James Blake Interview

Interesting James Blake interview on SI.com: In James we trust

...SI.com: Has your success changed or had any impact on your racial identity?

Blake: It's definitely something I think about. It's funny because it's always "first African-American to do this or that" or "first African-American since Arthur Ashe." It's great to mentioned in the same sentence as him but I -- my mom especially -- gets antsy. "Why can't I just be American? Haven't I achieved enough on my own to just be James Blake: American?"

James Blake, Mr. Nice Guy

The Sydney Morning Herald  has a nice feature on James Blake: Meet James, the nicest guy on tour

..."It's was great to make the Masters Cup final in Shanghai last year and to beat Nadal more than just once [three times]. It wasn't just that I got him on a bad day. It wasn't a fluke...

"I used to hope for a good draw and think I could get to the second week; now I just need to worry about playing my tennis. If I'm playing well I don't see any reason I can't win a slam."

Blake Criticizes Davydenko

Nikolay Davydenko seems to have struck a nerve.   It's not often James Blake unloads on another player.

From The Herald Sun: US champ blasts Russian's lack of respect

NIKOLAY Davydenko was under siege on two fronts last night as officials investigated his insulting condemnation of the Sydney International and James Blake leapt to the defence of the historic tournament.

Davydenko flew to Melbourne yesterday for MRI scans on his right foot after his controversial departure from the $1.3 million Sydney event with the comment: "It's a small tournament. Nobody care about here."...

Blake def. Ljubicic for Bangkok

And it was a beatdown, 6-3 6-1. That's Blake's 4th title of the year, and his first career win over Ljubicic. After rallying from a set down to take out Marat Safin in the semis, looks like James has hit his stride again. Maybe James was getting as irritated with the J-Block as the rest of us during the US Hardcourt Swing. Good to see him in form again.

Here are audio interviews with both of them, and here's a match report.

The Pilot Pen

Wow. James Blake lost to Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo? A dude who apparently was 0-7 on hardcourts until hitting New Haven? Wow.

In other defending champ news, Lindsay Davenport's through.

In other upsets, Myskina went down to lucky loser Mara Santangelo (also, Patty Schnyder was ousted Monday by qualifier Sun Tiantian). Here's a wrap of the women's Tuesday matches.

Today sees the return of this year's biggest names on the women's tour: Justine Henin-Hardenne and Amelie Mauresmo are back. Yay!

Here are today's matchups.

*AP Photo/Bob Child

Wacky Wednesday

The nightmare continues for the Rogers Cup. Montreal lost top seed Kim Clijsters in her opening match to a wrist inury; and seeds Nadia Pertova and Anastasia Myskina fell. Let's hope Kim's alright. Here are a round up, video highlights and interviews.

In Cincinnati, the biggest news, of course, was the fall of Federer. Lucky for James Blake, whose tame loss to a sharp Juan Carlos Ferrero would have been the Google News Headline instead. Same goes for David Nalbandian, who was the victim of his own poor play and Federer homie Stan Wawrinka. Fat Dave did not, however, get a code violation: Blake and Federer got one each for blasting balls.

In other news, Baghdatis def. Monfils in an entertaining 3-setter, a resurgent Robby Ginepri over red hot Dimitri Tursunov (the power of the blog manifesting itself yet again?), and Florent Serra took out young gun Novak Djokovic. Roddick, Nadal and Ljubicic are through.

Here are an audio wrap of the day, player interview transcripts, audio interviews, and a review of the highlights.

Order of Play for Montreal / Order of Play for Cincinnati

Montreal Draw / Cincinnati Draw

Blake to McEnroe: 'Bitch, Please'

Ok, not exactly, but close: John McEnroe and others have piled on American tennis lately, and Blake was predictably assailed with questions about the Demise of American Tennis after his loss to Gasquet. Blake was clearly irritated at Johnny Mac's (secondhand) assertion that the Americans players lack the necessary drive:

"He's got the right to say that," allowed Blake, "[but] I don't think he's ever seen me on the practice court. I don't think he's ever seen me working out in the Tampa heat."

"I don't think he's seen Andy working out in Austin. I don't think he's ever come to one of our Davis Cup practices where we're pushing each other for hours on end. If he questions that drive, it's his prerogative."

