It's a question that I think many people want to know....are you single? What are your goals for 2002?
Michelle, 23, East Providence, RI
michelle,
okay, simple answer to the first part, yes i am single. now onto the harder question, my goals for this year. i really don't set numerical goals. i don't think it's fair to feel like i've accomplished something or failed just based on a number. i just want to know that i've worked as hard as possible and that i'm improving.
Hi James,
The 2003 US Open tournament is about to end (if the rain ever stops!), so first
I'd like to congratulate you for these three exciting matchs you played this
year, regardless of the final result. That 10-deuce game against Federer was
definitely one of the highlights of the whole tournament! It seems like you
were truly enjoying yourself on the Arthur Ashe court... and so did we watching
you make all those great shots. :-) Hopefully the draw will be in your favor
next year, because let's face it: playing against the world 2nd-ranked player
as early as in third round wasn't exactly the best scenario for any player...
I also had the chance to watch you play last August at Canada's Master Series
tournament in Montreal, which was also a real blast. That 2nd round match (and
win!) in double with Jimmy Eagle against Black/Ullyett was highly entertaining...
especially from the very first row. ;-) I sure hope you'll be back in Montreal
in 2005, we'll be waiting for you.
Okay now here are three little questions for you :
1) What's the best tennis match you've ever watched? [hope that one is not too
hard...]
2) What would you say is the biggest misconception about you? For example, are
you really that prince charming every woman are dreaming of? ;-) [sorry, I couldn't
resist!]
3) What's your favorite music album of all-time and why?
Thank you very much for your time, James. I wish you the best of luck in every
aspect of your career. You deserve it. :-)
Pascale
Quebec, Canada
The best tennis match I have ever watched may have been when Mats Wilander defeated Ivan Lendl in the US open final to become number 1 in the world. It was a match with so much pressure involved, and Mats was still able to totally keep his emotions in check and play almost flawless tennis. The biggest misconception about me might be that I'm spontaneous and kind of carefree. I think this is because of my hair, but actually I'm pretty logical and try to analyze many different situations. My favorite music album of all time is probably "The Marshall Mathers LP" by Eminem. I truly think this album is genius. Also to come back with something that impressive after such an uproar was made about him after his first album is amazing. Many artists have trouble making a second album that can compare to the first, but I feel like his outdid his first offering.
I recently talked to you at the
ATP tennis tournament in Cincinnati. My boyfriend was wearing a John Mayer concert
shirt and you asked him if he went to that show. We both said yes and that it
was awesome. You said that John was a good friend of yours. I was wondering
if you like his music and if so what is your favorite song of his. I think he
writes fantastic lyrics and he is a unique musician. I just thought it would
be interesting to hear what you thought of him. Thank you for taking the time
to sign autographs and take pictures with your fans. Your kindness is much appreciated.
I stayed to watch you play on Thursday night. I think you played great. Thanks
again.
Beth
james, i have read a few articles about you and no matter what the subject whether it's about your personal life or tennis they all seem to incorporate you intelligence. what gather is that you are a very bright person and i just wanted to know if you were the valedictorian or in the top of your class of your highschool? and if so how did school and tennis hinder your social life? were there parties and girls that you missed out on? and did you ever think about giving up tennis to have a normal teenage existence?
jordan, 18
I was not the valedictorian of my class in high school. I was pretty high in the class rank I think, but I really don't remember too well. Tennis and academics did require me to make a few sacrifices when I was younger, but I always attempted to keep it in perspective and remain as normal as possible. I still went to some of the parties and my prom in high school. So I actually regard myself as having a pretty normal childhood, especially compared to most of the players on tour that I have met. So I am thankful for that, and I am also thankful I did sacrifice the things I did because it makes my appreciation for what I have accomplished that much greater.
I am a big fan of John Mayer's music. I actually went to high school with him and we're pretty good friends. My favorite song of his is probably 3 x 5's. I think it's number 8 on "Room for Squares". Thanks for watching me play in cincy.
hello james,
this is Hannah Samae,
If you could change one thing in your life, or take back one decision you
made in your life .. What would it be?
Thank you once again for giving us respect in answering our questions..
I know you are busy man
Lots of Prayers,
god bless,
Hannah Samae
22 years old
Wisconsin,
USA
I'm not sure what I would do differently in my life. Probably the biggest thing that I have learned with all of the experiences that I've had is that I should never have lacked the confidence that I have now. I was pretty shy my first few years in high school because I was so small and wore a back brace. But I think now I've realized that people will like you based on the person you are as long as you are always just being kind and being yourself. But there really aren't many decisions that I have made that I regret, obviously things have gone wrong at times in my life, but each decision I make I truly believe it's the best thing for me at that time. I think that's the best way to have no regrets.
Hi, I enjoyed watching you play
at the US Open. I was curious as to what the bracelet you wear on your left
arm means, if it is not too personal. Also, I read an article about you and
it said you loved to read and you were reading The Diary of Anne Frank..I loved
that book, have you read anything since then? It is very nice of you to answer
fan questions. Thank you.
