Fans got spoiled with the Sampras, Agassi, Chang, Courier era - James Blake
In an interview to Tennis View Magazine, the former world no. 4 James Blake commented on American men's tennis. Andy Roddick was the last American man to win singles Major (at the 2003 US Open) and now several younger players are trying to break through. Blake believes there have been too many expectations lately. “As much as it seemed easy, I feel like tennis fans here in the States got a little spoiled with the Sampras, Agassi, Chang, Courier era. There's a lot of guys who have a chance to do well. And they're starting to succeed. It's just taking a little longer these days, I think because of the physicality of the game, so it takes longer for guys to grow into their bodies. I'm excited about the possibilities. Seeing how well Frances and Taylor played down there in Australia, I think these guys are really getting close to being ready to take the next big step," said Blake, who also backed the initiative by the BNP Paribas Open of granting a main draw wild card to the winner of the Oracle Challenge Series: “If they get into that event and they make a little noise, win a few matches there, that's going to make their entire year and could really jumpstart their career. It's a big opportunity for them.”
Blake, who is the father of two kids, also commented on fatherhood. He said, “They keep me on my toes, and every little stage they go through is a new challenge, a new perspective, something I can learn from. I’m always trying to get better and improve at everything I do, even more so in being a parent, because to me it’s the most important job I’ve ever had."
from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2ElkZJc
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