2011 Sony Ericsson Open – ATP Wildcards Part I: James Blake
World Number 158 James Blake is the first tennis pro to be awarded a wildcard at the 2011 Miami Masters. The player is America’s 13th-highest ranked player, although he was ranked as high as World Number 4 at one point in 2006. Blake is also the
fourth African American player to win an ATP title, and his previous World Number 4 ranking made him the first African American to break into the Top 10 after legend Arthur Ashe.
The right-handed pro has been part of the Association of Tennis Professionals for almost twelve years. Turning pro in 1999, Blake’s most significant career achievements were his appearances at the 2006 Tennis Masters Cup final, the Beijing Olympics semi-final
and quarterfinal showings at the 2008 Australian Open as well as the US Open (in 2005 and 2006). He has also won two titles for his home country at the Hopman Cup, setting a tournament record. He is coached by Kelly Jones, although he began his career with
mentor Brian Barker.
The player was named Comeback Player of the Year in 2005, after his return to form following an exceptionally poor 2004 season. He has also received the Arthur Ashe Humanitarian of the Year award for his outstanding contribution to cancer research through
his foundation, the Thomas Blake Sr. Memorial Research Fund.
The American player is known to be an aggressive offensive baseliner, with a deadly flat forehand which is at par with that of US Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro and Fernando Gonzalez. Another asset to his game is his foot speed, enabling him to return
shots which most of his opponents would have no option but to forego. He is an all-court player, incorporating serve and volley tactics in his game to help him play on all surfaces. His backhand is his weakest shot, but his forehand and footwork are very effective
when it comes to throwing off his opponents. One of the drawbacks of his technique is the added risk of unforced errors and double faults.
Blake has been producing average results so far this year, clearing the first round of all four tournaments he participated in but coming undone in the second round. He was awarded a wild card at the 2011 ATP World Tour Masters Indian Wells tournament, but
could not make it past the second round against World Number 8 and compatriot Andy Roddick.
The 31-year-old pro will be returning to Miami with the intention to improve on his quarterfinal appearances in 2006 and 2008. Judging by his performance at the last tournament and the fact that his ranking has slipped three places over the past week, his
dream may not be realized at the 2011 Sony Ericsson Open.
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