Nyah, 22, New Mexico
The bracelet on my left wrist was given to me by a fan. She made one for me last year in Connecticut when I was there for TeamTennis. Unfortunately that one fell off my wrist. But then I saw her this year and she had made me another one. I really appreciated this because it seemed very sincere and it also took a lot of effort to make it. So I will wear this one for as long as I can until it falls off and when I look at it, it really makes me feel good to remember that somewhere out there I have some fans that are always on my side. I did enjoy "The Diary of Anne Frank" and since then I've read quite a few books. Most recently I read Mitch Albom's "The Five People you Meet when you get to Heaven" and also Al Franken's "Lies and the Lying Liars who tell them". Both of those were excellent books, and the next one I plan to read is "The Peaceful Warrior" which I have heard is an excellent book that really helps your perspective.
Hi There!
I am such a fan of yours/James Blake and so I was really disappointed to see
your photo shoot in NYT Magazine - wearing a fox shearling coat! Everything
about your on-court and off-court demeanor indicates that you are clearly a
considerate and intelligent person; and so the picture was especially distressing.
I'm sure the photo shoot (no pun intended!) was all in fun, but those fur coats
are so unnecessary and are truly NOT all in fun. I've never seen anything to
indicate that the animals that get turned into fur coats live a life that even
approaches contentment.
The sport of tennis, and the way
you play it, embodies power, grace, expression, and potential. It's evident
that you enjoy your opporunties to play and thrive. The animals that are raised
and killed for furs are denied all of those experiences: wild foxes bred and
raised in captivity, denied freedom, and killed with such brutality.
The facts really are so graphic and sad. Would you consider not modelling furs in the future? Everyone who takes a stand makes a difference in helping to reduce demand for these products. That these animals are raised and killed for such frivolity as a fancy jacket is especially saddening.
I don't know a lot about these websites,
but here are a couple of links, where you could learn more: Fund for Animals:
http://www.fund.org/Home/ PETA: http://www.furisdead.com/ (Peta is pretty extreme,
but i'm sure some of the
facts are accurate) It's hard and unpleasant stuff to learn about, but please
do look, if you can muster up the stomach for it. A regular person like me can't
make nearly as much difference as a recognized and admired person like yourself.
Thanks for your time. I'd be so interested
to hear any comments you might have.
Sincerely,
Amey Mathews
Amey, thank you for your considerate email, and after reading it and thinking about it, you are right. I will not model fur again. While I was doing it, I really didn't think about it. I was more thinking about the fact that it was so hot in Miami where we did it and I couldn't stop sweating because the jacket was so heavy. I am also an animal lover, I grew up a vegetarian and tried not to use animal products whenever possible. As I grew older, I was given so much literature by other extreme animal lovers. I was never this extreme, but after reading a lot of what they had to say, I realized unfortunately, that it is very difficult to go through life without using numerous animal products. In fact, they are used in everything from the production of magazines to helping your car run. So since then I haven't made as concerted an effort to refrain from all use of animal products because some are necessary, but I agree with you that the fur coat that I had on was totally unnecessary and to think about the treatment that those animals go through saddens me as well. So to you and all other animal lovers I apologize for this error in judgment. Thanks again for speaking up.
Hi James,
If you could play any sport professionally other than tennis, what would it
be and why? Thanks!
Melissa, 24, NJ
That's a good question and I've thought about it before. I'm not so sure what the answer would be. I always loved baseball, and think that would be a lot of fun getting to know all the players on your team and having so much time to hang out with them on the bench and in the locker room. The only drawback is that they have to play 162 games a year and then possibly the playoffs, it just seems so grueling. The other possibility would be golf. I am terrible at golf, but it is so much fun to play that I couldn't imagine doing it for a living. Also, they only have to work on the weekends and can pick there own schedule like tennis players. I am also envious that about 90 percent of their tournaments are in the states, making travel much easier.
Mr. James Blake
Hey, living in NY I know it isn't easy keeping up with tennis. The weather isn't so accomodating and of course not all of us can afford the usta indoor court prices.
I know you hear this a lot, but you have a great forehand. And kudos on the hair.
My question for you, though a bit different from the others, is how do you feel about our president's political decisions? are you a republican or democrat? What are your thoughts on the fact that civilization as we know it, started in Africa?
Also, would you ever dye your hair aqua blue like slideshow bob? Halloween's coming soon....
I know it's not tennis related, but I'm just curious. Best of luck Mr. Blake, you were my choice at this year's US Open. Too bad though, Federer's got game but I still think you can take him. I'm glad there're still some gracious players out there.
Cordially,
Mirna 18, NY
As for our president's decisions, I don't necessarily agree with them, but I feel like the only thing to do is support the country and hope we have a better leader soon. I am a democrat. I really haven't publicly taken any sort of stand on serious political issues. I find it somewhat difficult to do since I realize the influence I may have on so many fans as well as the time that really should be given to research the issues is something that I don't readily have available to me right now. As for civilization beginning in Africa, I a proud of that and wish more people were aware of it.
