April 2003 TENNIS.com Chat: James Blake

Tennis: Hi everyone, and welcome to TENNIS.com's Live Chat with JAMES BLAKE, sponsored by DUNLOP.

Tennis: We are thrilled to have James join us today from Saddlebrook Resort, where he trains. We will be taking your questions and comments so feel free to type and send a message. Please know that the questions will be reviewed. Only comments that are "approved" by the moderator--that's me, Liza Horan of TENNIS.com--will appear in the chat window. And, please be patient.

Tennis: Also, there will be a transcript of this chat available next week on TENNIS.com.

Tennis: Once again, thank you all for joining us, and let's take the first question...

falipsco: James will you and your brother play more doubles or will you focus on your singles career

James Blake: my brother and i will play doubles as much as we possibly can, but unfortunately our rankings are too far apart to play in most tournaments together. hopefully in the futures we'll play together more.

Alley Cat: Hello James, Its really enjoyable to watch you play the game and also your Davis Cup matches. Just a quick question about your racquet. How have you "customized" your 300g; i.e. weights, string pattern, etc.?

James Blake: the only thing that i do to alter my dunlop 300G is to put extra weight on it. most of the professionals use very heavy racquets to help with the power.

Gina912: is there anyway if i gave you mt email address you could answer some questions?

James Blake: you can send your email address to jbinfo1@mindspring.com. that is the address to my website and i receive all of the questions that are sent there.

Whitneyhouston_fan: How do you get along with the clay surface?

James Blake: i've had some past success on clay and i really think i'm improving on it. this upcoming season will tell a lot to see how much i've improved on clay since last year since that was my first time on the european red clay.

falipsco: will you and serena hook up for mixed doubles

James Blake: i would love to play mixed doubles again with serena. we played earlier this year at the hopman cup with a lot of success. we are both usually pretty busy at grand slams, but if she gave me the opportunity, i would definitely play with her again.

XxThe_SteinxX: When you are frustraded during a match because part of your game is off, especially your weapon, for example your forehand, how do you get over it?

James Blake: when i'm frustrated in a match from something that isn't going right, i just have to calm down a little bit. i realize that i'm not always going to play my best tennis, but i'm most proud when i can win matches where i don't play particularly that well. that means that i had to use my mind to help win the match even more.

abercrombiemb: James have you played in the Pilot Pen? If so are you going to play again this year?

James Blake: i played in the last year the pilot pen was a men's tournament. i wish i could play there again, but unfortunately it is only a women's tournament now.

vivo: What workouts do you think help the best for playing tennis?

James Blake: i think footwork is the most important part of the game, so i do a lot of footwork and agility drills to prepare for matches. of course endurance is also key, so i run a lot of longer sprints as well.

Tennis: James, people are interested to know if you are planning to play Umag and Hamburg?

James Blake: i will be playing in hamburg this year. i played there last year for the first time and enjoyed it even though i didn't win any matches. as for umag, i won't be playing there this year.

Whitneyhouston_fan: Whats ur favorite Grandslam tournament?

James Blake: my favorite grand slam is the u.s. open. i grew up very near to flushing meadows, so i've been going there as a fan since i was very little. now to play in athur ashe stadium for me is the biggest thrill i could get because i'm really still a fan.

falipsco: Great match against Llewet at last years open. Being a fellow Yonkers person I had hope you would have taken him but it was a great match. Do you think you can take him now?

James Blake: i actually beat lleyton hewitt earlier this year. in the hopman cup i defeated him in straight sets, so now i definitely have the confidence to beat him. hopefully one of these times i will get the better of him here in the states at the u.s. open.

Whitneyhouston_fan: We all here in Germany LOVE U

JelenaJB: are your relations with Hewitt OK now, because of his rasistic remarks at the match in US Open?

James Blake: my relationship with lleyton is completely fine now. we get along off the court and have even practiced together a few times. we put any hard feelings behind us at the u.s. open the day after the incident.

Erland: James, I hit with a one or a two handed-backhand well (5.0 level), but I drive the pro's at my club crazy on not choosing one and sticking to it - at high levels of play, do you find the one-hander at a disadvantage to the two-handers on tour, or an advantage due to versatility? Is the one-hander a lost art these days or on the rise again? Thanks!

gretchenb: How often do you get time off from your tournaments and training? About how many weeks a year and where and how do you usually spend it?

