| James Blake
Birthdate: December 28, 1979
Birthplace: Yonkers, New York
Residence: Tampa, Florida, USA
Height: 6'1" (1.85m)
Weight: 170lbs (77kg) lbs.
Plays: Right
Turned Pro: 1996
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Personal Full name is James Riley Blake... Began playing tennis at age five with older brother, Thomas (born Dec. 29, 1976)... At age 13, was diagnosed with severe scoliosis (curvature of spine), which forced him to wear a back brace 18 hours a day... Lists Arthur Ashe as his role model... Was inspired to pursue tennis after Ashe spoke to the Harlem Junior Tennis Program when he was a student in the program from ages 5-10... 2004 was an especially difficult year for Blake. He broke his neck while practicing at a tournament in Rome in May, developed shingles, and in July lost his father to cancer. James did not know if he would ever play tennis again. However, he persevered with help from his family and friends, reentered the tennis world at No. 210 and climbed up to 49 in the rankings... Coached by long-time mentor Brian Barker (since age 12)... |
