Tennis Month: James Blake Interview – Part One

By James Blake and Jason Brown

James Blake is one of the most recognizable athletes in the United States. Born in Yonkers, New York, raised in Fairfield, Connecticut and educated at Harvard University, Blake spent his formative years growing up on the public tennis courts of New England.

A mainstay on the United States Davis Cup Team, Blake famously made a remarkable comeback from a broken neck, a severe bout of shingles, and the loss of his father to play one of the most memorable matches in US Open history on his way toward becoming a Top 10-ranked player.

During an exclusive live Web chat on USTA.com, the 27-year-old answered questions from his fans, discussed the roots of his playing career, the importance of tennis in his life, and the opportunities that the sport has provided.

**USTA.com: Why is tennis the sport for a lifetime?*

James Blake: I think that tennis is the sport for a lifetime because you can play at many different levels. You can play it forever – my mother is 71-years-old and she still plays. I probably started hitting balls when I was five, and it doesn’t matter how good you are because there’s always people at every different level to play with. It’s also easy enough on your body. A sport like football you can play for only so many years. And you can still have fun with tennis when you’re older, even if you can’t move as well anymore. If you can run, tennis gives you a great workout, and will continue to do so for your entire life.

USTA.com: What does tennis mean to you?

James Blake: The one thing about tennis that I’ve always liked is that it’s an individual sport. You go out there, you do your best, and you’re proud of yourself for what you accomplish. If you don’t accomplish everything that you set out to do, there’s nobody to blame but yourself. It’s that kind of gladiatorial atmosphere that I’ve enjoyed my whole life. I’m sometimes a person that can be isolated and being out there on my own on the tennis court is something that excites me. That’s what first drew me to tennis. Of course having talent for it, that helps, too.

USTA.com: Growing up, was there a local public tennis court that had special meaning to you? Also, was there a specific person(s) that you credit for spiking your interest in playing tennis and motivating you?

James Blake: Yeah. When I first started playing it was on a public court right down the street from my house in Yonkers. It was actually where my parents met so it had a very special meaning to me. My brother, Thomas, and I would hit balls after my mother and father played. Then when we moved to Connecticut, I played a lot on the public courts there as well, including my high school tennis matches.

USTA.com: And it was around that time when you also met your current coach, Brian Barker, right?

James Blake: Yeah, I started working with Brian when I was 12 years old and since then, he’s helped me to become such a better tennis player and an even better person.

USTA.com: Everyone talks about the importance of confidence on the tennis court. Have you taken the confidence that tennis builds within you on and off the court?

James Blake: Tennis was a big deal for me, confidence-wise. All throughout high school, everyone is trying their best to fit in, be normal, and hang out with the crowd that they want to associate with. For me, tennis made a big difference in feeling normal, because I used to wear a back brace in high school which made me feel different from everyone else. Tennis made me feel good about myself. Nowadays, confidence is still really important to me. You’re going to win matches when you’re feeling confident and hitting your shots, especially on those big points.

USTA.com: You’ve always been known as a guy who gives back to the community. What are some of the charities that you’ve been involved with?

James Blake: The Shriner’s Hospital for Crippled Children is one that I’ve been involved with because that’s where I was a patient when I had scoliosis. Also, the Harlem Junior Tennis Program has been a big part of my life. I basically learned how to play tennis there and my father was a volunteer. I became a volunteer there as well – I’ve been there about six years in a row with my brother. Since then, I’ve also become very involved with the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. The last two years I’ve done a charity event in Virginia where all of the benefits go towards cancer research.

USTA.com: A lot of fans are interested in your upcoming tournament schedule. Which events are you planning to enter?

James Blake: I’m playing in Rome, Hamburg, and the World Team Championship in Dusseldorf. On the grass, I’m going to play Halle and Wimbledon. And then for the US Open Series, I’ll be playing Indianapolis, Montreal, Cincinnati, and Pilot Pen Tennis in New Haven.