I met James at the Nasdaq open in Key Biscayne , Floida this year. I was seriously injured in an auto accident in November and have been confined to a wheelchair ever since. I used to be very active and love tennis.
I had a very hard time adjusting to this situation.
I started to get down on myself pretty hard.
It seemed the only joy I had in my life was watching tennis on T.V. I loved to watch James play. He has such class and a very stong game. I have grown to respect James immensly.

At the Nasdaq I had the opportunity to meet James. He was wonderful, is smile lit me up. Unlike most of the players, he seems to really Love and appreciate his fanz.

Since that tournament I have taken up wheelchair tennis and love it. I believe it was James who motivated me to do this.

Forever a Fan!
Robyn Wagner
Cape Coral, Florida

I had just recently become a tennis fan when my chance to meet James came up. I found out that the Legg Mason Tennis Classic was starting in DC the same weekend I would be back up there for college (I live in FL but attend Howard University). Being a typical student, I had no money to spare to attend the matches, but I found out what hotel they were staying at (Key Bridge Marriott).
For two days I sort of wandered up there on occasion, spotting a bunch of the younger players like Andy Roddick and the Bryan twins, but I never saw James. Finally, on Friday, I decided that I wouldn't leave until I met him.


Several of the drivers that took the players to the tournament kept me company for a few hours, giving me updates on James's progress. Finally, one of them came back and told me that he had won his match, but that he would stay there for awhile to watch Agassi. Something told me to hold out, though, so I did.
Around 9:45pm, James showed up. He walked into the lobby, and I immediately went up to him. I repeated over and over that I hoped I wasn't bothering him, but he was really nice and said that it wasn't a problem. I know he had to be tired, but he was polite about the whole thing. I got an autograph and, even though he was in a hurry, he paused at the eleveator long enough for me to take a picture. I wished him luck on his next match and left.

So James, if you're reading this, thank you for taking a moment to deal with an energetic fan and I hope to run into you again!!

Angel

I thought I'd share my girlfriends' and my experience with James Blake.
December 1, 2005, he was scheduled to play against Andy Roddick (with musical
guests John Mayer and Gavin Degraw) in the Anthem Live fundraiser for cancer.
Several friends and I were very excited about the coming event and were
thrilled when it was announced, about a week prior to the event, that there
would be an additional fundraising event at our club the night before the
Anthem Live event. The event was advertised as featuring a live auction, with
opportunities to bid on everything from a signed guitar (John Mayer) to several
signed racquets (Venus Williams and others) as well as a clinic with James
Blake. We had to have that last one.

Two girlfriends, pictured here--Angela Simpson on the left, Jenn Worden (me),
James (duh!) and Beth McCoy let it be well known to our husbands that this was
the auction item we wanted... and FABULOUS spouses that they are, they made it
happen for us. They went in together and were the high bidders for a clinic
with him, which was scheduled for the next day, December 1, at 11am at Center
Court in the Ted Constant Convocation Center in Norfolk.

It was the greatest day... the hour was unanimously decided by the three of us
to be not only the best hour of our lives (save for our weddings and the births
of our children) as well as the longest. It just seemed like a dream that we
would be able to play an hour of doubles with him... he gave each of us hints
and tips when we played on his team (we rotated) and he was so genuinely nice
and friendly; he was very tolerant of our play, considering we had all been
playing for less than 6 months! James made it a wonderfully memorable
experience that we girls will share for our lifetimes. Lucky us!

-Continues to the right-

 

Continued-

Also included is a picture of my son with James. I told James before our
clinic that Colby was a budding tennis superstar and that, at 5, he could serve from the baseline. After our clinic, he told Colby he wanted to see this serve. Colby served to him (took three tries, but third one was indeed the charm) and played out the point... Colby can now say he lost a point to James Blake, which he thinks is not too shabby.

 

Jenn Worden
The Siebel Open was awesome. I was fortunate enough to skip a week of my
college classes to attend. During my stay in San Jose I had the opportunity
of meeting majority of the players and coaches and acquiring many
autographs. James was even sweet enough to sign a portrait of him I had
drawn. Congrats on the doubles title James and i'll see you in Nasdaq 100
open in Fl!

