Saddlebrook Resort Takes Iconic Tennis Program to New Heights with ATP Pro Thomas Blake as Director of Performance Tennis
Jan 16, 2026
Saddlebrook Resort, the Florida destination known for its world-class athletic training, legendary tennis and golf, diverse leisure offerings, and a variety of group experiences, today announced Thomas Blake, Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) veteran, as director of performance tennis. Blake joins Saddlebrook as the iconic resort – home to Saddlebrook Preparatory – enters its next era, following a $92 million reimagination that debuted in November 2025.
Blake takes the helm of Saddlebrook’s legendary tennis program, a world-class training ground that has developed generations of champions, including Jim Courier, Pete Sampras, Martina Hingis, Andy Roddick, John Isner, current top player Alexander Zverev, and his own brother, James Blake. It’s here, too, where Blake honed his own skills throughout his professional career.
Bringing decades of tour-level expertise and a performance-driven philosophy, Blake will build on this legacy by advancing the training and on-court development for elite junior, collegiate, and Saddlebrook Preparatory players, as well as professional athletes training at the academy. In his role, he will oversee all high-performance tennis operations, help define the program’s technical and tactical approach, lead and mentor a team of high-performance and touring coaches, and drive further advancements in the program.
Photo credit: Harvard Varsity Club.
“Joining Saddlebrook as director of performance tennis is a full-circle moment for me," said Blake. "I had the opportunity to train at this incredible program throughout my professional tennis career, learning from the best coaches in the world. Seeing the resort re-emerge with such intention, and in a way that truly honors its legacy, is one of the many reasons I am thrilled to be back. I am proud to step into a role that allows me to mentor the sport’s rising stars, share my passion for tennis, and lead an exceptionally talented team of coaches and staff.”
“Thomas is widely respected for his professional playing career and his ability to develop elite talent on the global stage,” said Jeff Mayers, Managing Director of Saddlebrook Resort. “His return to our Saddlebrook community reinforces the legacy and impactful experience we provide for our students, guests, and members. We’re thrilled to have him as part of our team.”
Blake brings a wealth of experience as he returns to Saddlebrook, with a background in collegiate tennis at Harvard University and an international professional career, highlighted by a doubles appearance at the U.S. Open alongside his brother. Following his playing career, Blake remained deeply embedded in high-performance tennis, coaching and training elite athletes and serving as a hitting partner for top ATP and WTA players like Maria Kirilenko, Jill Craybas, and, most recently, Eliot Spizzirri. He has also competed in and coached World Team Tennis. Today, he remains actively involved in the sport through leadership and advisory roles at premier events, including The Miami Open, and serves on the boards of the James Blake Foundation and the Avila Charity Tennis Tournament.
Photo credit: Saddlebrook Resort.
"Thomas’s vision for tennis perfectly aligns with our philosophy of combining world-class sports programming with a premier resort experience," said Michael Kazma, President of Amzak Capital Management, the investment firm that owns Saddlebrook Resort in partnership with Mast Capital. "From the outset, our mission has been to honor Saddlebrook’s rich history while thoughtfully evolving the resort to today’s standards, and Thomas is a key piece of that. His leadership will strengthen our legacy and expand our bespoke fitness and sports offerings – creating an experience that can only be found here.”
When Saddlebrook debuted its extensive transformation in late 2025, the resort introduced 451 newly redesigned guest rooms and suites, a reimagined lobby, four distinct culinary concepts, championship golf courses designed by renowned architect Rees Jones, renovated meeting and event spaces, and more. The resort boasts expansive sports offerings, including 41 tennis courts representing all four Grand Slam surfaces, eight pickleball courts, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a planned multi-court padel complex. In 2024, Saddlebrook welcomed the international headquarters of the Professional Tennis Registry and Professional Pickleball Registry, further cementing its status as a global hub for racquet sports. Saddlebrook Resort is also home to the Saddlebrook Golf Academy, where K.J. Choi, Karl Vilips, and Aline Krauter, among many others, have trained.
Photo credit: Saddlebrook Resort.
Saddlebrook also expanded its private membership program as part of the revitalization. For the first time, the resort opened its membership to individuals and families beyond its neighboring residential community, welcoming new members to experience its premium amenities and vibrant resort lifestyle. Members can access everything Saddlebrook has to offer through the program’s multiple tiers – from premier golf, tennis, and pickleball and pro-level coaching to celebration-worthy dining, leisurely pool days, and exclusive programming.
For more information please about Saddlebrook Resort, visit https://www.saddlebrook.
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