James Blake Needs a New Coach
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navratilovafan
Banned
This will probably be his last year on tour. He has maxed out his potential and next year he would be 30 as he turns 30 in the off season.
BHud
Hall of Fame
Say bye bye to one of the more stubborn/stupid players on tour...no "b" game, no back-up plan = no show at majors. He's never been one to figure out a way to win on off days, but his performance in the last 2 majors is simply embarrassing! I suppose he now says that Wimbledon isn't a tournament that Americans strive to succeed in...just like he said about the FO.
no when he loses first round at wimbledon he blames the atp for the schedule of tournaments that make him tired and he cant "focus" out on the courts. just like losing a 5-0 lead.
OliverSimon
Hall of Fame
You are right because Brian barker cant coach crap
Stubborn-ness is Blake's case is a career killer. You would think losing matches would be the lesson that teaches him that change in his game philosophy is necessary and still he says, 'I gotta play my game'. Why?!? When losing in the 1st round of slams is becoming his forte. It's weird, somehow he makes the finals of the small warmup tournaments at both Wimbledon and French Open. Seems like a confidence builder before the slam, then the wheels fall off for some reason.
He needed a new coach about 4 years ago. How long does it take before he says it's not working? He'll probably never learn that.
He needed a new coach about 4 years ago. How long does it take before he says it's not working? He'll probably never learn that.
illuminati
Rookie
blake is a brainless, clueless, mindless ballbadhing mug. he only gets any attention is because he is american.
LetFirstServe
Rookie
Did anyone see the match? Was he making a lot of errors or what Seppi playing good? I just ask because I see some tie breaks.
Seppi served huge and attacked
he was up I believe in the Third set when Blake started to play better
Blake was up 5 something in the Tie Break and managed to choke after a call he whined was out when chalk went flying thus giving the point to Seppi
he was chewing on antacids
but he did worse than he did in Paris imo
my guess is since this isn't clay but grass where he supposedly "excels" he can't put the blame on the poor clay courts:roll:
I mean there is absolutely ZERO excuse for him.I mean Seppi on grass:roll:
he actually blamed his loss on heavy scheduling:shock:
I wonder what Nadal who has a right to a certain extent(he played 2 much during the clay court season if u ask me) to complain about heavy scheduling would say if he were to hear that
I mean Nadal plays a WHOLE lot but he wins most of his titles whether on hard court on clay or makes semis.Can't say the same about Blake . . .
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malakas
Banned
last time I checked he was a top10er..?:roll: he also just made the final in queens!
I never considered James to be a force on grass,but still I expected him to win the first round.But just all through his carreer he fails to deliver in the big stage..now it's too late but I hope he will stay on tour for some years more.
last time I checked he was a top10er..?:roll: he also just made the final in queens!
I never considered James to be a force on grass,but still I expected him to win the first round.But just all through his carreer he fails to deliver in the big stage..now it's too late but I hope he will stay on tour for some years more.
Blake ain't in the top 10
Loyalty isn't getting him jack!! He has been loyal enough! Now he needs something new. I don't know much about his current coach. Has he ever coached any other top players if not he's got to go. I'm not saying be like Roddick but you have to at least try. I like James Blake but I'm sick of watching him go out like that. Some one help this guy out!!Please!!
ucrctennis
Rookie
I don't like Blake, but I don't think changing his game is the answer. He's said numerous times that he's tried changing his game, but he just lost more matches. He's always been a guy who blows hot and cold, I don't think he'll change that by changing his game style. It's not his coach, it's in his head. He was 4th in the world with that coach, slumps don't mean you throw people under the bus.
kOaMaster
Hall of Fame
guess you're right.
Wondertoy
Professional
It's hard to fix your game this late in your career. The problem with Blake is that he has no idea that sometimes you have to play defense from a defensive position. He always goes for broke and loses. He also doesn't come in enough, he's a product of U.S. baseline bashing development without a thought in sight but I still love the guy.
jimbo333
Hall of Fame
I saw him play at Wimbledon today, and Blake did not want to be there, he was in a bad mood from the off, and made too many errors!!!
