James Blake playfully jabs former rival and new ESPN tennis colleague Andy Roddick

James Blake and Andy Roddick go way back as former US tennis players rising in the ranks in the early 2000s. Now the two rivals and friends will be ESPN colleagues during its coverage of Wimbledon and the US Open.

For those wondering what took so long for Roddick to be tapped for a job like this which he is extremely well suited for, he explained on his Served podcast that the time is right with his children being old enough to travel to the tournaments.

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Roddick also explained that the podcast would not be sacrificed in any way, one of his conditions for working with ESPN, and that he will not be wearing a tie. It is a long standing joke, revived by Roger Federer last year, that Roddick does not like to wear ties, claiming he has a “thick neck.”

James Blake mentions the tie situation in congratulatory post to Roddick

Blake is eager to work with Roddick and added this zinger. “Also plan on making a fortune investing in the clip on tie industry.”

Fans applauded Blake’s jab and added that hopefully behind-the-scenes or blooper footage of the two working together will be recorded and shared on social media.

Blake is about to be really busy with his Miami Open duties

All kidding aside, James Blake is entering his busiest season as the Miami Open tournament director. Beginning March 15, the Miami Open takes over Southern Florida and Hard Rock Stadium.

There is speculation that Serena Williams could potentially make her return to professional tennis at the Miami Open which would add more fanfare to Blake’s already popular tournament that is regularly frequented by VIPs and athletes including the Miami Heat players.

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The Miami Open is the second leg of the US Sunshine Double which features ATP and WTA 1000-level tournaments at Indian Wells and Miami. Aryna Sabalenka and Jakub Mensik are the defending Miami Open champions.

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