Black Tennis Pros

American James Blake seems to be having a lot better time this week than he has been having over the previous few. Even his stance is more confident. Alright Blake, work it out!

In round 2 of the Western and Southern Financial Group Masters in Cincinnati, Ohio, Blake took out the most-recent-to-rise tennis sensation Gilles Simon of France, 6-4, 6-3. Not only did Blake send Simon packing, he did it with apparent ease in roughly an hour.

"I'm just as surprised as anyone," Blake said. "I figured it was going to be a really tough match."

It was here in Cincinnati in 2007 that Blake made it to the final against Roger Federer. It appears that Blake has reached "his" time of the year.

"This is always the time of year I appreciate most," said Blake, who improved to 24-8 on hard courts. "I've had my best results on this kind of court, getting ready for the U.S. Open. So it fits my game the best, and I feel good and healthy and strong."



Additionally, Blake is also spending a little time with a different sport. He got in a bit of batting practice before a Reds game on Saturday.