James Blake Rock & Rally Chat Transcript (from usta.com)

5/1/02

martylaw:
James, does having a one-handed backhand ever feel daunting against very big servers?

James Blake:
Yeah, it has its advantages and disadvantages. I feel it helps me with my volleys and in my

transitions and getting to the net.

safinated:
Do you have any predictions for the French Open?

James Blake:
I'm just trying to improve my game on clay so I don't know what to expect out of me.

I think Kuerten will play great and watch out for Andy of course.

future#1:
James, did the year in college help or hurt your game? And in what ways?

James Blake:
It was two years. It definitely helped my game towards the end. I felt like I was only being

pushed a few times a year so I felt like I had to go the pro game to get pushed all the time and

improve. I was able to work on my fitness and it helped me mature.

twardagassi:
How does it feel to be the future of American tennis?

James Blake:
Great. It's something we've all heard for years when Pete and Andre started to get older. They have a few years left in them, they're great champions -- to put that label on me and Andy is great. We're going to do our best and carry the load.

Adam:
Hey James, what's your favorite tournament and why?

James Blake:
US Open. I grew up around here and I watched it every year. Sneaking into the night sessions and thinking how much fun the players were having and how great their life must be and now there are kids who may be thinking that of me. It's great to be able to see all my friends and family.

safinated:
Who do you admire and see as a role model of previous champions?

James Blake:
Arthur Ashe first and foremost as a role model. Players I admire in this generation are Mats Wilander,Jim Courier, and Stefan Edberg -- they all approached the game with such class. I appreciate that and all the hard work they put in.

twardagassi:
James, lots of papers always say you are from Yonkers, but most know that you are from Fairfield County -- where do you consider your true home to be?

James Blake:
I was born in Yonkers but grew up in Fairfield so I feel like I have a home in both places and feel comfortable in both places.

Bonkers Yonkers:
James, how does it feel to represent Yonkers, NY? We love you man!

James Blake:
Its great! It wasn't something I chose. I remember being there when I was younger and learning to play tennis there -- I love getting back there. Hopefully every time I'm here for the US Open all the Yonkers fans will come out and support me.

JimmyKeyFan:
James, how cool is it to play doubles with your brother?

James Blake:
It's great. It's so much fun to have someone so close to you on the tour. To have someone in your family on the tour is great. Because it's an individual sport, life on the road can get lonely, but to have someone in your family with you who has shared so many similar experiences is great.

Monica:
James, what's the next couple of things you're working on to get into the top 10? We are rooting you on.

James Blake:
Improving my whole game. I need experience right now -- I need to get used to playing top ten level players. The only technical thing is making my backhand stronger, but I'm playing a lot and need to stay in great physical shape.

MODERATOR:
How has today's event been?

James Blake:
Great, hopefully it will get even more kids in to the game. Showing them it's fun, it can be combined with things like Rock and Roll that it's young and so much fun to play. We all started playing because it's fun, so they should give it a try. You can also stay in shape and meet some great people.