Dear James,
My name's Lucie, I'm Indian and I'm 18.
I saw U during the BNP Paribas Masters on october-november 2002(I should have
take a thousand photos of U when U were going out of the stadium!) but I don't
know if U remember me. Anyway, we see some tennis players in T.V serials or
in films (like for example:S.Williams, A.Roddick). Would U be interested in
being an actor? What would be the perfect role for U?
Thanks 4 taking the time to answer us.
Can't wait 2 see U in Roland GARROS...
Wish U all the best and TAKE CARE !
Lucie, Paris
lucie, i don't know if i could be an actor. the most i've done is be in a commercial. i think i'd leave that to the professionals. i guess the best role for me would just to be myself, that would be the only one i'm prepared to play. i think it would be fun to try for a while, but i really don't have the confidence that i would be that good at it.
Were you in Las Vegas Saturday night
on the 13th at the MGM Grand after the De La Hoya fight? It sure looked like
you. If not, he would win a look a like contest.
Cecilia
Austin, TX
Sorry, I haven't been in Vegas in about 4 years.
Whats up James? How long did it take you to grow your hair?
Corey Bente
corey, it took about a year and a half for my hair to get to this length. i've actually had it for longer than that now, but that's because i've had it trimmed a few times to keep it a little healthier and just because it was getting too long and hot
hey jb,
what's going on? sorry about your loss at the aussie open. i was cheering and rooting for you to win...ah well, there's always next time....besides that, the year has just begun and i'm sure you'll do even better in the coming months. at least you weren't freezing your buns off like we're doing in nyc. :) i'm dying for warmer weather!
next weekend i'll be going to what would've been your alma mater--harvard. the black student union is holding their annual conference so i thought i would check that out and visit a buddy who's in the business school. hopefully i'll be motivated by some of the lectures to be more enterprising.do you still keep in contact with any friends from school?
so now that you have some time off before your next gig, what are you doing besides practice, practice, practice? just out of curiosity...do you find it difficult to enjoy yourself in public? are people constantly interrupting your dinner or whatever to ask for autographs or to chat?
i read somewhere that you're an avid reader (i guess you'd have to be if you spend so much time on a plane.) i love reading too. what are you reading now? i'm reading the first book of the lord of the rings. btw--the second rings movie was awesome, so if you haven't checked it out, you really should. one of my favorite books is the alchemist...it's a quick read...so if you get a chance you should check that out too.
ok...i'm done making recommendations for now. :) enjoy your time off!
lisa
lisa, i do keep in touch with plenty of my friends from harvard. i met some of my best friends in the world there. i see a lot of them when i travel around the country because they are now all spread out across the country. as for what i'm reading now, i just finished the book "assata", it's an autobiography of assata shakur and it is excellent. in fact, it was recommended to me by the webmaster of this site. i have read the alchemist, and it is a very entertaining book.
Dear James,
I think it would make me and a lot of women very happy if you were to answer
these couple of questions.
1) What do you look for in a woman?
2) What is your ideal woman?
3) When do you plan on settling down and raising a family?
Thanks a lot!!!
Amy
amy, i look for contentment in a woman and happiness. i think a woman that is happy with who they are and can just be themselves is one of the most important things to me. my ideal woman is someone who has this quality and also is a caring, intelligent individual. i have no idea when i will settle down and have a family. i think i've still got quite a few years before i think about that.
hey whats up james im devin im 16 im from Connecticut....u may know me cause my mom and your mom are good friends cause my my mom and I play tennis at tennis club of trum..ur moms the nicest...ur my idol man i look up to u so much,and wanna be like u...i jus wanted to know when ud be commin back to CT,and be around the club?let me know if u can..thanks and best of luck to u bro
devin, i'm glad you play at trumbull, i have lots of fond memories of that place. i will be back in connecticut around thanksgiving and again around christmas. i really don't know when or if i'll be in the club at all. my days are becoming extremely busy and when i come home to connecticut these days it's usually just to see my family and not so much to train. i do the bulk of my training down in tampa now. but good luck to you at the club and always be nice to my mom.
James,
Last year, at the 2001 Cincinnati tournament, you hit a ball that came flying
into the crowd, hitting, and spilling the drink I was holding. You
sarcastically said you owed me a new drink. Anytime you're ready, I'll take
you up on that offer. ;) Just a little humor for you to enjoy. Okay, the real
question...what do you do to your hair to get it to look the way it does? It
looks good.
Thanks, Amy
amy, sorry about your drink. as for my hair though, i don't do anything to it. i just stopped brushing or combing my hair. it started to just clump together on its own and the ends turned lighter from the sun.
My brother and I have an argument going as to wether or not you grew p in CT. or NY. can you solve this for us so I can lay this thing to bed?.
good luck with the interview with Ramos!