Ouch. I think that qualifies as Mad as Hell for Blake; I've never seen read him so agitated. Also, funny that John McEnroe was (in)famous for not being an avid work out/practice type. You sort of get the feeling that Blake knows that story.

Read 'Blake denies US in decline'

James Blake Naked in a Tub Hawking Evian; on the US Open

Yep, Evian's pervier than you thought. Here are pictures of the shoot... and here are details of the endorsement deal.

Here's a great article on Blake's chances at the US Open, with thoughts from Sampras.

*Photo from Wire Image

Blake Does It!

Wow, what a GREAT match. Guts and game! GUTS and GAME from James Blake in winning his 3rd title of the year. And great effort from Andy...though he lost, I think Roddick's found his mojo. Here's a match review.

In other news, David Ferrer over Jose Acasuso in 5 for Stuttgart; Vera Zvonereva wins Cincinnati, and Anabel Medina Garrigues wins Palermo.

Roddick or Blake?

Well, it's not a huge shock to see the American No. 1 and No. 2 meeting up in final of the kick off tournament of the U.S. Open Series, but kudos to Andy and James both. I saw the Roddick-Ginepri match and for the first time enjoyed watching Roddick play. Gone were the deer-in-the-headlights look of indecision, the abysmal volleys, the unnecessary swagger, the bonehead strategic "decisions." And he wasn't standing three miles behind the baseline!  Roddick spent 4 days with his new pseudo-coach/guru Jimmy Connors; Jimbo must have really tuned him up. Bravo!

Props also to James Blake for entering the top 5 for the first time! (And to Andy for creeping back into the top 10.)

Blake's brimming with confidence (5th final of the year, folks) and just beat Andy in Queens, but I'm going with Andy for the final. He just looked so together out there.

Blake, Roddick set up title duel

Roddick's Revenge and More Tournament Updates

Andy Roddick took out Gilles Muller, the guy that killed his mojo in the 1st round of the U.S. Open last year, in straight sets. Can killing your mojo-killer get you your mojo back? Hmm.

Andy's set up an all-American clash in the RCA semis with defending champ Robby Ginepri, who's had a seriously crap year until now. Roddick's also made the doubles final with Bobby Reynolds.

James Blake and Serena Williams also did their parts to stem criticism of recently much shat upon American tennis. Blake will face Xavier Malisse (who upset Fernando Gonzalez) for a place in the final; and Serena's got Vera Zvonareva, who took out Jelena Jankovic in Cincinnati.

Novak Djokovic, best known for delusions of grandeur, will face Olympic gold winner Nicolas Massu for the Dutch Open title. This is Novak's first ATP final.

In Stuttgart, it'll be David Ferrer (who beat Tomas Berdych in the semis) vs. Argentine Jose Acasuso for the title tomorrow.

In Palermo, it's Lucie Safarova v. Anabel Medina Garrigues and Tathiana Garbin v. Roberta Vinci.

The Espy Awards: Pictures

ETA: Links have been fixed.

James Blake and Venus Williams represented for tennis at the ESPYs last night. Federer won Best Male Tennis Player, Venus won Best Female Tennis Player-- and some baseball player beat Roger Federer for Best International Athlete. Further proof that the ESPYs are irrelevant.

Here are the full results. The Espy Awards will be aired on Sunday July 16, 9 PM ET on ESPN.

Video: James Blake Interview and More

James Blake talks to ESPN about the trials and tribulations of American Tennis. Also, I've added an all video feed page  to the Player News Site. So check it out!

Wimbledon Day 5: Upsets (The Guys)

Well, it was a full day of them. Let's start with the biggest shocks:

Verdasco d. Nalbandian
4th seed and solid grass-courter David Nalbandian (News / Blog Posts) went down in straight sets to Spanish lefty Fernando Verdasco. Nalbandian looked like a contender for the title, but Verdasco outclassed him today. After the 2 first tiebreak sets (both went 11-9), David fell apart in the 3rd. Here are a match report / Nalbandian's Interview / Verdasco's Interview.

(Apparently Nalbandian requested an early start so he could watch Argentina play Germany in the World Cup. They lost; guess it wasn't Argentina's day.)