Amanda Harris
Age 22 Southren California

i met james this year on the first day of wimbledon. i waited outside from 6am until the gates opened and headed straight to court four to watch james in action. the first two sets were great and i really enjoyed watching james play, however i was really dissapointed when his opponent retired. i met james when he was on his way back to the dressing room. he signed my giant tennis ball and my sis took a photo of him. he was really nice and happy to sign autographs. i hope i will be able to see him again at wimbledon next year.

Katie


I went to the Clay Court Championships in Houston, Texas, 4 times during the week of 4/22/02. On Monday, when we walked into the tourney, James and Thomas were just sitting at the autograph table, but we didnt have anything for them to sign, so my friend and I rushed to the store, but by the time we got out, they had already gone to practice on a back court. After practice, I got James to sign my giant Clay Courts tennis ball. We watched their match that night against Wayne Arthurs and Paul Hanley, which they won in a super tiebreaker for the third set, and got pics and stuff with them, which they were really nice about. Even though they had just played a long match, they didn't mind at all signing and taking pictures with us.

On Friday, we went again and saw James play Andy. Unfortunately, he lost, but we sat in the box seats of a really nice guy who recognized us from Monday and Tuesday, so we sat really close to the court. Afterwards, James went out to eat with Andy and Mardy, but Thomas was working at the Bacardi bar set up on one of the outer hard courts. He kept talking on his cell phone, so about 6 of my friends and I asked him if he could call his brother and let us talk to him. We were just joking around and figured he wouldn't, but he did! He said that James wasn't in the best of moods because he had just lost, and he was going out to dinner, so we couldn't talk long. Then he got James and talked to him for a while and then said, "These girls want to talk to you" and handed us the phone. We all passed around the phone and got to talk to him, and I was the last one to get it, and by that time, Thomas was asking for the phone back. I only said hi and a few other things and then I said that his brother wanted the phone back. He was really nice and didn't seem annoyed at all that we were bugging him during dinner or anything, and asked me what my name was and said he hoped he saw us next year. I said I'd see him at Wimbledon, and I hope I do. I really admire both of them because they are so nice and don't try to elevate themselves from everyone else because they are pro athletes. And just once, I wish I could hit a forehand like James.

- Stomps

I met James and the rest of the Davis Cup team in Oklahoma City. I was selected along with 4 other top ranked juniors to be the "junior" davis cup team. We practiced 5 hours a day and then were invited to watch the matches courtside. I got to sit next to Todd Martin, Sampras Roddick, Bogoomolov and James Blake. It was truely amazing watching the team compete and hopefully I will be there one day. I got some pictures with the players and even one with Bridgette Wilson!

jptennis286
I work and live in Houston. I work part-time in the Houston Galleria and
James came in with his brother on 4.24.03. I love tennis so as I saw him
walking down the stairs, I immediately knew who he was. The guy (and his
brother) are absolutely stunning. I stared at him for a good three minutes
before I could come down. Although I was too struck to talk to him, I wish
him look in all his endeavors.

Tanisha

 I first saw James Blake at the Eddleman USTA Challenger in Birmingham, Alabama. At first site, I thought he was a pretty cool looking guy. As a ball boy I had a bit of interaction with the players. James showed a persona that would have one is awe. I got his signature, woo whoo! And left the tournament, which he won doubles and was in the finals in singles, knowing some new ATP tennis player, who was a real nice guy. Soon after, around the time of the French Open I think, James had hit it big, and started to appear on television. I was excited, that a ATP a pro who was playing smaller challengers, because I knew that guy who was playing in major grand slams....or I had spoken with him. Also, that there was a guy that played, and was a real role model to everyone, and a honest-kind man.

Austin L.
15 yrs. old
-Alabama

It has been my good fortune to see James play several times.
The first time was in Delray Beach when he and Tommy played Doubles a couple of years ago.
I was also at the infamous match at last year's USOpen when he played Hewitt. James demonstrated what a class act he is, and even though he was unable to win the match, he won many fans with his spirit and sportsmanlike conduct.