James Blake: i think having a one hander or two is totally individual. guys like sampras, kuerten, and costa have proven that it's possible to be at the top level with a one hander. i definitely believe there are certain advantages to a two hander, but they don't always outweigh the advantages of a one hander.

Tennis: A few people are wondering how you spend your time off-court. How do you relax from tennis?

James Blake: when i'm off the court, i'm usually back at saddlebrook playing golf, or maybe some beach volleyball. my favorite is actually to just sit around the pool with my buddies and have a barbeque.

abercrombiemb: JAMES YOU ROCK HERE IN NEW ENGLAND!

Wofford: Do you date? If so, what type of woman do you look for?

James Blake: i really don't have too much time to date these days. i've been very busy and travelling so much that it wouldn't really be fair to the girl that i was dating. byt tge type of girl that i would look for is someone that is very happy. i think a woman's smile is her most attractive feature, so i really like girls that are very happy and content with who they are.

selesblake: james i just wanted to know if you remember giving a shirt to Jim at the trumbull tennis club to give to me ? my name is Danny...i wanted to thank you for that

James Blake: yes, i remember giving you the shirt. i'm glad you appreciate it.

Stomps: During the Nasdaq, you said that if you beat Robby Ginepri, he would move to Saddlebrook, and if he beat you, you would move to Atlanta. Are you going to keep that promise? :)

James Blake: we never actually made that bet.maybe if we had, i would have won the match. we're still trying to get him to move down here to saddlebrook and train with all of the great players we already have here.

steffi_93: Who is your tennis idol?

James Blake: my idol is arthur ashe. i didn't really watch him play too much since i was too young, but i admire everything he stood for. everything in his life was focused around helping others, especially those less fortunate. his whole life was conducted with such grace that he is definitely a role model for many.

Whitneyhouston_fan: What do you think of Whitney Houston and/or Eminem?

James Blake: i think whitney houston has one of the best female voices ever. as for eminem, he is my favorite artist and i think he is a lyrical genius.

brendan mike: hi james my name is brendan and I am 11 years old. I am a junior player in the East. You are my favorite player and my dream is to meet you. Also my mom is british like your mom and my father is black. Maybe I can meet you at the Hamlet?

James Blake: i will be playing at the hamlet, and hopefully i'll be around all week, so i'll probably see you there.

selesblake: jAMES, WILL YOU BE GOING TO THE TENNIS MAGAZIN day in grand central station this year? i hope to meet you in person this time...

James Blake: i think i will be going to that, but if i am still in the hamlet cup, i won't be able to attend it this year.

abercrombiemb: James i am 13 and you are my idol. I hope you play in the fox force and should come to perrons tenni camp and usonn. Here in Ct you are our tennis star!!

brendan mike: my birthday is the same as yours too december 28

James Blake: this year i will be playing one match for the foxforce. i have such a great time playing in connecticut that i had to play again this year.

gretchenb: Hi I'm from the Philippines and tennis is not as big as basketball here, was just wondering if you still have some privacy...Do a lot of people recognize or mob you when you're out with friends?

brendan mike: good luck in the hamlet

James Blake: i am definitely more conscious of what i do in public and realize that people often recognize me. i still have my privacy though when i'm home and can just be around my good friends. i'm getting more used to the public lifestyle all the time, but it still seems a little weird to me.

Whitneyhouston_fan: What do you think about PeTE SAMPRAS? Do you think he can still win a Grand Slam this year? And do u think he'll retire very soon????

James Blake: i think that pete sampras is the best player to ever play the game, so he has earned the right to retire on his own terms. i do think he will still play wimbledon this year, and he will definitely still have a chance to win that one. we will never see pete playing a full schedule again, but you never know how long he will want to play wimbledon.

Tennis: People are interested in knowing what you think about the Williams sisters?

James Blake: i know serena better than i know venus, and she is a great person. she is always smiling and laughing. then when she gets on the court, she is totally focused and just sets her mind to winning. venus has also been very friendly to me, but i haven't had a chance to spend as much time with her. i can say that they are amazingly dominant in the sport right now.

Tennis: Brianna wants to know what your fave comfort food and kind of car you drive?

James Blake: i don't really know what comfort food is, but my favorite food is pizza, i used to eat it all the time as a kid. i drive a lexus IS300 right now.

