James Blake was embroiled in a heated debate with a fan about the scheduling of Andy Murray's match with Matteo Berrettini at the Miami Open with the fan perceiving it as a 'missed opportunity' on the part of the tournament.
The fan was upset that Murray's match against Berrettini given the status of the Brit who prevailed in a thrilling contest was shoehorned in during the 3:00pm local time slot instead of the night session. Especially given it could be his last Miami Open as he has confirmed on multiple occasions his plans to retire this summer.
"1. Are Blanch and Damm Americans? 2. Did you ever consider that players may want to play during the day instead of the night and we want to accommodate them instead of what makes you happy?" Blake wrote in response after the fan feigned shock at the fact that Murray was in the middle of the day while people were still working and saw it as a big opportunity missed.
The fan said that the wildcards for Darwin Blanch and Martin Damm were paid for by iMG and that it is not his job to be friends with the players calling the line-up a disgrace to which Blake asked him sarcastically to send a job application in if he thinks he could do a better job. "Thanks for telling me my job. Seems like you know more than me how to do it. Feel free to send in your application," Blake said.
The fan continued to reply saying that he could've packed the stadium for Murray's last stand before getting a final reply from Blake. "You would do great as a TD thinking of the players as prisoners. Don’t quit your day job. This is now 3 responses for an internet troll. That’s my limit, so don’t expect anymore," Blake responded.
Big opportunity missed by @JRBlake , perhaps he’s trying make up for selling 100% of the wildcards to non Americans I am shocked that Berrettini v Murray is not the main event tonight , people will be working during the match. It’s Andy’s last Miami Open, what are we doing..?
1. Are Blanch and Damm Americans? 2. Did you ever consider that players may want to play during the day instead of the night and we want to accommodate them instead of what makes you happy?
Blanch and Damm were paid for by IMG , yawn. Your job is to sell tickets bro, not be buddy buddy with the players The lineup is disgraceful tonight James Appreciate the reply , good luck the rest of the event 👍🏻
Thanks for telling me my job. Seems like you know more than me how to do it. Feel free to send in your application.
James I think you could have packed that stadium tonight for Andy’s last go!! It’s a missed opportunity in my opinion. I also hope you work on reducing the $40 parking Sure I’ve exaggerated some points but honest criticism is the only way to get better Wishing you well