In Key Biscayne at the Nasdaq100, March 2002, I was able to see James play several times. A group of us cheered and chanted Blake-Blake-Blake during his matches on Court 1 and in the Grandstand. He won both of those matches. They were exciting and James displayed his fighting spirit. Unfortunately, when he played in the Stadium our group was spread out in many sections and we were less able to "instigate" the same level of chanting.

It is a delight to watch James play and also to hear his interviews. As well as being so physically attractive he is intelligent and articulate.

I hope to watch and cheer for him for many years to come. He is a gift to the tennis world and hopefully he will maintain his natural comfort in interacting with the crowds and individual fans. If so he will be an inspiration and a role model for all players!

Ruthie

I saw James during NASDAQ Open, after the women's semifinal match between Venus and Serena. I was waiting for Serena Williams to come out where all the players leave from. James came out but I didn't bother to go up to him for his autograph because I didn't want to lose my "front rowe seat" to see
Serena! Anyway, if I could do it all over again, I would have tried to get his autograph because he is such a cutey. Besides, I ended up getting Serena's autograph again a few weeks later. I'm waiting for the NASDAQ Open to come around again so I can catch one of James' matches and hopefully I'll be able to get his autograph then. Look out for me James, I'll be waiting with a sketched drawing of you!!!

iwannameetJB

James-

This past March I went to the NASDAQ Open in Miami. After spending all day running around getting autographs from anyone I could, I went back to the hotel I was staying in, The Biscayne Bay Marriott. That night after a late dinner my mother and I went around the corner to the elevator bank. You were standing there waiting for the elevator with your brother and possibly your coach. My Mom yelled out jokingly to me "oh look Tess! Do you want his autograph too?" She was referring to the fact that I was getting autographs all day long. You sort of laughed, but you looked a little scared. We rode up on the elevator with you and congratulated you on your first round win. We got off and wished you good luck. You seemed liked a really laid back, nice guy. It was fun seeing you so close. You really are gorgeous. I doubt you remember this. I'm sure you road in the elevator with many people. I was wearing a white skirt. Anyway, good luck with the hard court season. I will be at the US Open. Thanks for reading this. This is a really great idea for your fans. Oh- I was wondering, I saw you play on TV a few times after the open. Did you get the tips of your hair bleached? It looks cool

A Fan-
Tess

I saw James play in Houston in early April during U.S. Davis Cup vs. Spain. James played a very great match with Todd Martin against Spain. I was probably the most vocal female there at that time.
Several weeks later, I couldn't take off from work to see James compete in the early rounds at The Clay Court Championships, but I made it just in time to see the last 10 min. of his match against Andy. I remember seeing him signing autographs while my friend was carrying his racquet bag, my friend asked if I wanted to touch James' tennis bag and of course I DID and it felt like nylon. That was the best piece of nylon I've touched in my 33 years on this earth. I also remembered seeing James a little down after that match, and I yelled "James, hold your head up" because he gave Andy a run for his money. I look forward to seeing more of James in Houston.

Kimberly L.
 

I recently saw James play in Hartford CT. in a World Team Tennis match. Of course his team won. I met him and he seemed like a very nice guy. Hethrew his wrist band out into the crowd and I caught it!

~Danielle

 Dear James,
I am a huge fan of yours after your gutsy performance at the US Open last year. I was a ballperson on the court during that match(and your later mixed doubles with Ashley Harkelroad) and I was impressed with the way you fought, breaking Hewitt back in the first game after you got sick, and refused to give up when you were clearly not feeling well. I was rooting for you after i saw you pump your fist to the person screaming in the top of the stands after you won the second set (Your interview in Tennis magazine was the first time i heard anyone refer to
that, and it was something i noticed during the match). You were one of the nicest players that I dealt with as a ballperson. I have been following your results this past year, and am glad to see that you are rising in the rankings and cant wait for you to make a huge breakthrough in a Slam. Hopefully I will be assigned to some of your matches this year. Best of luck.

Jason Schlachter
Merrick, NY

P.S. I work at the Open every day during qualifying and the main draw, so if you could spare a few minutes, I would love to meet you in person.

