by Adam Ross for Florida Tennis.

Blake wants to celebrate the legacy of the tournament with past winners. “I want them to feel like this is a special part of their career,” Blake said. “That this stop is something memorable.”

The Miami Open is often called the “fifth Grand Slam.” Blake doesn’t lean into that label himself—but he doesn’t deny the prestige. “I don’t put that moniker on us, but I know a lot of people do,” he said. “If you’ve got the Miami Open on your resume as a [past champion], you’re doing something pretty special.”

And the vibe? It’s still all Miami. Brazilian Heritage Night, Hispanic Heritage Day, Women’s Empowerment Day, LGBTQ+ Pride Night—this isn’t just tennis. It’s a cultural celebration. “We want to be a part of the Miami community,” Blake said. “We’re not just dropping a cookie-cutter event here—we want to embrace the city.”

Above: Blake at the Miami Open. Photo by Adam Ross for Florida Tennis.

There’s even a gondola ride. Yes, you read that right. A gondola at a tennis tournament. “It was here for the Super Bowl and we thought, why not leave it?” Blake said, chuckling. “It gives fans a bird’s-eye view—and we haven’t had one player complaint.”

It’s the kind of quirky charm that makes this tournament stand out—and Blake, ever the perfectionist, is constantly tweaking. “I always felt like my career was a lesson in trial and error,” he said. “So we try things—if they don’t work, we pivot.”

Blake is also committed to giving back. The tournament’s “Miami Unites” program gets the players involved in community outreach, from beach cleanups to youth mentorship. “We have an opportunity,” Blake said. “And we want to do it right.”

If this year’s Miami Open is any indication, they already are. With world-class tennis, sizzling nightlife, culinary delights, and a heart rooted in community, it’s no wonder Blake beams when he talks about the event.

“I wanted this to be a place where you can bring your friends, go on a date, or just come have fun,” he said. “And now I hear people say that’s exactly what it is.”

Mission accomplished, James.

Florida Tennis Podcast

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Written by Florida Tennis Editor and Publisher Matt Pressman. Florida Tennis Podcast interview (video above) by Florida Tennis Contributor Adam Ross. Top photo: Miami Open presented by Itaú.