Prakash asks James Blake to turn down the heat in Miami

Former world No. 4 and Miami Open tournament director James Blake recently sat down with Tennis Channel correspondent Prakash Amritraj at the Cadillac desk to talk about how much work went into making it feel like it was a "normal" year.

With only 1000 fans permitted into the event per day, it may seem a little empty, but Blake is doing absolutely everything he can to make it an exceptional tournament for both players and fans.

"I've gotten great responses. The players that have come are very happy to be here and happy to be playing. That's what I like to see, I like to see the players very appreciative and having a good time," Blake told Amritraj.

Blake spoke about opening up the Hard Rock Stadium to players and allowing them to warm-up, play frisbee, football and much more on the NFL field. The home of the Miami Dolphins is temporarily being taken over by the top WTA and ATP names.

Blake has worked to find the sweet spot of keeping things safe in the bubble, but also maintaining the lively Miami environment. Players are also welcome to food trucks sprinkled around the grounds and have access to Uber Eats and Doordash.

"We are doing the best we can to give them normalcy and as many benefits as we can give them," Blake said.

With so much pressure and responsibility in sizzling conditions, Blake gave off an ice-cool vibe without breaking a sweat. This hardly went unnoticed by Amritraj.

"They said they were going to make me look good, handsome and then they go and bring this guy to the set," Amritraj said while perspiring in the over 70% humidity. "Is that even fair?"

The Tennis Channel correspondent had one minor request for Blake, who he likes to call the "Mayor of Miami."

Q: "Everyone has been loving the event. Just a small request: can you turn down the temperature a little bit in Miami?"

A: "We got to work on that. Next year we will get some AC out here."

Amritraj continued to shake his head in disbelief at Blake's welcoming demeanor.

"So charming, so damn handsome this guy..." he said before ending the hilarious video.

This is the former American player's third year running the 1000-level event.