Joe
joe, i guess you could say you were both right. i was born in new york and lived there until i was 6 years old. but then i moved to fairfield, connecticut and lived there until i turned professional and moved to tampa. if you asked me, i would probably consider fairfield where i grew up since i have most of my memories there.
hey blake,
first of all, thanks for e-mailing me back ( it took forever!!!!!!!!!! , no
I'm only kidding)
I have two questions for you:
who idea was it to create this website for you?
I think this is a cool idea the way you interact with your fans I wish other
athletes took the time out to do the same.
secondly, do you get tired of answering the same questions over and over again, you know like, do you have a girlfriend, yet? lol
la8er
meme
brooklyn,ny
meme, the idea of starting a website was kind of in the back of my mind when cg (the webmaster of this site) talked to me about possibly heading up the project. since then he's done a great job and managed to create a great site to help all my fans keep in touch with me while i'm travelling all over the world. as far as answering the same questions, i don't mind it at all. i just find some time when i get a chance to relax and that's when i read all the fanmail and questions.
Hello James!I come from Poland,and
has been a great fan of tennis for about 10 years.I always liked Afro-American
tennis and appreciated Artur Ashe and MaliVai Washington.Now I'm your fan(discovered
you during Cincinnati 2001 after memorable encounter with Pat Rafter) but have
no opportunity to see your match live.Have you considered coming to Poland for
a tournament?There's a well organised ATP event in Sopot in summer every year,and
in September in my home city-Szczecin it's the best challenger in the world
with the hottest crowd(Szczecin is called small Roland Garros).
It would be nice to see you in Poland! Are you a Christian too? Best wishes
from your greatest Polish fan.Kris,23.
kris, i don't plan on playing in poland next year. my schedule is pretty packed and that tournament in sopot just doesn't fit into it. i'm sorry, but i'm sure at some point in my career i'll play there. and yes, i am a christian.
I have two questions. First, I think you've said before that you were planning on going back to college later on. I was just wondering what you want to major in? My second question is about how you always look so self-confident and outgoing on and off the court. I am a quiet and shy person and it really interferes with doing what I need and want to do. People say I have alot of talent (I play the piano, and I like to play tennis) but I find it so difficult to express my talent toothers. Have you ever dealt with this and how do you stay so self-confident? I hope you can answer my questions. Thanks =)
your fan always,
Jen B.
18
jen b., i am planning on going
back to college when i'm done with tennis. i was majoring in economics before
i left school, but i think i will change when i go back. i'm much more interested
in sociology and african-american studies. so i'll most likely major in one
of those. as for my self confidence, it's something that has been learned. like
you, i am a pretty shy and quiet person normally. when i was young, really the
only place i was outgoing was on the tennis court. the reason for that is because
i have
confidence in how hard i have worked and am proud to show off how far that hard
work has gotten me. that has begun to carry over to the rest of my life although
i'm still relatively shy when i first meet people. if you have talent, don't
ever be afraid to show it off.
Hey James, I just wanted to say
that I think you are a great role model. I am a huge fan of yours and you show
so much character when you play. I have played college tennis and now I just
play tennis sometimes with some friends and you inspire me to be better at the
game and to keep my head up and on straight. I look up to you and I wish you
so much luck. I hope you achieve everything you have ever wanted to achieve...you
deserve it.
I have just one question. Over the course of your life, what has been your greatest
accomplishment on or off the court?
Thanks and good luck in years to come, Suzanne
suzanne, i'm glad you are still a tennis player, it's a wonderful sport that can be played for life. my greatest accomplishment on the court was my first win in davis cup. i'm also extremely proud of my win over andre agassi. as for off the court, my greatest accomplishment is being someone that kids can say "i want to be like him" and have the parents be proud of that. every time i hear about that, it makes my day and makes me proud that i was raised the way i was and thankful for the job my parents did.
Hey James, I'm a huge fan, I was
wondering who were some of your role models when you were growing up.
Lyssa, 14
lyssa, some of my role models when i was growing up were arthur ashe, michael jordan, jim courier, and stefan edberg. i looked up to arthur ashe for how he conducted himself with class under such extremely difficult situations. he managed to use his fame and fortune for the good of others instead of being selfish as many professional athletes are. michael jordan was my favorite player because of his desire to win. he would do absolutely anything to win and i admired that. jim courier had the most incredible work ethic on tour, he knew he worked harder than anyone else on tour. and stefan edberg was just a graceful player and had such great sportsmanship that i enjoyed watching him.
Hey James,
first of all, congratulations for your amazing 2002 year, it was just awesome
! Then I'd like to ask you a couple of questions if you don't mind answering
them ;-) ...
What is your best memory of this year on tour ?
Who is your current favorite tenniswoman and why ?
What are your next goals for the up-and-coming year ?
How did you feel when,associated with Todd Martin, you won the doubles of the
David Cup in Roland Garros ?
