It depresses me to say it because I like James and always want him to succeed, but he has had a dismal year. His game should really pop on grass, yet he does just horrible at Wimbledon. This year he suddenly had his best grass performance ever, making the finals at Queens Club (after Roddick had to withdraw with an ankle injury). But today he lost in straight sets to Andreas Seppi. Dismal effort, dismal performance. He should demolish a guy like Seppi. First round losses at the French and Wimbledon. Outside of New York, his performances in the grand slams have never been much to write home about. Even at the US Open, he missed more opportunities than he should have.
James Blake is one of the smartest guys in men’s tennis, but this has not been reflected in his approach to the game itself. With his weapons and speed, he should have made major noise on every fast court… provided he was able to tweak his strategy for the opponent and moment. He has always refused to do this. And his attitude… has been like Soderling’s in that he steadfastly disavowes any expectations or goals at the grand slam tournaments. That is why he’s a wonderful person but an exasperating, stubborn pro. I think his days in the top ten are over. His best tournaments are now confined to the few North American tour stops in the run up to the US Open. That won’t sustain even a top 20 ranking. A coaching change is not likely. He’s been with Brian Baker since age 11 and is tremendously loyal. At this point a new coach would only work if he decided to take advice not likely.
Blake has always been defensive when questioned about his tennis, but only this year have I sensed that he is deeply unhappy out there. Losing will do that to a person. Maybe he should take a vacation.
On a related note, Blake would be on thin ice with the US Davis Cup Team if there were any viable American men to push him. But things are looking a bit thin there, as I’ll discuss later this week.
Passing Shots 
Posted on June 23, 2009
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