I met James at the Western and Southern Financial Group Masters in Cincinnati. My friend and I watched him practice twice, and also caught both his singles and doubles first round matches. James seems like genuinely nice guy--not everyone would smile while signing autographs 30 minutes before a match! It really means alot to the fans. So best of luck in the future James, and hope to see you in Cincy again next year!

Kristin

 
Hi James,

My name is Roger and I'm from Michigan and I had the pleasure to be in Oklahoma City for the Davis Cup tie against Slovakia.

After one of the matches when you signed an autograph for my son you thanked me for coming out to the match.

It may not seem like a big deal to you but we are all used to athletes who ignore fan requests or relunctantly sign while never looking up.

Thanks for your humility and continued success in everything you do!

Roger Trunsky
My first tournament was the 2001 Mercedes Benz Cup in LA. I run two official tennis sites and went there so I could see my repected players. When I got there, I was introduced briefly to James. The next day I saw him on practice court and waited for him to finish so I could get a photo with him. When he finished I went up to him and he remebered me from the day before. He asked me how I was and then asked if I could give him a minute. After I said sure, he walked over to a group of kids who had been watching him and were waiting to get his autograph. James got down on his knees to be eye level with them to sign all of their items. He asked each kid their name to personalize their autogaphs as well. He carried on conversation like he knew each one of them personally.
When he came back over to me I was just in awe of him. He had completely won me over. When he got over to me he made a comment about how cute all of the kids were. I said that he was great with them and that I loved how personable he was with each of them. He just smiled and said thanks.
We talked for a few minutes more and I got my pic with him. He told me to have a great time in LA and wished me home safely. I was never more impressed with anyone in my life. He is truely a special person and I wish him all the best.
Angel
Emporia, KS		 i was working at the masters series in toronto and i was driving to the tennis center and i saw James taking a jog along the york campus. I yelled out the window ," james i love u" and he waved and said thanxs.

-alie

taken at the tennis masters series in cincinnati after his match against juan carlos ferrero, i believe it was the 2nd round match. i have been a boxseat holder with my grandparents for almost 20 years now, my grandfather was the old head umpire there, and he is probably the most charismatic player to watch since i've been a fan of tennis.

jdaman
I got the wonderful oppurtunity to see James Blake win his first singles title in Washington DC this past week. I saw him the first day of the tournament when he came off the practice courts and he signed many autographs even though he seemed to be in a hurry. He was also nice enough to pose for a picture with me (I'll post it when I get it put on disc) When I saw him hitting at the beginning of the week, he looked to be hitting the ball really well, and I thought he would get pretty far in the draw. Then, when he took out Alex Corretja and had to play Andre Agassi, I knew it would be a close match. I had no idea James would be able to win so easily though. Andre maybe didn't play like he had the past few days, which was very well, but James played awesome! You could tell he really wanted it.
When he came from behind in the final to defeat Srichiphan, it was so fun to see his reaction to winning his first tournament. His speech during the awards ceremony was great! He is definately a very well spoken guy. Going to a tournament is very different from seeing it on TV. You see sides of the player you wouldn't otherwise, and James seems so incredibly humble and down to earth. I hope he stays that way while continuing to win many tournaments and have great success. I was a fan of James before, but now I am an even bigger fan and will continue to be forever. Good luck at the US Open James!!!

Jessica

I had the pleasure of meeting James Blake in the
December at an event held by Chanda Rubin in Baton
Rouge, Louisiana. He was such a gentleman and showed
no hesitation when it came to autographs and pictures.
I hope he never changes.

- Rosalie Smith

I have met James a few times, at Queen's this year, at Wimbledon and in Paris at the DC. This photo of me and James is at Queens after he finished practicing with Tim Henman. At Wimbledon I got him to sign it for me and he said that it was a "nice picture"

Kate Flory

I had the pleasure of meeting my favorite tennis player James Blake at the
Waldorf Astoria during the US Open. What I encountered, was a perfect
gentleman who takes no one for granted as he signed my autograph, answered
my questions politely and agreed to take a picture with me. I'm certain many
would agree that James would continue to soar in his tennis career for years
to come. He not only works hard on the court, he also has fun on the court
because of his passion for the game.