The Beast d. Blake
6-4 3-6 4-6 6-1 6-0

Max Mirnyi blitzed Blake (News / Blog Posts) in the 4th and then annihilated him in the 5th. This makes Blake 0-9 lifetime in 5 set matches, which at this point must be messing with his head. He still looked shell-shocked in the ESPN studio, where he was gracious enough to answer "WTF Happened?" questions from Chris Fowler. It's not all curdled cream and strawberries for Blake, though; he can still finish Wimbledon as the number 1 American.

Here are a match summary / Blake's interview /Mirnyi's Interview.

Bolletieri breaks it down here.

Wimbledon Draws are Out!: The Men

And ouch, what a draw it is. Federer's basically got most of the high-end grass courters in his quarter. Gasquet in the first round, or for all you Gasquet fans (myself included), Gasquet's got Federer. Roger could face Timmy Henman in the second round, and Tommy Haas, who just gave Roger trouble in Halle, in the 4th round. Red hot Mario Ancic and iron-serve Ivo Karlovic are at the bottom of Federer's quarter. Nalbandian or Blake in the semis. Sure, you can't bet against Roger, but wow, this is a tough draw.

Nalbandian's draw looks pretty straightforward until Blake in the quarters, but Poor Andy Roddick (and Marat Safin) are in Lleyton Hewitt's section. Andy Murray's in there, too.

Agassi's in Nadal's portion of the draw, so is Feliciano Lopez, his buddy and Wimbledon housemate who made the quarters last year (first Spaniard in 33 years to do so). F-Lo has been having a dismal year and drawing Ivan Ljubicic in the opening round won't necessarily help matters.

ETA: Player Reaction to the Draw

Hewitt Wins 4th Queen's Club

Lleyton Hewitt defeated James Blake in straight sets to become a 4-time champion at Queen's Club. Great news for Lleyton going into Wimbledon; does this make him the second favorite for Wimbledon? Here's a match summary.

I missed the match, so I'm not sure if James maintained his excellent play from yesterday or if Lleyton was just too good today. Did anyone see it?

Blake Defeats Roddick at last.

That was a fun match, even more so because I was right ;-). Blake played an agressive, focused and thoughtful game. Andy, did not, though there were some really good rallies.

Roddick lost his opening service game and Blake was winning comfortably until he played a very loose game to get broken at 5-3. The next 4 games were quite close, with very pretty  tennis from both players, but Blake prevailed 7-5.  Former FO finalist Michael Stich, who was commentating for the Tennis Channel feed, was totally all over Roddick for alot of the match for making bad choices and not being prepared for James' returns. Roddick was serving at around 75% and Blake was just making some mind-blowing return winners. You could blame Roddick, however, for not placing his rockets better.

Roddick and Blake had the crowd laughing with some fun banter when Roddick made a winner that had Blake just sort of standing there. Such good-natured guys. Gotta feel for Andy Roddick--this ends his Queen's winning streak at 18 matches and 3 straight titles.

Now come on, James, make my weekend and beat Lleyton tomorrow!

The Battle for American Tennis: Blake v. Roddick

Sure, Roddick hasn't quite won yet, but it seems like a done deal serving 6-4 5-3 against Gonzalez at Queen's. Tomorrow should see James Blake take on Andy Roddick in a match that essentially will determine who is the best American tennis player. Roddick's serve was on fire against Gonzo, and if he keeps it up for the semis, it should be a spectacular match. I'm gonna go with Blake, though, to assert his ascendency with his first career win (he's 0-6 against Andy) over Roddick in 3.

*Photo from jamesblaketennis.com; as always, click on the photo for the full size version. James looks spectacular.

FO Rematches at Queen's: Blake v. Monfils; Nadal vs. Hewitt, Tim vs. Dmitri

Well, this should be an interesting set of quarterfinals. I'm going to say that revenge takes the day and Henman, Blake and 3-time Queen's champion Hewitt win. What do you think? Does Nadal have a chance?

Also: Roddick over Srichaphan in a straight sets after a tiebreak first set, and Monfils upset Ljubicic. Up next, Roddick's got this week's ATP blogger, super-friendly Chilean Fernando Gonzalez.

Don't forget to check out the video highlights from the Queen's website.

Who's the Best Tennis Interview?

