Blake continues to find new ways to make an impact in tennis

NEWHAVEN— Professional tennis continues to be a platform for James Blake.

The former Fairfield resident did return to the Yale University Tennis Center Saturday night with his racquets in hand. Blake, along with Mark Philippousis, Andy Roddick and Tommy Haas, were competing in the yearlong Oracle Champions Cup, part of the Invesco Legends Series.

NewHaven is the seventh stop on the 10event men’s tennis legends series. Blake entered leading the Champions Cup standings at 900 points with Haas (800), Roddick (500) and Philippousis (300) chasing.

“For me, tennis is fun when it’s competitive,” Blake said. “The most fun for me is when I’m competing. Or if I’m hitting with younger tennis players who are eager to learn. To just hit balls for

exercise is just a means to an end.”

It was a short night on the court for Blake as Philippousis broke Blake’s serve in Game 10 to take the set, 64. Haas downed Roddick, 62. In the final, Haas stopped Philippousis, 64.

But as you would expect from a Harvard University graduate, Blake is impacting professional tennis in a number of new ways.

Blake spent time at the U.S. Open as a commentator for the Tennis Channel. He is also on the Board of Directors at the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Foundation. And he has served the past two years as Tournament Director at the

Miami Open.

“I was at the U.S. Open Friday. I went to a Yale University endowment dinner Friday night,” Blake said. “And I got to see my mom (Betty) in Fairfield. I’m heading home Sunday.”

Blake has made the transition from tennis young gun to a stalwart of the Legends Tour. He will turn age 40 just after Christmas.

“My wife (Emily) is already planning the party,” Blake said. “My friends will be coming out to California. It won’t be a crazy party. There will be golf and a lot of fun with friends and everybody’s kids.”

His dad, the late Thomas Blake Sr. and mom Betty were such important influences to the successful life that James Blake has achieved. And now James is

the father figure for his children, Riley and Emma.

“Fatherhood is unbelievable,” James Blake said. “I’ve made the great transition from selfish professional tennis player to selfless parent. It’s not about me anymore. The sacrifices now are ones I want to make for the kids.”

Among those in attendance Saturday to see Blake was former Pilot Pen and Connecticut Open Tournament Director Anne Worcester. Nowthat Blake is Miami Open Tournament Director, their friendship has taken on new meaning and appreciation.

“I bring all my knowledge as a player and what players need to the task. I’m fortunate to have Stephen Ross and the Miami Dolphins and Executive Director

Adam Barnett as partners,” Blake said. “Anne Worcester is someone I count on. She’s the best tournament director I know. She made the job look easy all these years in New Haven. Now I know how hard she worked. When I have an issue, I know I can call Anne. She gives me a big laugh and then her advice solves the problem.”