JelenaJB: which other kinds of sport do you like?

James Blake: i love watching basketball and football. i really enjoy going to hockey games in person as well. i used to play baseball a lot as a kid and play beach volleyball and gold when i get a chance.

racheld: Who's your best buddy on tour?

James Blake: my best friend on tour is mardy fish. he lives here in tampa as well, and he both train at Saddlebrook. we've played doubles together a few times as well.

YonahDaye: Do you find it difficult to play against the other young Americans whom you are friendly with?

James Blake: it's not too difficult to play against friends, we understand how to separate the match from our off court relationship. i've played andy roddick before and gone out to dinner with him in the same night.

Neel: hey, James, I just want to know what's the greatest happiness for you at this moment?

James Blake: my greatest happiness at this moment is my true friends that i have known for years. they have always been there for me, and i don't know what i would do without them.

Gina912: How often do you get to see your family?

James Blake: i see my brother all the time because i live with him. as for my parents, they usually travel to about 6 to 8 tournaments per year. then i always see them for thanksgiving and christmas. i usually spend about a week with them after the u.s. open as well.

Ai_: Do you have any hidden talents, for example can you paint, dance, sing?

James Blake: i don't have any creative talent at all. i am a terrible artist and singer. that makes me very appreciative of those people who can do those things.

Yuka: What do you feel about you became "The sexiest man" in people magazine?

James Blake: i felt very surprised. i didn't think they would pick me, i figured it would be someone like derek jeter or rick fox. i also never realized how big of a deal it would be and how many readers there are of people magazine. i'm excited that now more people see me and might watch tennis because of it.

frustrationnation: i just thought i should let you know one day my friend and i were watching a match you were playing in, you were doing awesome and returning all these impossible shots, it amazed me so much...i fell down the stairs watching you

Gina912: how does Thomas feel about your success? Any sibling rivalry?

James Blake: there is definitely no sibling rivalry in our household. i am always so proud of everything thomas accomplishes, and i know he feels the same about me. we just try to help each other in any way we can, and we have a very healthy relationship. i still look up to him for advice just like any younger brother would.

vivo: What are your thoughts about playing in Davis Cup?

James Blake: davis cup is my first priority. i absolutely love playing in a team environment and representing my country. it is an indescribable feeling.

BlakesFan1: Hi James this is Robyn, I wanted you to know that I am doing real well in the wheelchair tennis and to thank you for your inspiring words to me. they helped me gain that "I can" attitude

abercrombiemb: who is your secret crush of all time?

James Blake: i would have to say that right now my crush is the singer mya. i've never met her before, but i think she is very talented and seems really bright too.

JelenaJB: what are your expectations for tournament in Rome?

James Blake: i hope to play as well or better than i did last year. it was the best i had done on clay and in a masters series at that time. so now i hope i can improve on that.

gretchenb: You often say that modelling is a far second to tennis, how often do you get to model at all with all the playing you do? Do you have to fly out to location shoots or do they have to adjust and fly to where you are all the time?

James Blake: i really don't get a chance to do very much modeling. my schedule is so hectic that i just can't fit in. that is why it is such a distant second because i would never really make time for it that would take away from my tennis.

Gina912: Well James, my friend and I would love you to come hang out with us here in East Lansing (there's a pool and a grill ;) ) I think you are an awesome person and would love to meet you someday, but if not, good luck in everything you do. Thanks for taking your time! Gina

YonahDaye: This year at Scottsdale, I took a picture for you and the person you hit with after an impromptu practice following you first round win over Jay Gooding. My question pertains to that night. You were able to win the match very easily, yet you didn't seem satisfied with your play. Would you consider yourself a perfectionist?

JelenaJB: Thanks,James,must say that you are really nice person

James Blake: i am a perfectionist about certain things. on the tennis court, i would definitely like things to be perfect, but i accept when they are not. in other aspects of life, i am not so picky. for example, my house is a mess right now and i don't worry too much about that.

selesblake: James, have u ever meet Seles? what are your thought on the kind of person she is.. today was the stabbing 10 years ago

racheld: You're a great bloke James, looking forward to seeing you over here in sunny England (pun intended). See you soon.