Fun rankings from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Blake Moves To No. 1 (Interview)

Shocked that Safin didn't make the list.

Quote Round Up

This is literally yesterday's news, but here's a great round up of quotes from Monfils, Sharapova, Blake, Venus Williams, Dinara Safina and more.

Men's Preview: Monday

The official site's got a nice preview up, along with pretty good match summaries. I'm not a betting woman but I'm going to guess that Benneteau and Monfils ride the French wave into the quarters over Martin and Djokovic, that Hewitt gives Rafa a bit of a scare and that Ivan gets through Ramirez-Hidalgo.

ETA: Peter Bodo has a very nice close-up look at Monfils vs. Blake, part 2.

Bud Collins on Blake, Roddick

Well, James Blake just lost to Gael Monfils, but here's a nice piece from the Good Old Day, right after Blake beat clay court comer Nicolas Almagro. The gist: Blake is the number one American in all but number. Herrrrrrrrrrre's Bud!

While you've got to feel good for Blake, I feel sort of bad for Roddick, too. However, I think Blake's recent success will help alleviate the strain of being, Andy Roddick, the Lone American Hope.

Andy's already in London to prep for the abbreviated grass court season.

Also: Naysaying on the Connors-Roddick gossip from Andy's agent.

Blake Takes Out Almagro

Wow. Despite James' seeding, this 4-set victory is a real upset. Nicholas Almagro's been very hot this year and James Blake's game has never quite worked on clay. Almagro had been touted as a dark horse to win the French Open.

Well, things are finally getting interesting in Paris. Here's a match summary.

In other news, 2004 French Open champ Gaston Gaudio took out 2003 French Open champ Juan Carlos Ferrerro in 3 very tight sets.

Ace Hot List

Well, the most important tennis rankings are out.

For the men, the Spanish Armada is, of course, well represented in the top 10--  Rafael Nadal, Feliciano Lopez, Juan Carlos Ferrero. And apparently bald is also beautiful, with 2 shiny domes making the cut.

For the women, the top 10 is dominated by the Russians and sort-of Russians: Myskina, Dementieva, Kirilenko, Golovin and Sharapova.

The Women's and Men's Lists

I must say I disagree with the rankings. Ivanovic, Venus, Dementieva and Mirza are IMHO the most beautiful women on tour; and the spaniards should clearly have a lock on the top 4 (Feli first, and where is Moya?), and the absence of Ancic and Nalbandian is obviously poor judgement. (Roddick, top 10? Blasphemy!)

James Blake Tennis Magazine Article

For those of you who don't get Tennis Magazine, James Blake's semi-official site has kindly posted the article about him in the May 2006 edition online: The Leading Man

Blake Inconsistent - Or Maybe Just Tired

Wait - weren't we just reading that Andy Roddick was a has-been and James Blake was the new American tennis star?  How quickly things change.

From CBS Sportsline: Burnt-out Blake struggling with inconsistency

These days, losing to Roger Federer is an unfortunate -- but inevitable -- side effect of picking up a tennis racquet.

Federer has dropped exactly one ATP match this season, a three-setter to Rafael Nadal in the Dubai final.

Other than that, he's 28-0.

Two of those victories have come at James Blake's expense.

Tough luck for Blake, but considering the run Federer is on, it's understandable. What is troublesome is the way Blake has responded since falling to Federer in Miami a few weeks back.

Blake Recommends College

From the Miami Herald: Blake's message: 'Go to college'

The NCAA ought to get a videotape of James Blake's Tuesday night news conference. He gave a convincing pitch for college tennis, something you don't hear every day around the pro circuit.

Blake, who meets Roger Federer tonight, played two seasons at Harvard before turning pro.

''My advice to young players is to go to college,'' Blake said. ``Unless you're a clear-cut case like an Andy Roddick, who was playing top-100 tennis when he was 17, I think a year of college is not going to hurt you.''

James Blake

Yet another article on how far James Blake has come in his life, but there are some interesting newer quotes from Blake about playing Rafael Nadal included.

From The Sunday Times: Miracle of Blake's progress

A broken neck and a crippling back injury should have put paid to his tennis career, but James Blake, of America, refuses to give in, writes Barry Flatman.

