Miami Open tournament director James Blake seeking Heisman trophy winner Fernando Mendoza for potential appearance this week

Miami Open tournament director James Blake appears to be seriously considering a social media idea for the tournament to invite Heisman Trophy winner and Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza to Miami this week.

Mendoza has several ties to Miami including a tennis-related one. His mother Elsa played college tennis at the University of Miami. She harbored hopes that Mendoza would choose tennis as his sport of choice.

Of course, Mendoza’s own ties to Miami are more recent and include defeating the University of Miami in the CFB National Championship earlier this year. The game was played at Hard Rock Stadium, the site of the Miami Open.

Blake saw the suggestion on X/Twitter offered by Megan Fernandez, who works with Andy Roddick on his Served podcast. He followed up by asking if Fernandez or anyone else has his number.

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Miami Open always hosts elite athletes and musicians

Because of its opportune scheduling in March, there are always elite athletes from other sports at the Miami Open. Last week, we saw Rory McIlroy in the stands watching Carlos Alcaraz who recognized him by making a golf swing motion when he won his match against Joao Fonseca.

NBA star Jimmy Butler was always a mainstay at the event when he played for the Miami Heat. Now that he is a member of the Golden State Warriors, he frequents Indian Wells.

In addition to athletes, musicians are traditionally in the stands to watch the Miami Open. Jon Bon Jovi visited again this year, making the short commute from his Florida home.

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Will Fernando Mendoza come to the Miami Open?

The tournament concludes on March 29 so Blake needs to get in touch with him immediately to make something happen, if his schedule permits, in the next few days.

Tennis fans and players would love to meet Fernando Mendoza, and hopefully his mother would make the nostalgic trip with him.

Watch live coverage of the Miami Open daily on the Tennis Channel.

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