It was the old No.2 court (now called no.3), first match on, and after getting to final at Queens, and guessing Blake being half British, was probably expecting Centre or No1
It was the old No.2 court (now called no.3), first match on, and after getting to final at Queens, and guessing Blake being half British, was probably expecting Centre or No1
pricey_aus
Semi-Pro
I feel sorry for Blake. He's such a good bloke and currently he just cant get any results in the majors. They showed hes press conference on Aus TV and he just looked confused. I think hes one of those players that when he doesn't think, he is is very good. However if he thinks about what he is doing, he struggles alot. Poor guy though, great character and I hope to see him find some form for the U.S summer.
lambielspins
Banned
He knows he is almost 30, past his prime, and his best days are clearly behind him, and even his best days were just a few slam quarterfinals and a couple Masters finals losses. What is there for him to get excited about.
edmondsm
Legend
Why? Unless he ends up outside the top 100 or something, I don't see that happening. I don't see him retiring even under those circumstances. It's not like he's not getting results, making money. Just made the finals of Queens. He's healthy, why quit?
Seppi played great in that match. This in no way signifies a reason for Blake to quit pro tennis.
All well said.
I pretty much can't watch him any more because it's heartbreaking and maddening to see him -- with the athleticism and skills he has -- lose the way he does.
Not trying a new coach who can possibly put some new thoughts and strategies in his head is really selling himself -- and his fans -- short. I hope he doesn't come to regret this in the coming years.
Edit: Imo, it's not too late. I think he can keep playing for a while yet -- and retire on a far better note than his current trajectory. I agree with pricey aus. He's a good bloke and has great character. C'mon, James... how about it?!! You'll have a lot of people behind you!!
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illuminati
Rookie
blake in the top 10 shws how awesome the competition is for federer doesnt it?
weakest era ever
In case you haven't noticed he's lost more than one match. If this is your idea of a good laugh you must be lame. He still has time. He's healthy and still faster than most. It worked for Roddick it couldn't be any worse for Blake. Besides he's still top 20 making a ton of money, traveling I'm sure we would all take that job in a heartbeat.
edmondsm
Legend
Weakest comment ever. If that were true then the same applies to Nadal. As soon as Nadal slips up and Federer is back to winning slams, like he has been for 7 years straight. So there was a black whole in tennis talent starting in 2003? What could possibly be the explanation for that. This era isn't weak. That's just a complete baseless fabrication by someone who hates Federer.
To the OP; really not sure about Blake needing a new coach. And yes, it has worked for Roddick... fair point.
Clearly, Blake has to do *SOMETHING* different.
I really like the guy. When he is dialled-in, he is absolutely amazing to watch. I saw him in action up close an exo in Dallas some time ago and more recently in action up close at the AO in Melbourne the early rounds and his foot speed and pace of shot-making is mind-boggling. Some posters said that he has no physical gifts??? :shock:
I really want him to do well; but he just doesn't seem to have the mental fortitude of a big game player. He doesn't even have a plan-B when things are not going his way... he thinks the best thing to do is to blast his way out of trouble and hopefully string 3 or 4 good points together in order to turn things around...
His performance y.day was just awful. Him, Marat, Baghdatis... they all are brutal to their fans.
Clearly, Blake has to do *SOMETHING* different.
I really like the guy. When he is dialled-in, he is absolutely amazing to watch. I saw him in action up close an exo in Dallas some time ago and more recently in action up close at the AO in Melbourne the early rounds and his foot speed and pace of shot-making is mind-boggling. Some posters said that he has no physical gifts??? :shock:
I really want him to do well; but he just doesn't seem to have the mental fortitude of a big game player. He doesn't even have a plan-B when things are not going his way... he thinks the best thing to do is to blast his way out of trouble and hopefully string 3 or 4 good points together in order to turn things around...
His performance y.day was just awful. Him, Marat, Baghdatis... they all are brutal to their fans.
leonidas1982
Hall of Fame
Darren Cahill sounds like he is giving an on-air interview for the job.
jamesblakefan#1
G.O.A.T.
I'd love to see Cahill come in and work w/ James. Too bad he doesn't wear adidas.
leonidas1982
Hall of Fame
I don't think it matters. He almost went with Federer.