Sarah,
Belgium
sarah, my best memory of this year on tour was beating andre agassi and winning the legg mason tournament. it was so special to me because my parents were there as well as some of my best friends from childhood. it was such a thrill to beat an idol of mine and win a tournament in my third final of the year. my favorite female tennis player right now is probably monica seles. after realizing all that she has been through, i admire the fact that she is able to get out on the court at all and is very inspiring. but through all that, i also appreciate that she is very genuine and an all around nice person. my goal for this next year is just to keep improving. that's my goal every year. i felt great last year to play doubles with todd martin. he has helped me more than any other player on tour with my game and helping me to mature as well.
Hello Mr. Blake!
I have become a huge fan recently after your awesome win over Andre just prior to the amazing play at the US Open. You really seem to be on fire these days!
My question is more about off the court preparation. I am a health psychologist and dabble in sports performance improvement. Can you share any hints about how you are preparing mentally for your matches and to get to the level of the Top Ten players?
Also, how did attending Harvard help prepare you for tennis and life?
Thank you and much luck in your rise to the top!
Kimeron, 41
kimeron, i wish i could share a secret on how to get to the top ten because i'm not quite there yet. but as for what i do to prepare for matches, i make sure to have everything prepared early so i'm never rushed. then i go through a little routine right before the match that includes about 10 minutes of being alone and just totally focusing on the task at hand and blocking out everything else. harvard prepared me for life very well i believe. i think the two years i spent there were crucial in my maturation process. when i went there, i was just a kid that had no idea about life and the world outside of my little cocoon. i learned so much outside of the classroom just with all of the people i interacted with. that was the most amazing thing about the school, the incredible people that attend the school. it gave me a new perspective on the world.
Dear Mr. Blake,
My name is Taylor Hayworth and I am a 10 year old girl. My family and I live
in Brookfield, Connecticut. My mom,Donna, has met your mom in Trumbull at a
club. Congratulations on winning the Legg Mason Tournament. I hope you will
be at the US Open this year. We will be in the audience cheering you on all
the way. We just moved to Connecticut in November from North Carolina. We are
still adjusting. I can't wait to see you at the US Open. Thanks for taking the
time to read this. Please e-mail me back soon.
Taylor Hayworth
P.S. Do you have any pets? I have a cat and a hamster. How do you get your hair to do that thing?
taylor, i hope you enjoy connecticut, i loved it there. i don't have any pets right now because i wouldn't be able to take care of them since i'm on the road so much. i had a cat when i was growing up. i don't do anything to my hair, it just goes like this naturally, kind of weird, huh? good luck with everything.
Hey James Blake!
My name is Kristin. I was never much of a tennis fan until one day I was watching tv and saw you. I of course stopped changing channels and watched the entire match! You're beautiful and you seem very down to earth. I absolutely LOVE your hair.
I was wondering if you like swimming or going to the beach, and if you know any Swahili or have any quirks. Thanks!
Kristin, 19, South Pasadena, CA
kristin, thanks for watching and i hope you are now a tennis fan. i do like going to the beach, but i'm not really a great swimmer, so i don't do that too often. i don't know any swahili, and i've probably got a few quirks on the court. i guess i just have some superstitions, but they change every week. every time something is going well, i just have to keep doing the same things.
Hey James,
I had the opportunity to meet you at the Legg Mason Tournament. I saw you at
the finals when you were warming up, and briefly talked to you. I was the young
lady who told you how "FINE" you were. Anyway, I noticed that in some
of your matches, you applaud your opponent for shots that you are unable to
get to. According to my coach, this is away to build up your opponent's confidence.
What is your reasoning for why you do this?
Thanks,
L'Oreal
Randallstown, MD
l'oreal, applauding your opponent is something that i learned when i was very young. i was not always a gracious loser, but my mom pointed out that sometimes all you can do is applaud a good shot by your opponent. as far as building up their confidence, if they are hitting winners, then i'm guessing there confidence is already pretty high. i don't want to discount what your coach says, but it seems like that philosophy is very unsportsmanlike and won't make you a whole lot of friends.
hey james, just wondering about your reflections on "the harvard experience," how it's vibed with you
damaris wortes
21
damaris, i had a great time at
harvard. it was an amazing experience and am so thankful that i got that opportunity.
i met some of my best friends in the world there and really matured in the two
years i spent there. it wasn't necessarily the experiences i had in the classroom
as much as the ones i had with my friends, teammates, coaches, and professors
outside of class that
made the most difference in my life. good luck to you.
Greetings James,
Are you in any way affiliated with the rastafarian culture/community?
Moe. 23. Baltimore
moe, i am not involved with the rastafarian culture. i really don't know a whole lot about the culture, but am interested in learning about all cultures.
Hey James I live in Fairfield and
play on the Fairfield High tennis team. My brother played with you once at the
Tennis Club of Trumbull (you probably don't remember). I wanted to know what
was your most memorable moment in your high school career and did u ever loose?
You should come back more often to visit GO MUSTANGS!!!!
