'Roger Federer really wanted to win it as well', says former American player

There are very few players who can claim to have beaten Roger Federer on a tennis court. The 20-time Grand Slam champion is considered by many to be the greatest ever, as well as being one of the most loved sports fans around the world. One of those who succeeded in this feat is James Blake, who won over Federer at the 2008 Olympics

During his career, Blake amassed 24 singles finals appearances (10–14 record), while his career-high singles ranking was World No. 4. Career highlights included reaching the final of the 2006 Tennis Masters Cup, the semifinals of the Beijing Olympics, the quarterfinals of the Australian Open (2008) and US Open (2005, 2006), as well as two titles at the Hopman Cup (2003, 2004) and being the No. 1 ranked American singles player. Blake was a key performer for the United States 2007 Davis Cup championship team, going 2–0 in the championship tie vs. Russia at second singles. In a recent podcast with David Law and Catherine Whitaker (The Tennis Podcast), James Blake spoke about his experience of beating Roger Federer.

Blake on Roger Federer

“It was more special to me because it was a moment where you know Roger Federer’s had every accomplishment possible in his career with the exception of a gold medal in singles. I know it was a time when he really wanted to win it as well," James Blake said. "You can see it from the fact that he still won doubles there. He was intent on winning. That makes me feel even more special that it wasn’t a 1st round of a 250 where he may not have the same motivation. To do it in the Olympics is even more special because you know it’s an event Federer gets excited for and you know it’s an event he wants to win,” the American added. Considered to be absolutely giants of the sport, they took note of their Blake's win over Roger Federer and sent a congratulatory message. “Right after the Dream Team called me and said ‘congratulations’ because Deron Williams' mom was sitting there and watching and so she told all the NBA guys. I got back to my room and there were signs saying congratulations and it just felt different," Blake said. Blake announced that he would retire from tennis after competing at the 2013 US Open, where he suffered a first round loss in five sets against Ivo Karlovic. Blake's career ended on August 29, 2013, after a 6–2, 2–6, 2–6 doubles loss in the 2013 US Open.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3io6DZu