James Blake: i have met her. we played together on the hartford foxforce. she is my favorite female player and i think she is an incredible person. after hearing her whole story i just have more and more admiration for her as a person even moreso than her athletic ability.

htownsixone: Once I was reading a transcript of an interview you gave and shared that you were reading Michael moore's Stupid white men. I did not know that book existed, and just by account of that interview, I picked it up and it blew me away. What are you currently reading?

James Blake: right now i am reading the book "assata". it is an autobiography of assata shakur and it is very interesting, i would recommend it to anyone who enjoys biographies.

Brianna01: Any truth to the rumors of you and Christina Milian? Also, could you describe the physical features that really get your attention?

James Blake: no, there is no truth to that rumor. i have no idea how it started and i've never even met her. she is a great singer and very pretty, but i've never even seen her in person.

Danoota: what is the most beautiful city you have visited/played in?

James Blake: i would say the most beautiful city that i have played in is rome. the ruins there and all of the sights are just breathtaking. i don't do a ton of sightseeing on the road, but that is a place where i did as much as i possibly could.

joebedford: James, are there any plans for www.jamesblake.com?

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James Blake: actually, right now i am very happy with the way jamesblaketennis.com is being run. i do own the domain name for jamesblake.com, but we'll see if i change it anytime soon.

Alley Cat: Are they any currently lower ranked, or younger players, that you think may be a surprise and make a run toward the top 10 this year?

vivo: James, you are a great guy, thank you for giving us your time.

Yuka: Thank you for your time. I am looking forward to seeing you play again soon.

abercrombiemb: jAMES YOU ARE AWESOME GOOD LUCK IN THE FUTURE!!!!

abercrombiemb: jAMES WE LOVE YOU!

James Blake: there are a ton of players that are doing great right now. mardy fish, taylor dent, and robby ginepri are the first that come to mind. they are all showing great improvement and are working hard.

steffi_93: thank you james

Brianna01: Boxers or briefs? :)

James Blake: boxer briefs just like the ones michael jordan wears in his commercial.

joebedford: James, care to make a prediction on when you will reach #1? :)

James Blake: i don't really make predictions like that. it's not totally in my control. all i can do is work as hard as i possibly can in hopes of getting there someday.

Neel: I am sure you will be one day GOOD LUCK!

BlakesFan1: I am sure you'll be there someday, Just remember to keep your chin up. thanks, Robyn

JelenaJB: HOPE YOU'LL BE #1 SOON. YOU TRULY HAVE POTENTIALS AND TOTALLY DESERVE IT. GOOD LUCK.

Lene0031: been a pleasure James

abercrombiemb: JAMES WE IN CT LOVE YOU!!

abercrombiemb: JAMES WE LOVE YOU!!

abercrombiemb: JAMES WE LOVE YOU THANX FOR YOUR TIME AND ANSWERING MY QUESTIONS

Whitneyhouston_fan: We will always luv you, James!!!! :)

abercrombiemb: JAMES GO AND KICK BUTT

gretchenb: James, my sis and I were in NY for a vacation and we saw you practice at the Open. We both have scoliosis, mine is minor but she had surgery. i play tennis but she prefers badminton because it's "less risky on her back" is that true? Thanks for your time! You're parents did a great job on you.

James Blake: i really don't know which would be better for the condition. i have been able to keep my stomach and back strong enough with the sport of tennis, but i don't know that much about the sport of badminton. good luck to both of you, and i think the most important part is just to keep your core strong.

BlakesFan1: Good luck in Rome we'll be there with you

Ai_: You are very intelligent, would you consider writing a book about tennis or a autobiography?

racheld: Yay do that

joebedford: GO JAMES! :)

racheld: love ya babe

babou: good james i wanted just to say you taht you are an impressionant guy and that you are my idol. i admire all that you do and i wish you good luck for the continuation i would ask you for a little thing would you kind enough to remember my name.?

abercrombiemb: THANX FOR YOUR INSPIRATION

abercrombiemb: WE LOVE YOU COME BACK AGAIN

James Blake: i would love to write a book about my life but i'm only 23 years old and i don't think it would that interesting quite yet. hopefully i'll do some things that would warrant it in the future.

Tennis: Thank you very much, James, and everyone for joining us. We are thrilled about your participation!

James Blake: thank you so much for all the questions.

Tennis: Thanks again to JAMES BLAKE, and sponsor DUNLOP, and good luck!

from Tennis.com.