Jason
jason, i definitely lost in high school. i didn't lose my junior or senior years, but i lost at least 2 or 3 times my freshman year. and then i lost in the finals of the state tournament in my sophomore year. my most memorable moment in high school tennis actually came in my freshman year. we beat fairfield prep, who had one of the best teams in the state and were our rivals. they were heavily favored and we beat them at prep. my brother was still on the team at that time and we both won our matches against friends of ours that actually trained at the same club as us. so that was a lot of fun for me and for our coach.
Hey James!
First off, I wanna say thanks for answering my first question. Your input meant
a lot and I can say that it's definitely been keeping me going through all the
tough times during my tennis career..
Anyway, onto my questions: what is the one thing you crave most in life? And,
is there anything you've regretted doing during your journey to become a professional
player or since you've gone pro?
Again, many thanks for taking the time to read and reply to my earlier question
and good luck in everything and anything you do!
God bless,
Kristen
kristen, if i had to think of
the one thing i crave most in life, i guess it would be friendship. i truly
enjoy having some of the most wonderful friends in the world. those people that
have been with me while i was in high school, college and before the pro tour
that like me for the person that i am are so important to me. that just makes
me feel good about myself that i wish i could spend more time with them. as
far as regrets since i've turned pro, i really don't have any. that has been
my goal on tour is to do
whatever i can to work as hard as possible and have no regrets. i've made some
mistakes for sure, but i've tried to learn from all of them and so i'm glad
that they happened.
Dear James,
There's something I've always wondering within: Does tennis bring enough to
your life to compensate for the steady absence of your family & friends
and what urge yourself to take up this sportman career instead of carrying on
with your studies?Otherwise what are your personal goals apart from tennis?
Thanks a lot and GOOD LUCK for the US Open!!
Take care.
Audrey(23-France).
audrey, tennis brings me many
things in my life right now. it is basically my dream job. i have always loved
to play tennis and am extremely competitive, so to be able to do this for my
job seems too good to be true. as for the sacrifices that i make, it makes it
all the more valuable and to know what i've sacrificed makes me appreciate how
lucky i am. i do still manage to see my family and friends quite a bit though.
my parents come to at least 5 tournaments per year and i see them for thanksgiving
and christmas every year. i live with my brother, so i see him all the time.
as for my friends, i have made some of my best friends on tour and i still make
time to see my friends from high school and college. as for my goals apart from
tennis, i would like to use whatever talents i have to make a difference positively
in this world. that's what i have hoped for since i was little.
right now i'm trying to do that with my tennis, but i'm not sure how i will
try to accomplish this when i'm done with tennis. i plan to go back and finish
my degree and then figure out how i can make a difference. it may only be with
my children being the best father i can be, but somehow i want to have an influence.
hey my names Emily
i just wanted to know when you
really got interested in tennis. I also know your friend from Saddlebrook Lindsay.
Emily Morrow, Rome,GA
emily, i was interested in tennis from a very young age. my parents would take me to the park with them while they were playing and i would be bored, so i just picked up a racket and joined them. so i was playing since i could walk, but then i played all sports as a kid. i really got into tennis when i was about 12. that's when i started taking lessons and playing a little bit more often. at about age 14 was when i quit playing other sports and concentrating totally on tennis.
Hi James!
Congratulations on all your success
so far, James, and good luck with 2003.
I have two questions. First, what was your favorite course at Harvard and why?
Thanks a lot,
Harpal Sandhu
harpal, my favorite course at harvard was sociology. it was just an introductory level course, but it was a whole lot of fun. my final paper actually related to the tennis tour as well. i compared and contrasted the relationships of the men's players on tour compared to the women's players.
...ho iniziato a giocare a tennis
quando ero piccola, poi purtroppo ho smesso a causa di un lutto in famiglia
che mi ha stroncato. Un giorno
di qualche tempo fa per puro caso ho ricominciato a seguire il tennis in televisione.
Iniziai a seguire il tuo gioco appassionandomi sempre
di più, fino a ricominciare a giocare. Tutto quello che volevo dirti
è che tu sei di continua ispirazione per me, e con il passare del tempo
sei davvero diventato una parte importante della mia vita. Purtroppo non ti
ho mai incontrato, quindi spesso mi sono chiesta che cosa ne pensi di tutte
le persone che ti seguono, che rapporti hai con loro. Veramente mi piacerebbe
sapere anche se ti piace la musica, se ascolti qualcosa tra un viaggio e altro.
Spero di vederti a Roma anno prossimo!
in bocca al lupo per i prossimi incontri!
Fabiana, 18, Rimini, Italia
fabiana, thanks for your note. i couldn't understand it, but luckily the webmaster speaks italian and translated it for me. i have a very diverse music selection that i listen to. i listen to a lot of rap and r&b. that's mostly what i listen to before matches is rap and maybe some hard rock. other times when i'm relaxing, i love older artists like stevie wonder and marvin gaye. i also enjoy dave matthews band, john mayer and softer rock like that.
