Talking tennis: tennis star James Blake serves up his thoughts on recreation

Parks & Recreation, April, 2004

James Blake turned pro in 1999 when he was a sophomore at Harvard University, and has quickly risen in reputation and skill level on the professional circuit. He is the only former collegiate All-American to be ranked in the Top 50, and is sixth-seeded this year. He just won the mixed doubles Hyundai Hopman Cup for the second consecutive time. Blake also benefits from endorsements ranging from Nike to Dunlop, and he was named People magazine's "Sexiest Athlete" in 2002. Off the court, Blake focuses his attention on two charities: the Shriners Hospitals for Children and the Harlem Junior Tennis Program--where he first got his start playing the game he loves.

Parks & Recreation: Since you turned professional in 1999, critics have called you everything from the next Arthur Ashe to the successor of the Andre Agassi throne. Do you ever let the hype seep into your game?

James Blake: I try not to let the hype seep into my game at all. It was a little difficult at the beginning of my career, when I didn't know how to react. I would read the papers and always think that they had an insider's view and knew me better than I did. After that, I realized that it's crazy to think that. Now, I barely notice what the media has to say, but when I do, it's usually just to laugh at it and not react to it at all.

Parks & Recreation: What kind of experiences did you have at the Harlem Junior Tennis League? Do you think participating in this program led you to your professional career today?

Blake: The experiences I had were extremely positive. I was taught to work hard just for the sake of working hard, not necessarily to be a pro tennis player. So I don't think they made me into a pro tennis player, but the program influenced my work ethic that eventually led to my career.

Parks & Recreation: How important are public parks and recreation programs to kids growing up in urban environments?

Blake: Parks and recreation programs are very important to kids. It gives kids a sense of purpose. It's something productive to do during the days, and keeps them out of trouble. It ends up having kids get to know each other, and possibly creating bonds that will never be broken.

Parks & Recreation: You are currently auctioning your dreadlocks to benefit an at-risk girls' basketball team in Connecticut. What should parks and recreation departments nationwide do to create opportunities for people like these young women?

Blake: To create opportunities for the young women like those on the basketball team that I am supporting, I think the parks department just needs to reach more people. If they have opportunities for the kids to play in competitions, it can only help them. There are great athletes out there, and if they are given a chance to prove that, colleges may take notice and give them an opportunity to further that process.

Parks & Recreation: Do you foresee tennis being your one career?

Blake: I foresee tennis being my career until my body tells me it can't be. I understand that most tennis players retire before age 35, so I don't plan on it being my only career. I hope I can find other things in my life that challenge me. I know tennis will open a lot of doors, but I don't think I would be happy without something productive to do after my tennis career.

Parks & Recreation: You were named People magazine's 2000 "Sexiest Athlete" title. What does all that attention mean to your career as a tennis player?

Blake: As tennis players, we are also entertainers. For me, I try to work as hard as I possibly can to put out the best product when I am on the court. For me, that means showing my emotions and letting people know how I feel. For others, it is much more reserved, but all of the contrasts in personality make for great drama.