AS WITH many success stories in America, the magnitude of the achievement is judged against cinema box office potential. At the Nasdaq-100 Open, a fan turned to the press seats and yelled: “This James Blake guy. So why doesn’t somebody make a movie about his story?”

James Blake

I like the part at the end of the article about James Blake "dominating" Rafael Nadal now that he's got a 2-0 record against him on hardcourts.  Perspective, please.

From the Palm Beach Post: A model of class, loyalty and resolve

If you want, watch James Blake because he dates model Jennifer Scholle. Watch him because People magazine called him the sexiest athlete in the world. Watch him make the poolside party scene at a Nasdaq-100 Open bash in Miami, on a day when Maria Sharapova poses in shorts and high heels, and promises, "I'm trying to do my best to avoid distractions."

The refreshing thing about Blake, though, is what happens after the party's over.

It's nobody else's fault if he loses.

James Blake vs. Andy Roddick

I suppose it was inevitable that the rise of James Blake would be paired with the fall of Andy Roddick in the media.  But Charles Bricker does give quite a fair defense of Roddick here.

From the Sun-Sentinel: Blake takes aim at U.S. supremacy

Hang the rankings. It's time to say what we all know, that at this moment in the history of the universe James Blake is the No. 1 American player.

We could have had an argument about this before Indian Wells, but to see Blake take down Rafael Nadal a second time in a row while Andy Roddick was being beaten earlier by Igor Andreev settles it...

The New James Blake

James Blake may have had a rather disastrous final against Roger Federer yesterday, but he still gets a complimentary article here. 

I'm actually not too disappointed with Blake's performance yesterday.  He just has no experience at all competing physically and mentally in back to back matches against the likes of Nadal and Federer.  That's a whole different level of tennis for him and we'll have to wait and see if he can get used to it.

From the New York Sun: Rejuvenated Blake Poised to Conquer American Tennis

Even though James Blake fizzled yesterday in the final of the Pacific Life Open against Roger Federer, losing 7-5, 6-3, 6-0, he has much to be happy about.

Blake, 26, has long been considered one of the game's best in terms of kindness and class, and since August he quietly has become an elite player - certainly the best American. His run to the final in Indian Wells will propel him into the top 10 for the first time in his career...

Blake Upsets Nadal in Semis

From The Los Angeles Times: Garden-Variety Upset for Blake in Semifinal

The Pacific Life Open tournament final today will match a former Harvard student against the current poet laureate of men's tennis. Fans are encouraged to bring pencils and notepads.

The semifinals of this Tennis Masters Series event Saturday were supposed to deliver yet another Roger Federer-Rafael Nadal final showdown, but American James Blake did not stand on form. And there was a fair indication in the reaction by a sellout crowd of 16,260 at Indian Wells Garden, when Nadal's service return on match point settled into the net to complete Blake's 7-5, 6-3 victory, that a Blake-Federer final was just fine.

At the moment of match point, the crowd stood as one, spontaneously. Blake took off his blue headband, bowed to them, clapped back to them and gave them the thumbs up. The fan reaction was a tribute to a player who, as recently as a year ago, was struggling to stay in the top 100 after going through a year of injury and tragedy in 2004.

James Blake - Last American Standing

From The Boston Globe: Blake making right moves

Suddenly, James Blake, that runaway from Harvard Yard, is the man.

He is The Man of American tennis at this weigh station in his long struggle to be the player he always felt he could be. Not only because he's a loner in the desert, surviving at an extravaganza called the Pacific Life Open -- the last American standing as the field shrinks to a handful. But also because he has surpassed his colleagues and countrymen such as Andy Roddick, Andre Agassi, and Robby Ginepri at the top level of the computerized pecking order.

James Blake's Improving Backhand

From the Las Vegas Review-Journal: Champion turning weakness into strength

To have told James Blake in years past that he was a good tennis player for someone without much of a backhand was not, well ... a backhanded compliment.

It was, as Blake readily concedes, the truth.

"It was something that in college and my first few years on (the ATP) Tour was a weakness," the American said Sunday. "Everyone would know the scouting report: Attack James' backhand. Attack his backhand. Keep him from the forehand and get him hitting backhands and you'll be in good shape.