Oma Amobi

I was in D.C. when James played Andre in the semi-finals. I have been a big Agassi fan since he turned pro in 1986. For the first time in sixteen years, I found myself cheering for his opponent when he played James. Although I was impressed with James on the court, I was even more impressed with him off the court. After the match, he greeted his fans. He signed autographs until everybody had one, answered questions,
and posed for pictures. He was very genuine and sincere. I was really astounded by how nice he was. I realized after meeting him that I now have two favorite players on the ATP tour.

Yolanda McCord
I live about 20 minutes outside of Washington, DC and I went to the Legg
Mason 4 times the week it was held. I am a senior in high school and a
captain of my girls tennis team. One day after practice our whole team met at
the metro station and went to the Legg Mason for the whole day. We watched
James and Thomas play and even sat with their mom in the stands. After the
match James and Thomas signed everything for us, and James hung around and
took a picture with our whole tennis team. That picture is definitely going
in the yearbook!! James and Thomas are awesome players, and rolemodels. It
was so exciting to watch James throughout the rest of the week up to his
eventual victory. His loss in the Open was tough, but he's got Hewitt's
number! OAKTON HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS TENNIS TEAM LOVES THE BLAKES!!!

Yesterday, at the U.S. Open, I had the pleasure of watching James Blake on a practice court, close and up front. What a handsome guy, with amazing strokes and consistency. After seeing him win the TD Waterhouse on TV, it was great to see him in person.

Bonnie Singer

A couple years ago i met JB at the Miller Lite Hall of Fame Tournament in
Rhode Island after he won his quarterfinal match. He was the man and I've
been a huge fan since. He called me brotha. And then later that same summer i
went to the U.S. Open and saw that critical heart-breaking match against
Lleyton Hewitt when he made those comments. It was unbelievable. I've only
known him for a couple years and I'm only 15, but I've like dedicated the
rest of my life to be a JB fan. JB you're my hero.

Roverboy05@aol.comDear James,
I attached a picture I took of you at the U.S. Open last year when you were playing doubles with your brother. You are probably wondering why I am writing this to you so long after, but it is because I am just getting over it. Now that I think about it, it is actually really funny, but at the time, I was devastated. As you can see from the picture, I only got your hair. While I love your hair, i would have liked to get your face too. But, of course, my camera didn't work. I followed you after the match, just to get one picture. You probably thought i was crazy and that i took a million pictures, but really this is the only one i got!! You were the one person i really wanted to meet, and i heard you were staying at our hotel (the same one as Marat Safin). Anyway, i was just wondering if you could send me a picture of you, autographed would be great, or just write me an e-mail. I am a huge fan, and i would love you hear from you!
~Emily (Wisconsin)
P.S. Good luck this year!!

 I attended the Legg Mason Classic here in DC last August. I walked over to the practice courts and got excited. I saw this tall beautiful black man with dreads practicing. I shoved my brother and yelled, "Oh my God, there is James. Get the camera."

We walked over and couldn't get directly in front of the court on which he was playing, but I saw that he was getting ready to leave. I hurried and got my pen and scrapbook ready for him to sign. I was able to push through the little kids (oh, I'm 29 years old and pushing kids to get an autograph was a bit too much!). He comes out of the gates and my brother tries to pull me away. He almost lost an arm that day but I realized while he was pulling me. It was Thomas! I was kind of disappointed but Thomas is just as gorgeous so I had no problem getting his autograph too.

The next day we attended the WTEF Dinner. I still was hoping to meet James at the function. Everyone was there but Mr. J. Blake. He was still in Cincinnati. However, Thomas was there and I was able to give him a big hug and took a picture with him. He was so nice and has a sexy smile.

I'll try again this year for James and hope I get to be as close to him as I was to his brother.

Chelle
James Blake fan
I was in Indian Wells this year for the Pacific Life Tournament. I had just checked into the hotel and was checking out the pool when I pressed the elevator "up" to go to my room. The door opened and James Blake walked out of the elevator right in front of me! I smiled and said "Hi James" and he smiled back and said "Hi"! A great player with a great smile!

