Black Tennis Pros

Well, while Thursday's round two match between American James Blake and Belgium's Olivier Rochus at the 2009 U.S. Open was nowhere near any of the epic precision shot-making spectacles that Blake has previously been a part of, he got the job done nonetheless.

Blake is still looking unsure of himself and as if he has forgotten how to play his best tennis; at the same time, he does seem to be building a bit more confidence and somehow, someway, found a way to defeat a very determined Rochus in four sets 6-4, 3-6, 7-6, 6-3.

As a hardcore Blake supporter, I of course have every hope that this is only the beginning of what we will see him build at this Open. On the other hand, he has become as unpredictable as southern weather. Only time will tell.

Post match Blake spoke with the press and talked about his exuberant reaction after his win stating, "There are not many better feelings in the world. You showing your emotions and 15,000 people feeding off of it. It really can't be much better."

He continued, "We're all happy when the other Americans are doing well. To compare us to, or expect the same as what happened in years past, I think it's been done a million times, and I've always said I think it's a little unfair."

Whatever happens, I would simply like to see Blake dig deep and put up a fighting spirit. I personally believe that he still has the goods, whether he chooses to use them is the dilemma.