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
I was very excited to be out there. I kind of knew what to expect with what I've been going through the last week and a half, with my friends and family coming out, and I don't think Igor quite did. It hit him pretty quickly and they were pretty vocal. That's just a lot of fun.
My mum especially listens to music in a way that is incredibly feelings-based. There's virtually no snobbery about what sounds are in it, she just wants to hear a song and that is quite refreshing.
I've got to start talking to somebody about getting some better draws, ... I always see it as an opportunity. I expect really high-level tennis on Saturday. I couldn't quite break through those times, but maybe this time will be different.
It looked like Rafael was getting a little upset towards the end of the match noticing that my fans were pretty vocal, ... I'm proud that they never make it personal and they never do anything too negative toward the other player...maybe it helps that it was during the day and they maybe didn't have quite as many Heinekens today. That helps, I think.
A lot of the vocal music I've been doing recently has been quite clubby. But that's mainly because I've had more time to go to clubs, and that normally breeds that kind of influence.
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.
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.
He's not quite ready for it. Most 16-year-olds aren't. It's very rare that a kid of that age is ready to compete at this level.
Whether I win or lose, it's nice to be able to give it my best.
What I actually thought of then, ... was the tape that's replayed about five million times every time there's a rain delay here at the Open, when Jimmy Connors says, 'This is what they came for; this is what we'll give them.'
Unfortunately my down was pretty far down, but it makes you appreciate the ups a lot more,
Wow ... that would be something. I?d think we?d need to hold a big party at Fairfield High. It would be huge.
We know what's at stake. If we don't win this match, we can't win the Davis Cup next year.
There are definitely times since I've been back that I just kind of look up and take five extra seconds before I serve. This is what I was dreaming of just a couple of years ago, to come back and feel this feeling again.