Black Tennis Pros

Gael, which player would you choose…


To share a good bottle of wine with?
I don't drink, so that puts a damper on things. But if it was to share a Magnum of Fanta with, I'd choose Jo (Tsonga).

To take to your favourite restaurant?
Can I say Jo again? No? Well then, I'll say Juan Monaco. He's such a cool guy, and so generous I'd be sure to have a good time.


To accompany you to the Cannes film festival?
I need a girl! Or multiple girls! I think the best would be to show up on the red carpet with five of them.


To go out on the town with in Las Vegas?
Dustin Brown. I love that guy, he's so cool. It would be incredible to go wild in Vegas with him.

As master of ceremonies for your wedding?
Well, if it's a wedding along the same lines as this interview, Mike Llodra, of course.


Never to train with?
I can't think of anybody. Lopez said Karlovic? No, I think it's good to train with someone who has a big serve. It's always useful to work on your return.


To take to a football match?
Richard Gasquet. He's a fan of Paris Saint German, so it'd be at their home stadium, the Parc des Princes.

To interview if you were a journalist?
(He thinks for a while). The Williams sisters. I know them a bit, but I'm sure they're really interesting. They're quite mysterious, so it would be good to ask them a few questions.


To take fishing?
Jo (Tsonga).

To take to see your favourite band?
Hmmm…I really wouldn't mind going to see some rap with Svetlana (Kutznetsova). She's a great chick, she's fantastic. I love her.

To play mixed doubles with?
Too much choice! I prefer to leave that one open.

To go and see stand-up comedy with?
Andrea Petkovic. She's a really nice girl, she's always smiling and laughing.

To open a bar with?
France's Davis Cup team.


To be your spokesperson?
Gilles Simon, he never stops talking.

To hit on girls with?
Jo, again. He's not the biggest flirt but we have an excellent track record (he laughs).

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ESTORIL, Portugal (AFP) — America's James Blake booked his first claycourt quarter-final in more than a year with a 7-6 (8/6), 6-2 defeat of France's Marc Gicquel at the Estoril Open on Thursday.

Blake, now 2-2 on the surface which has traditionally been his downfall, claimed his second victory in as many days at the Estadio Nacional as his game springs to life with the French Open approaching in just over a fortnight.

The 29-year-old has not appeared in a last-eight lineup on clay since May last year when he lost in Rome to Switzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka.

"It's a good feeling, I really like the way I'm playing," said Blake, 11-8 on the season. "I'm now playing my style and it feels great.

"Even if I'd not won two in a row, I would have been satisfied with my game. I was really going for my shots."

The American is playing in his third clay event of the season after losing openers in both Houston and Rome. But his Wednesday first-round win over Portuguese number one Frederico Gil gave him the boost he needed.

Fourth seed Blake overcame nine aces off Gicquel's racquet, producing five of his own and saving the only break point that he faced.

Blake broke twice in the 79-minute contest which puts him into a quarter-final against French eighth seed Florent Serra who defeated Argentine Juan Monaco 6-3, 1-6, 6-3.

"He beat me pretty bad on clay (Rome, 2006)," said the American. "He's a tough competitor and I certainly don't expect him to roll over - but that won't happen with me either.

"I'm confident in my game and I like my chances if I keep playing like this."

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American Serena Williams appears to be willing cooler air onto the 100 degree court of the Rod Laver Arena. Regardless of the sweltering conditions, Serena defeated Meng Yuan of China 6-3, 6-2.


A very satisfied Frenchman, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, defeated Argentine Juan Monaco 6-4, 6-4, 6-0. He had good reason to celebrate that win. Now let's hope that back holds up.


Another satisfied Frenchman also enjoyed victory. Gael Monfils defeated Argentine Martin Vassallo Arguello 6-1, 6-3, 7-5.


The other half of the American Williams sister duo, Venus, made it through her first round with ease as she defeated German Angelique Kerber 6-3, 6-3.


Last, but definitely not least, American James Blake defeated Canadian Frank Dancevic in straight sets 6-4, 6-3, 7-5. Blake was hot! Dancevic gave as good as he got, but was unable to topple Blake.

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WOMEN'S SINGLES

Round 1

Venus Williams, USA vs. Angelique Kerber, GER

Serena Williams, USA vs. Meng Yuan, CHN


MEN'S SINGLES

Round 1

Gael Monfils, FRA vs. Martin Vassallo Arguello, ARG

James Blake, USA vs. Qualifier

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, FRA vs. Juan Monaco, ARG

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