Hi!
My name is Eun Young!
I live in Korea and i'm a Korean.
Last year I saw you on TV.
You were smiling!
In korea tennis is not popular.
So I had a hard time getting your name.
Even yesterday I didn't know your name.
It's very hard to watch your play.
Have you ever visited in Korea?
Or are you planning to?
I'd like know your feeling about Korea!
Where can I get about yours?
I'd like to know more things.
Can I write mails to you here?
Have a good day!!
from korea!
eun, i have never visited korea, but thanks for watching, even if it's not popular there. i have played a korean player, hyung-taik lee before. i hope he can make it more popular there.
Hi, James,
Saw you in the NCAAs here in Athens, Ga., a few years back. Why did you decide to attend college? What do you think has helped you become more successful than some of your college peers?
Thanks!
Anisha
anisha, i decided to attend college because i wasn't sure that i had the ability to be a successful tennis player. i wanted to work very hard at my tennis, but at the same time put myself into the best possible position for later in life. i felt that harvard was the best fit for me in this aspect. as for what has set me apart from the rest of my college peers, i think it has been partly just my work ethic with a little bit of good luck. i've been fortunate to not have any serious injuries while i've been on tour and i have kept a positive attitude. there are a few of my college peers that have been doing well lately as well. jeff morrison and brian vahaly have been moving up in the rankings lately.
Hi James,
my name is Claudia, I'm 22 years old and I'm from Austria (Europe). I love to
watch tennis. I don't really play much anymore but I've grown up with tennis.
I live near the tennis court, my dad is a parttime tennis coach and now my brother
plays college tennis in the US.
claudia, i'm not sure what i would be doing if i wasn't playing tennis right now. i think i would have finished my degree at harvard, and then i would like to have stayed in the sports world. i think a career of some sort in sports marketing would be my dream job. i also thought about going to business school as well.
Hey, JB. I read that you train
in Tampa, and I was just wondering what are some of your favorite things to
do around there when you're not practicing.
Trasie, 19
trasie,
when i'm not training in tampa, some of the things that i like to do are play golf at saddlebrook when i get a chance. since i'm not home that much, i also really love just spending time with my friends just barbecuing out by the pool. i'm pretty much a sports nut, so i also like playing basketball and beach volleyball.
Hi,
I grew up in Yonkers, N.Y., and honed my pitiful skills on the public courts
near the Will Library. I can't remeber the name. We also played on the "clay"
courts off of Lake avenue during high school matches.
Did you or your family play on those courts?
Robert Jeffrey Halpern, MD
robert,
i grew up on st. andrew's place. my family and i would play most of the time on the courts at fay park. we would also go over to the harlem junior tennis program at the 369th armory. my parents have probably played at those other courts though, they've played just about everywhere.
Were you suprised that youre doing better than your brother since you are younger?
Blake Underwood
blake, i am a little surprised that i'm doing better than my brother right now. he always used to beat me when we were kids because he was bigger, stronger, smarter, and faster than me. but unfortunately he's had a lot of trouble with injuries. i think he's got a lot of talent, and also he's still got that mental edge on my because i still look up to him as my big brother, but it will just be a matter of his confidence.
James,
This Marcus Lehman, a classmate from HU. I've been watching you since you left sophomore year, and I'm really amazed at what you have accomplished. When I came back to Gainesville, FL, even Charles, the guy who runs EZ Tennis was telling me about a great upcoming player who'd passed by here. Of course, he was talking about you.
It's really great to see you thriving on the tour, making the transition that many have not. Having known you before your tennis skills flourished, I must say that your character is as admirable as your abilities.
Are you planning on returning
to school after tennis?
Marcus
marcus, it's good to hear from you since harvard. i'm glad you're having fun in gainesville, that place is great. i was there last year for a buddy of mine's concert. as for if i plan to go back to school, i'd like to. i really don't know where my life will be when i retire. i might already have another job set up, or possibly a family. so there could be other factors involved, but i would like to go back to harvard and finish my last two years. unfortunately the grille and the bow are already gone, but i'll just have to go back and be the old guy that hangs out at the a.d. good luck in gainesville.
My dad is convinced that you are
the perfect boyfriend for me. To tell you the truth, I didn't even know who
you were until he told me about you.
Now I'm curious to get to know a little more. I go to school in New London,
CT...close to Fairfield. Do you go there often? How has success changed you?
What is your most embarrassing moment? What is the nicest compliment you have
ever received? A lot of questions, but inquiring minds like to know.......
A new fan,
Kida Namada
kida, i'm not sure what your dad sees in me as your perfect boyfriend, but you never know. i don't go back to fairfield too much. usually about 3 or 4 times per year. i really don't think success has changed me too much, my friends wouldn't let that happen. both my tennis friends, and my friends from back home and school are very good at keeping me humble. the only thing that has changed is my confidence on the court i think. my most embarrassing moment would probably have to be throwing up in front of at least 10,000 people last year at the u.s. open. the nicest compliment i can ever receive is when a kid tells me he wants to grow up to be like me, or a parent tells me that my parents did a good job raising me and they should be proud of me. those are heartfelt and always make my day.