Cynthia Lambiel

Dear James,
I attached a picture I took of you at the U.S. Open last year when you were playing doubles with your brother. You are probably wondering why I am writing this to you so long after, but it is because I am just getting over it. Now that I think about it, it is actually really funny, but at the time, I was devastated. As you can see from the picture, I only got your hair. While I love your hair, i would have liked to get your face too. But, of course, my camera didn't work. I followed you after the match, just to get one picture. You probably thought i was crazy and that i took a million pictures, but really this is the only one i got!! You were the one person i really wanted to meet, and i heard you were staying at our hotel (the same one as Marat Safin).
~Emily (Wisconsin)
P.S. Good luck this year!!
I work part-time for a caterer and florist in Abilene, TX. On Dec. 14, 2002, we catered a wedding for Brandon Hawk. I was talking to Brandon and asked him who the JB look-alike was. I was in complete shock when Brandon told me that it was JB himself. I love watching tennis, and even play a little on the side, but I had never been to a tournament. I love watching matches on TV. I always love getting to watch JB.

JB is a down to earth type of guy. He and Thomas were both groomsmen at the wedding. It was definitely the highlight of my night getting to talk to JB. I also work for the sports department at our city newspaper and so it was kinda cool getting to do an actual interview with a professional athlete. I will remember that night for a long time to come. JB and Thomas are very polite and nice people and I wish them the best of luck in the future.

Brandon McAuliffe
Abilene, TX

Two years ago at the USOPEN when you played Hewitt in that famous match
where Hewitt made controversial remarks, I met you in the USTA suite during
Lindsey Davenport's match. I'm sure you can't possibly remember everyone
that you casually meet, but I must say you have left an enduring impression
on me. I am an avid tennis fan, but I had never heard of you prior to that
day so I was unprepared in meeting you. I'm sure you've heard it all
before, but I was stunned by your presence and your beauty, literally. I
remember the encounter like it was yesterday. A photographer snapped a
picture of us and someone in the room remarked that we would make a cute
couple. Of course I turned all shades of red. :) You turned to me and
said, "Oh, Lisa doesn't want me?!" almost as if a question. Well I was
absolutely flabbergasted and extremely shy so I couldn't think of a single
thing to say. Well, I've been kicking myself ever since and of course I've
thought of a million clever responses. At the time I was working for Pfizer
(pharmaceuticals) and your manager was interested in discussing possible
endorsement opportunities. (Unfortunately, it wasn't a good fit because of
the product.) I'm sorry I missed my chance to have more of a conversation
with you. I went on the balcony to watch Davenport play and when I came
back inside, you had already left.

I often ponder why we meet certain people in life or why we have the friends
and family we have. I happen to believe nothing is a coincidence and every
opportunity is a chance to learn. Just so you know, from my chance
encounter with you, I realized that I must learn to come out of my shell, be
brave, and seize the moment. I didn't seriously think for a second that you
would possibly be interested in ME because I'm not drop dead gorgeous, just
cute in my own way. As if I didn't know it before, I realize the importance
of just being me and not trying to be anything more to please anyone. I
also don't want to live a life of regrets. So, thank you for my awakening!
I'm just so mad at myself that God gave me the perfect opportunity to meet
such a cool person and I didn't seize the moment. After all, what's the
likelihood that I would ever meet you in person again? (just about never.)

I never write in to any fan club, but I am compelled to write to you to jog
your memory of our chance encounter (see attached pic) and to give you yet
more accolades. After that fateful night I went online to learn more about
you (and to get the scoop on what happened between you and Hewitt earlier
that day). I'm now a huge fan of yours and am so proud that you've moved up
so quickly through the ranks. More importantly, in your interviews you
exude a certain aura of graciousness, humility and intelligence, just like
Arthur Ashe. I know you probably get tired of hearing comparisons to Arthur
Ashe, but it is so true! I wish you all the best of luck in your career and
hope that you become an even bigger tennis star. You certainly have worked
hard and deserve everything! Just remember you'll always have a huge fan in
NYC! :)