Blake Defeats Hewitt to Win Tennis Channel Open

Now I was just criticizing James Blake for his lack of progress and consistency and here he goes and wins a tournament over a tough customer like Lleyton Hewitt.  Good for him.

And there's a nice attendance note and the end of the article.  Last year when this event was played in Arizona 26,000 fans came.  This year in Vegas - 40,000.

From the Las Vegas Review-Journal: Blake breaks Hewitt hex

James Blake raked in several pots playing poker last week in Las Vegas, but he might want to try his hand at craps or roulette, because seven was his lucky number against Lleyton Hewitt on Sunday.

Blake won his first match in seven career meetings against the feisty Australian, 7-5, 2-6, 6-3, to capture the singles championship of the inaugural Tennis Channel Open at the Darling Memorial Tennis Center.

Blake Wins in Memory of His Father

From the Las Vegas Review-Journal: Blake inspired, unbowed

Playing against a bitter wind and trailing a formidable opponent, all James Blake could think about was his father, Thomas, who died of cancer two years ago.

Well aware of the fact that Tuesday would have been his father's 59th birthday, Blake fought off five set points against Paradorn Srichaphan in the first set, then breezed to a 7-6 (3), 6-0 victory in the first round of the Tennis Channel Open at Darling Memorial Tennis Center.

James Blake Still Putting Career Back Together

I like James Blake - really I do - but all of these "The Resurrection of James Blake's Career" articles are beginning to seem a bit surreal considering his lousy play so far this season. 

His success at the end of last season may have been more of a blip than an indication that he's ready to play at that level permanantly.

From the Las Vegas Review-Journal: Blakes fortunes on rise

James Blake was so close.

There he stood at last year's U.S. Open, just a couple of points from the biggest victory of his life and a berth in the semifinals.

A sellout crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium was going berserk. The atmosphere inside the cavernous stadium was electric. A changing of the guard in American tennis, it seemed, was about to occur.

Blake's Coach Loses Gold Tooth Bet

From the AP: Bet turns golden

James Blake's longtime coach Brian Barker is sporting a pirate-style gold tooth, complete with a skull and crossbones, after losing a bet to the American player.

Blake said Wednesday that he and Barker made the bet during his comeback last year after nine months away from the tour through illness, injury and the death of his father from cancer.

"We weren't sure if I was ever really going to be back to a 100 percent, if I was ever going to be back to this level again," Blake said after a 2-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-3 win over French qualifier Jean-Christophe Faurel in the second round at the Australian Open.

"I said whatever tournament I win, (at) the next Grand Slam, you have to wear a gold tooth for the whole time I'm in the tournament," Blake added.

James Blake Would Like to Face Lleyton Hewitt Again

Even after all these years, James Blake continues to take the high road where Lleyton Hewitt is considered.

From The Australian: No trash-talk from Blake

STYLISH right hander James Blake is eager to pick up his sometimes fiery relationship with Lleyton Hewitt at the Adelaide International but the slick New Yorker says he won't get caught up in any trash talk.

The No.5 seed at Memorial Drive, Blake has a 0-6 record against the emotive Hewitt since their controversial first meeting in the 2001 US Open. Hewitt won in five sets, then faced allegations he made a racial comment to an Afro-American linesman.

Blake, who turned 25 last Wednesday, said the media hysteria surprised him but Hewitt's raw on-court emotions did nothing to cause him concern.

"I don't worry about his antics, his antics are for him to deal with," Blake said. "I think it's better if people show their emotions on the court if that's who they are.

Blake Signs With Prince

From ESPN: Blake, once spurned by Dunlop, signs with Prince

It doesn't pay to doubt James Blake.

Dunlop has learned that lesson.

The racket maker signed him when he turned pro in 1999 and extended their deal with him again in 2002. But when Blake fell out of the top 100 last year, Dunlop executives exercised their option to dump him so that they wouldn't have to pay him top dollar.

Blake's Appearance on 60 Minutes to Air Sunday

From Tennis Week: Blake To Appear On 60 Minutes On Sunday

James Blake made one of the most inspirational comebacks in tennis this year. On Sunday, Mike Wallace brings Blake's story to the nation in a profile that will air on CBS' "60 Minutes" starting at 7 p.m. Eastern time. Wallace interviewed Blake and teammate Andy Roddick in Belgium during the United States' Davis Cup World Group Playoff tie against host Belgium.

