James Blake
June 2010 | by Monticelli
The veteran American now picks and chooses which tournaments to play, something that James Blake has followed from compatriots Serena and Venus Williams.
Missed the 2010 French Open as not fond of the clay court season as well as suffered recent injuries.
Although Blake has won 10 tournaments on the ATP Tour, they have all been on hard courts. Reached world no4 in November 2006, but it has been downhill on the circuit ever since and he lost his Davis Cup place in 2010.
However, Blake surpassed even his expectations by reaching the final of the 2009 AEGON Championships at Queen's Club, London. Only to bow out in the first round at Wimbledon as a seeded player.
Grass courts suit his fast footwork as well as ever-improving serve and volley style.
Realistic chances of winning // Could be willed on by the crowd to reach the semi-final stage, although most unlikely to get past the quarter-finals.
Factfile
June 2010 | by Monticelli
Nickname
// N/A
Country // United States
Residence // Saddlebrook Academy, Florida, USA
Date of birth // December 28, 1979
Place of birth // Yonkers, New York
Height // 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight // 183 lb (83 kg; 13.1 st)
Turned pro // 1999
Plays // Right-handed; one-handed backhand
| Injuries | Tournament | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 26.01.2009 - 14.02.2009 | Australian Open | retired |
| 08.08.2007 - 14.08.2007 | Montreal - Masters | walkover |