James,
Welcome to the tennis world. Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Hank Becker
hank, i have no idea where i'll be in five years. all i know is that i'll be working hard on improving in whatever life has brought in front of me. the rest i feel is out of my control. i hope i'm still playing top level tennis and if that's the case, i'll be working as hard as ever to continue to improve. but i am someone who has stopped making goals like that for five years in advance. i try to improve every day and i find that five years later then falls into place after all those days of trying to improve.
Dear James,
my name is Petra and I'm 15 years old girl from small Mediterranean country,Croatia,that
you're playing Davis Cup in.Well,I just wish to say that i didn't know much
about you until this Davis Cup,where I see how good you are,and please don't
feel angry about this - goodlooking what is perfect combination.I love tennis
very much and I played it for 6 years but not any more because of my school.I
grown up,and still grewing,next to the tennis club.I feel very sad not to be
able to watch you in Zagreb alive but I live in Split,the hometown of Goran
Ivanisevic and Mario Ancic.From all this answers I see that you are great person,and
it is a great feeling to know that your success didn't stop you to talk to ''normal''
people,or to know that you are on Hardvar.I think there are just three things
on world that pople don't need words to understand them - love,pain and SPORT.My
question for you is:
IF YOU HAVE A CHANCE TO BE SOMEONE ELSE FOR A DAY,WHO WOULD YOU LIKE IT TO BE
?
thank you,and I wish you a lot of health,happiness,hard work,and,of course success
in your tennis carier from now on.
please,can you tell me on what e mail address I can write to you?
love,
petra
and,please,tell Mardy he should cut his hair!
petra, that is a very good question. if i could be one person in this world for one day, i think it might be eminem. i think i would learn a lot, and it would be a roller coaster of emotions. he can go on tour, sell out a stadium and anything he does on stage can raise 40,000 people to their feet. then he's got protestors outside who absolutely hate his guts even though they've never met him or spoken to him. then he's got his whole personal situation with a daughter and a wife that i've never experienced and think the whole day would be crazy and it would be very interesting to see that lifestyle.
hey quick question James ... What
is your take on the attention that your physical appearence brings do you believe
that the fact that you are a handsome man will distract people from the talent
that you possese? Also my second question involves your hair have you ever gotten
any negative press about such an ethnic style? Lastly what did your family think
about you quiting harvard personally my fam would have been less than thrilled?Anyway
on your website they tell everyone quite rudely that they won't respond to e-mail
personally. But honestly I think you would make an exception forme since afterall
I"m asking some thoughful questions and not just OhmygodIthinkyour so hottt!
lol line
looking forward to your answer
-fly
fly, i take the attention to my physical appearance as a joke pretty much, i never take them too seriously. i actually hope that any attention paid to my looks will then alert people to the talent that i possess on the court. i have never received any negative press that i know of about my hair. i hope people like it, but if they don't, it's not going to make me change it. i decided i wanted to do something different while i'm young and this is what i decided on, so i'll keep it as long as i feel like i enjoy it and it doesn't get too hot in the summer. my family at first was not behind me to leave harvard. they always stressed academics first in my house, that's why i went to harvard in the first place. but as they realized that i would be following my dream and that i could only do this for a limited amount of time and i can go back to harvard at any time, they got behind me and supported me completely. i thank them so much for that.
Hey James -- I heard recently
that you were brought up as a vegetarian. Very cool. I'm 34 and have been some
version of vegetarian -- from hard-core vegan to occasional fish-eater -- since
I was 18. I just wanted to see if you are still vegetarian? Do you eat fish/seafood?
I saw where you listed "barbecuing with friends out by the pool" as
a favorite leisure activity, so I hope you're barbecuing tempeh burgers and
tofu pups. ;-) I've followed pro tennis very closely for a long time and you're
the first male player I've ever heard of that was vegetarian (I know Martina
Navratilova and Billie Jean King have become vegetarian in recent years...).
Anyway, I'd love for you to comment on your feelings about vegetarianism, from
the health benefits to the philisophical and ethical reasons for not eating
meat. Thanks -- BRAD
brad, i grew up as a total vegetarian.
i only ate eggs. now i have begun to eat white meat. so i eat seafood, turkey
and chicken. i did this when i went to college. i was just so tired of eating
the dining hall food that was the same every time and i needed some sort of
variety. as for how i feel about it, i feel it's a personal decision. it was
a decision my parents made and they continue to stick to it. they are both extremely
healthy and happy, so it works for them. as for the philosophical reasons and
for the effect of
not killing animals, i'm not so sure. it seems that it's basically impossible
to go through life without using some sort of products that use animal based
products. even reading magazines and driving your car uses animal products.
so as much of an animal lover as i am, i don't think it's possible.