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5/7/09 6:23 PM | Johan Lindahl
Excited American James Blake believes he has turned the corner on a poor season after putting in his first clay victory of 2009 in Estoril. "This is the turning point of my season," said the 29-year-old after two spring defeats on the surface.
"I don't think I've played that well since San Jose (February)," he said after reaching the second round. "I really felt like my old self out there, it's the first time in a long time.
"Even if I don't win another match here I'll still feel good about my clay game. But I'm not ready to stop, I would really like to win this tournament."
Blake first deflated hopes of Portugal's Federico Gil, a skilled clay technician. He then reached his first clay quarterfinal since Rome a year ago by defeating Marc Gicquel. "I'm hitting winners without even trying, the ball was going exactly where it should," said the elated American.
"It is a great feeling, I'm playing my tennis and dictating, not playing defense."
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Yes! Looks like Blake feels an upswing coming on. When a player is hot, he can win against almost anyone, and it does worlds of good for confidence. Come on, Blake, take this one to the finals!
-Arvis
Arvis , 5/7/09 7:03 PM
Speaks volumes about his game that Blake is this excited about wins over Frederico Gil and Marc Gicquel.
Actually I find this hilarious. I'm not saying that I wouldn't be excited if I were Blake, but is just shocking to think how bad he has been in order to be this pleased with two mediocre wins.
Hope it leads to something more, though.
RickyDimon , 5/7/09 7:18 PM
Ricky- If you find that hilarious you should have seen Blake's huge fistpump after beating Gil. Looked like he won the tournament
orion , 5/7/09 9:11 PM
well beating Gil is legitimately a good win. I picked Gil to win that match easily. Blake might celebrate like he won a GS if he beats Serra.
RickyDimon , 5/7/09 9:55 PM
Blake can run naked in Estoril streets for celebration if he wins the tournament!!
sisterofnight12 , 5/8/09 12:10 AM
SoN12, that is a mean image to impose in our heads! ;)
remi , 5/8/09 2:54 AM
remi,
You are the master of imposing images in our heads, remember? But i agree, i'd rather pass up on this one. :)
danny , 5/8/09 11:13 AM
danny, are you implying I've met my competition? :)
remi , 5/8/09 12:05 PM
Anyone know when the Blake/Serra match starts?
-Arvis
Arvis , 5/8/09 4:44 PM
Look at James go! Takes the 1st set 6-4 in less than 30 minutes! And that was after being down a break early on. :)
-Arvis
Arvis , 5/8/09 5:57 PM
Blake is just DESTROYING Serra.
RickyDimon , 5/8/09 6:06 PM
Now he's already broken Serra once in the 2nd! A half-bagel for Blake, 3-0 in the 2nd.
-Arvis
Arvis , 5/8/09 6:06 PM
6-4, 6-1 Blake. Bam bam double bam.
-Arvis
Arvis , 5/8/09 6:18 PM
You know what this means, don't you, Ricky? It means that Blake can beat Andy Murray on clay. =D
-Arvis
Arvis , 5/8/09 6:26 PM
Blake to win Roland Garros.
RickyDimon , 5/8/09 6:54 PM
Hey, I was the 1st to make that prediction. If it happens, I'd be happy to come write for you guys on this website. Modest paycheck and access to all the tennis I'll ever want to watch... deal? *laughs*
-Arvis
Arvis , 5/8/09 6:59 PM
Arvis- If you can predict Blake winning RG, you should ask for much more :D
orion , 5/8/09 7:28 PM
i miss james blake..he is such a cool player for me..
slapslip08 , 5/8/09 7:46 PM
Hmm, good point Orion. *rubs chin* I notice Ricky is being conspicuously quiet on this issue... I think I may have a future in sports journalism!
-Arvis
Arvis , 5/8/09 8:13 PM
Calm down guys...Blake is 29 YEARS OLD....one can only admire his enthusiasm.....and yours......
Arvis- if Blake beats Andy on any surface I'll send you a virtual bottle of champagne and go and spend my dotage blubbing into my beer
deuce , 5/8/09 9:37 PM
I love JB and hope him all the best. Could clay have been his savior? New favorite surface? Go JB!!
Rafterfan , 5/9/09 1:08 AM
Arvis - what is the "issue" that you speak of?
RickyDimon , 5/9/09 1:46 AM
""Blake to win Roland Garros.""
Ricky: Are you being facetious? Or do you really think that Blake is playing well enough to do the impossible (beat Nadal)? Unfortunately, I didn't watch the match, so I cannot comment on Blake's form myself. Thanks!
imjimmy , 5/9/09 7:44 AM
As much as I'm happy for James,unfortunately that's the end of the run for him.Surely,he cannot beat Davydenko on clay,can he??? Can he???
sisterofnight12 , 5/9/09 10:41 AM
@imjimmy
Ha ha hey buddy that was said as a joke...don't read too much into it
Ragavendran , 5/9/09 12:15 PM
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Thats great for Blake, hasn't been playing well for a long time
SGHIceman , 5/7/09 6:58 PM