Credit : CultureMapHouston
« This is the story of a tennis player who got there despite the series of catastrophes that almost killed him. »
Perhaps some of you remember his explosive forehand, his modeling appearances and his legendary match against Agassi at the US Open.
On a tennis court, Blake gave this impression of ease, power and pleasure in giving his all to reach the top.
However, far from the screens, center courts and prize moneys, lies a completely different story, worthy of an Academy Award-winning thriller.
His name is James Blake, achieved a career-high ranking of No. 4 in the world, won the Davis Cup with his country but above all, is the protagonist of what could well be the greatest comeback in tennis history.
Harvard university graduate, Sexiest Male Athlete of 2002, athletic, funny and charming. In 2003, Blake quickly attracts sponsors and appears to be the "Marketing" player of his generation.
Barely a year later, the story takes a 360-degree twist, as Blake violently hits the net post on one of his forward runs during a training session in Rome.
In front of his coach, the US tennis new sensation broke his neck and collapsed on the Italian clay court.
“Are you okay?” He just whispered “I can’t breathe"
A few hospitals later and the American was out of the woods but forced to put his career on hold. A tragedy never comes alone, and a couple of weeks later, while resting in the family house, James Blake witnessed his father's last moments, tragically stricken by stomach cancer.
This painful experience triggered a cases of shingles that paralyzed half the young athlete's face, reducing his hearing as well as blurring his vision.
Affected both mentally and physically, Blake began to fear for his tennis career, which only a few months earlier seemed to be a fairy tale.
James Blake huge forehand at the Us Open.
After recovering from paralysis and dropping back to 210th position in the world rankings, James Blake decided to try his luck again at the highest level. Having survived a succession of dramatic events, the American player seemed to approach tennis in a much more relaxed manner, enjoying the privilege of being able to practice his passion in front of thousands of spectators.
« When I think about my dad, I realize it’s not much of a big deal compared to what he’s been through without complaining, I shouldn’t be complaining about one bad point, one bad shot ».
Unexpected winner of the New Heaven tournament in August, the former American tennis prodigy obtained an invitation to compete in the most important American tournament of the year: the US OPEN.
Having easily won his first two matches, James Blake now faces a tough challenge in his next round, in the person of Rafael Nadal, currently world number 2.
« James Blake comes back from Nowhere ! »
Just one year earlier, James Blake was suffering at home, just one year earlier, the American seemed so far from the center courts of the Grand Slam. Yet on this September 3, 2005, Blake never shone so brightly, defeating one of the tournament's favorites in 4 short sets with disconcerting ease.
James Blake defeating Nadal at the Us Open 2005, credit : Sportskeeda
Blake won 10 ATP titles, triumphed over Roger Federer at the Olympics, reached the final of the Masters and even became world champion with his country, yet the American’s greatest achievement lies in his ability to maintain a positive mentality when faced with the hardships of life.
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