Lisa

My name's Katie and I met James last September in Paris, France, for the Davis Cup Semifinals. I, along with about 200 other people from Houston, won an essay contest to get to go to Paris for a week and watch the matches. It was so awesome and ALL of the guys (James, Andy Roddick, Mardy Fish, Todd Martin, Patrick McEnroe, Cliff Drysdale, Jim Courier) were SO nice to us and hung out with us a bunch. On our last night there, we had a party at the Hard Rock Cafe. Halfway through the night, quite to our surprise (we were on the stage dancing and getting crazy), Andy Roddick busts through our group and starts dancing in the middle of us all! Then we learned that the whole team was coming and James and Mardy soon appeared out on the stage with us also. They were so friendly and sweet and all of them took pictures with me haha. I'm not ashamed to say that it was the best week of my life--just a week in Paris would have sufficed but meeting my favorite players (James, Andy, Mardy) and former players (Patrick, Cliff, Jim) just made it all the better!

I included a picture I took of James entering the stadium to play as well as two from the Hard Rock night. You can just put the one of him and me on the site if you can't put all of them! Thanks SO much and keep up the awesome work on the site!!!

 I am from Dayton and I go to Cincinnati every year for the tournament. Last year James Blake was signing autographs and I got one and a picture with him. This year I went on Tuesday and Thursday. On Tuesday I saw Todd Martin and James play doubles. It was a great game. They won, but that's not what mad it great. Both of them had fun and even joked around with their opponents. It was very refreshing to see players not take themselves too seriously and you could tell they love what they do. On Thursday I was in Cincinnati for the day and evening sessions. My boyfriend and I stood by the players entrance. James came in and had to check his bag. I asked him if I could have a picture and he said sure. My boyfriend took the picture. After that James noticed that my boyfriend was wearing a John Mayer tee shirt. He asked if we had gone to the concert and we said yes and that it was an awesome show. And James said that John Mayer is a good friend of his. I was so happy after that. I immediately thanked my boyfriend for wearing that shirt. I think it is so cool that I kind of had a conversation with James Blake. He is one of my favorite players and I feel very privileged to have met him. He is down to earth and an all around great guy. I wish more professional athletes were like him.
I had the pleasure of meeting James at the Grand Slam Jam event here in
Austin this past weekend. After reading these other messages, I feel it
would be redundant to talk about his humble and caring attitude(which I
detected in the first five minutes of conversation.)

I had the chance to visit with him at a party after the event and it was so
nice to engage in conversation with a professional athlete that is more
interested in talking about your life rather than all of his many
accomplishments. I had such a great time talking with him. I was just
standing there thinking "this guy is honestly oblivious to how truly
beautiful he is." He was so incredibly humble about himself.

I attend the US Open every year and I will be in Houston in April and hope
to see more of his game. He was an amazing player. Very entertaining. I
wish him luck in his game of tennis and also in his every day life.


Melissa Jones
Austin, TX

I came close to meeting James because I live in Fairfield and go to Fairfield High. Last year after the U.S. Open James came to visit. Unfortunately I didn't get to see him. James has these large banners hanging in the gym with his name on them when he made all-state. He was very lucky and didn't have to go to practice very often. I would love to do that because I'm on the team and I have to go to practice everyday. I want to wish James the best of luck in the future.

P.S. James come back and visit Fairfield more often
Go Mustangs!!!!!!!!!

TennisDude

I met James at the Western and Southern Financial Masters in Cincy 2002. He was probably the nicest player I met and so personable. I had the BEST time watching him play some amazing tennis. Since I play doubles it was awesome to see him and Todd Martin play and then later win!


~*Hydro*~

 

 

Hey Everyone!!! So yeah, I met James Blake at the Siebel Open. I just want to let all of you know how great a guy he is, hes so mellow and kind. I wish him the best of luck in the new year. GO JAMES!!! Sorry about the picture quality my camera's not the best, but I'm hoping to get a new one soon. But hey you can see James thats all that matters, me on the other hand I look like a ghost but its ok. ~Stacey Sjogren from Washington.