James Blake Announces Retirement

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James Blake Announces Retirement

By Tennis Now Staff / Monday, August 26, 2013

As play ramps up on Day One at the US Open, American James Blake announced he will be wrapping up his stellar career on home soil.

(Photo Credit: Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

It has been a long time coming.

American James Blake called a special press conference on the opening day of play at the U.S. Open to announce that this will be his last tournament appearance. The 33-year-old enjoyed a 14-year career that saw him reach a career-high ranking of No. 4 in 2006. But, perhaps more importantly, he was fan favorite wherever he went. Part of the 2007 Davis Cup championship team along with Andy Roddick and the Bryan Brothers, Blake will be remembered as a quality role model for young American stars.

Blake's decision to retire in New York is fitting; he has experienced some of his greatest career triumphs on the courts at Flushing Meadows, reaching the quarterfinals in both 2005 and 2006. His rise in the rankings followed some extreme personal challenges in his life. He came within inches of paralysis after crashing into a net post during a 2004 practice session. His father died of stomach cancer soon after the accident, and a severe case of shingles nearly left Blake with a paralyzed facial nerve. He documented his journey in a 2008 book entitled "Breaking Back: How I Lost Everything and Won Back My Life."

His 2005 quarterfinal loss to Andre Agassi in a fifth-set tiebreak is perhaps one of the top American tennis moments in US Open history. As a New York native, Blake always had a large cheering section that affectionately became known as the J-Block.

Currently ranked 100, Blake has struggled with injuries over the past several years.Though he admits he doesn't have any immediate plans post-retirement (except to work on his golf game), he isn't ruling out a career in broadcasting or even a turn as the US Davis Cup captain.

In his emotional press conference, he tearfully expressed gratitude to his family, agent, and friends for supporting him during his career. Blake says he is thankful for a chance to go out on his own terms.

He is slated to play Ivo Karlovic in his first round match.