James Blake
James Blake
James Riley Blakeis an American retired professional tennis player. Blake is known for his speed and powerful, flat forehand. During his career, Blake had amassed 24 singles finals appearances, while his career-high singles ranking was World No. 4. His career highlights included reaching the final of the 2006 Tennis Masters Cup, the semifinals of the Beijing Olympics and the quarterfinals of the Australian Openand US Open, as well as being the former American No. 1. His two titles for the...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionTennis Player
Date of Birth28 December 1979
CountryUnited States of America
It hurts to lose right now but when I look back on this week I'll be satisfied that I played some good tennis,
I think the music that you make, often it's even better if you identify with other people.
I think you better check the results again. What's his record against me? I think he's about 8-0. I'm very happy to defer to him as the No. 1. We've called him our Mariano Rivera a few times. He's our closer.
I think when you're learning an instrument, you are restricted because much of it is the noise of individual theory and your ability to play the instrument.
It is good to get a lot of confidence and get the ball rolling.
I was definitely more relaxed and found a little more of the happy medium,
I hate to let go of a well-kept secret, but I have one of the best coaches in the world,
I felt like it's been completely back since I got off the grass,
I felt like I had to hit two winners at least to win each point,
I felt I wasn't moving my feet too well, ... Once I was in it, I started moving my feet a little better, going after it a little more, just trying to take it into my hand. At the start, I felt like I was pushing and leaving it in his hands, and he took advantage.
I felt like I was able to dictate, and once I did that he might have gotten a little down on himself, ... I was able to take a couple of risks early on. I think I hit a couple of clean winners off first serves from him and that can rattle you early.
I feel like I am getting better every week. I'm not worried about my ranking, I'm just worried about getting better.
If I'm up two sets to one and a break, I'm not going to start getting ahead of myself, thinking, 'This is Andre Agassi, the legend, I'm going to beat,' ... I'm just going to try to keep the same maturity and the same focus and perspective I've had so far this tournament and this whole year.
I feel great. Similar to the way after going into the U.S. Open last year. This is two in row for me right before a Slam.