Representing country inspires Blake
BEIJING - James Blake is still seeking his first signature tennis triumph. So, what better time for the former Harvard star to earn it than during the Olympics against the world's top-ranked player, Roger Federer?
Blake defeated Gilles Simon of France, 6-4, 6-2, in the third round last night in action at the Olympic Green Tennis Center. Switzerland's Federer defeated Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic, 6-3, 7-6 (7-4), to advance to a quarterfinal matchup today against Blake.
Blake has never defeated Federer. Their most recent meeting came in this year's Australian Open.
Despite the long odds against him, Blake feels that "anyone is capable of winning on any given day." He is currently No. 7 in the world, the highest-ranking American, and is the eighth seed in the Olympics. Blake said he has gained inspiration from good friend Mardy Fish, the American who surprisingly won the silver medal four years ago in Athens. Blake added that anyone in the top 10 has the potential to win the gold, and there is more pressure than usual for the top players with it being the Olympics.
"I know Roger will be the favorite, but that is why we play them out," said Blake, who with Sam Querrey was knocked out of the men's doubles competition in the first round. "It's a chance for me to potentially make the medal round, so I am going to give it all I can and put it all on the line. I hope I can get a good night's sleep. I am just going to focus on me. If he's too good, he's too good."
The Olympic tennis competition will conclude Sunday, giving players time to make it to New York for the US Open, which begins Aug. 25. Wimbledon champion Rafael Nadal of Spain, who is ranked No. 2 in the world and is the second seed behind Federer in the Olympic tournament, is also still alive in the draw, beating Igor Andreev of Russia, 6-4, 6-2.
Blake believes playing in the Olympics will help him be at the top of his game at the US Open.
"It's going to be tough," said Blake about the quick turnaround between tournaments, "but I've played a lot of matches in unbelievably humid conditions. I know I'll be fit. I know I'll be ready for that. It's a matter of getting back in the right time zone.
"I think I'll be match-tough."
The 28-year-old Blake is staying at the Olympic Village and has been attending a lot of events, including seeing American swimmer Michael Phelps win his second gold medal of these Games and watching badminton.
Blake described the possibility of winning a medal as a "thrill to be a part of that Olympic tradition" and "more fulfilling" than most of his tennis trophies.
"I'm so proud to be representing my country," he said. "I'm been having a ton of fun staying in the Village and hanging out with a bunch of athletes. It's a lot of fun.
"It's been a thrill and that's half the reason I didn't want to [lose] . . . In most thoughts, you might be thinking about your flight home. But I want to stay here. I want to be here representing my country. You look down and you see USA on your chest.
"You want to do something great after all the inspirational performances. We want to win a medal." 