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 was tough to watch. I kept thinking, 'I wonder how I'd be doing if I was there.' Now this year to go out there, it's just a great feeling.
It was tough conditions, I wanted to get ahead early but I couldn't quite do that. But I came through at the end of each set.
Rafael is an unbelievable player. I think he somehow brings out the best in me, because I played some of my best tennis against him at the U.S. Open.
I guess I feel as good as I can feel, I fought my heart out. I had the crowd on my side for the first four matches unbelievably strong. To see how they reacted to him and see how much they wanted a champion like him to advance, it was great.
If we have to fight for money, let's fight for money and let's get it into this region.
I got to give my best win to Andre Agassi, being a legend, everything he's accomplished. That match, it just seemed like everything was going right for me, as it did today similarly. But, you know, it was emotional to really beat Andre Agassi, someone I idolized.
I got some confidence and kept it rolling.
I didn't want to just rest and try to win just on my name, or just because I thought I had done well last week. Obviously the score line shows that I kept my focus the whole time.
I don't generally have a lot of fun losing, but I have a memory forever, even if I wish I'd have won.
Maybe we'll be humbled a little bit. I think a lot of us need that, so maybe we'll stop arguing with the umpires.
My defense has definitely gotten a little better. My serve's gotten a little stronger. I've put on four or five pounds, which I think has helped me make it through the long seasons without getting injured. I think all that combined is turning into me feeling more confident when I play Top 10 players like I did today.
I couldn't quite break through those two times, ... This time, maybe it will be different. I'm a little stronger mentally and a little better prepared.
I am excited to be a part of such an elite group of athletes. Andre and I had such a memorable match at the U.S. Open, and it will be great to play with him once again in Idaho. This will be fun.
I am definitely flattered and humbled any time I can put my name in the same sentence as Arthur Ashe.