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
Knowing that I was that close to a semi or final, it makes me realize that the goal going into these Slams isn't just getting to the second week. Maybe I can get in there and win one.
This is the first time I've had success in Europe, previously I've only done well in the States and maybe in Australia.
I do feel confident in my game. It's just a matter of putting a few wins together and maybe getting lucky here or there on a few tough points.
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.
If I couldn't play tennis again, am I still going to be happy going back to school, maybe going to business school, doing whatever else I could do? ... Would I be able to be happy if my eye never came back to normal and I couldn't really be athletic at all the rest of my life? Could I find a way to still be happy? All those I tried to answer yes.
Maybe I'm a slow learner. But he doesn't make it easy. I'm starting to feel like one of those basketball players in the early '90s. You feel like you make Michael Jordan play well, but then every time he comes up and beats you and makes you realize why he's the best.
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 was very important to me because half the tour is in Europe, ... I'm excited and it gives me confidence to know that I can win here. This is the first time I've had success in the European season. Other times I've kind of made my rankings just on the U.S. season and maybe down in Australia a little bit.
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.
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.
He's sensational. I was impressed by him at the French Open but maybe it'll be a little different here in New York.
I thought in the past maybe I've had girlfriends that complained a lot, but he took that to a whole new level complaining when they get called.
Maybe I'm a slow learner. But he doesn't make it easy.
I have said it before, that if every week was like this, I would never retire,