Blake Sprains Foot Ligament

From news-press.com: Players entertain fans at charity event

The players at Swingtime — a Pro-Celebrity, Pro-Am Tennis and Golf Tournament held Saturday at Lely Resort in Naples — entertained fans while getting in a little extra practice time on the courts. Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) star and all-around nice guy James Blake had to sit this one out, but signed autographs and talked to fans.

"I sprained a ligament in my foot," Blake said. "I hurt it Wednesday on a treadmill while I was running."

It was one of his first workouts after coming off a short layoff. Blake said he thought the injury was minor but found out on his way to Naples that the ligaments needed rest.

"My foot is supposed to be better in a week," he said. "I'll get back to training, hopefully without hurting myself again."

James Blake Interview

The story is more than familiar ground at this point, but this time it's in James Blake's own words.

From ESPN: Tale of two seasons for James Blake

Q: Any plans to return to Harvard to finish your degree?

A: I have two years left. I'd like to go back when I'm done playing. I think it might help with my transition. A lot of guys don't know when to stop or what they're going to do when they stop and I have a feeling I won't know. It'll give me a reason so I don't hang on too long … but as long as my body holds up and I'm playing as well as I am and enjoying it and feeling like I'm getting better, I'm going to keep playing. Andre's an inspiration to all of us.

Blake Unveils Ashe Items in Virginia

From nbc12news: VA. Historical Society is now home to several Ashe possessions

The Virginia Historical Society is now home to several personal possessions of the late Arthur Ashe. Tennis star James Blake was in Richmond this afternoon to unveil those items purchased from a Sotheby's auction.

It was a joint effort by Blake, the Virginia Historical Society and Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of Virginia to land four items.

A personal tennis racquet Ashe was photographed with on an Sports Illustrated cover in 1992 as sportsman of the year, a wrist band, tennis bag, and Ashe's ring presented during his induction to the black Athletes Hall of Fame.

Blake is one of the tennis world's bright young stars and says being here today to unveil the items for this new exhibit is special.

Blake on Oprah on Friday

The interview James Blake taped with Oprah in September will air on Friday, October 21.  He'll be sharing time on the show with "Her Husband Tried to Kill Her Three Times".  That's Oprah for you.  It looks like the show's theme is surviving difficult times or something of that sort.  Blake had a tough year last year, but I don't know if he can compete with a lady whose husband tried to kill her not once, but three times.

The Oprah site has also posted a piece with James talking about the difficulties he faced last year: Aha! Moment

...Leaving the hospital, I felt it was all catching up with me. I couldn't walk, I couldn't taste anything, I didn't look right. I went home and got ready to spend months alone, sitting on the couch, waiting to get better. That's when they started coming. What felt like a constant stream of friends from every corner of my life descended on Fairfield, Connecticut, with one purpose: to cheer me up.

Blake Wins Third Career Title

From the AP: Blake beats Srichaphan for third career title

James Blake beat Paradorn Srichaphan 6-1, 7-6 (6) Sunday to win the Stockholm Open for his first European title...

“It was very important to me because half the tour is in Europe,” said Blake, who has three career titles. “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've heard a lot of fans dismiss Blake by saying he only plays well in the U.S., so it's interesting to hear he had an issue with that as well.

Trophy picture here, presentation ceremony pictures here and here (second one with actual Swedish princess) and here's my favorite tennis photo of the day - cool action shot.

Roddick and Blake to Play Doubles?

Found this interesting note on Andy Roddick's official site:

"Rumor has it that Andy and James Blake may possibly play doubles next week. After practicing with the best doubles team, the Bryan Brothers, at Davis Cup a few weeks back, Andy and James could bring that experience as well as their individual skills to a successful partnership."

Blake is only listed as the third alternate on the Madrid Masters site right now and obviously isn't playing qualifying since he's in the final at the Stockholm Open tomorrow so I don't know how that would work, but they'd probably have fun. And since their games are really not suited to playing doubles together they wouldn't last more than a round or two so it wouldn't take up too much of their time.

Still, I'd be surprised if Roddick wanted any distraction from singles.  With Federer out and Nadal dealing with the pressure of playing at home as the