New Approach for Blake Heading Into French Open
May 8, 2006 — -- James Blake, the tennis player ranked No. 7 in the world, made his way to ESPN last week and sat down to answer a few questions about his game, countryman Andre Agassi, and what it takes to beat Roger Federer.
Q: What have you learned from your five-set loss to Andre Agassi in last year's U.S. Open?
James Blake: Last year's U.S. Open has helped me grow and motivated me to now be known more for my wins than such an epic loss. It was a fun match to be a part of -- and I've been a part of a few important losses in my day -- but I like to think it motivated me to start practicing harder so I would know the feeling on the other side. ... To win a Grand Slam, expecially the U.S. Open, would be my ideal situation. I've always been a fan of that tournament and it would mean a lot to hold up the trophy.
Q: How long will Andre Agassi play?
JB: I think we all would have guessed (he would have retired) years before this -- especially when he took a hiatus in the middle of his career. I don't think a lot of people would have guessed he would still be playing at 36 years old. I wouldn't put anything past him now because of the way he has kept himself in shape. I hope he plays for years to come, but I know it's becoming more difficult with the wear and tear his body is taking.
Q: Can you put into perspective what Agassi has meant to the game?
JB: On the court, he's one of the greatest ever, that's not going to be argued. He's one of the few players who has won the career Grand Slam, which shows how versatile he is. But off the court he's meant even more in terms of giving back to his community in Las Vegas and to the kids who have benefitted from his school. He's helped me out in my career, he's helped a lot of the younger players and I know he has done a lot of work with Andy Roddick. He's really a champion, on and off the court in terms of his ability to put other people first -- which is something not a lot people can do.
Q: Which part of your game do you need to improve upon the most?
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