Tennis Star James Blake Is Not Into Airheads

by Marnie Hanel

Do you play tennis with your girlfriends?
If they’re interested I will, but it’s not always fun for me. Sometimes, when I come back from a four-hour practice, the last thing I want to do is hit balls. When you play with me, I can make you look stupid or
I can make you look good. So you have to have fun with it.

In your 60 Minutes special, your mother predicted that Jennifer Scholle, who was your girlfriend at the time, wouldn’t be around much longer. That had to be awkward.
Well, actually, I saw it for the first time with both Jen and my mom. (Laughter.) My mom says that she doesn’t even remember saying that. It just came out in the moment, but she sensed that it might not be the right relationship for me in the long run. She’s protective. She doesn’t hold back.

Your ex was also featured in Maxim wearing … well, not much. How did that feel?
Maxim actually approached me about that. I arranged it for her. I think everyone should go after their dreams, and I’d never prevent my girlfriend from doing what she wanted. To the extent that I can help her, I do. Jen wanted to model, so I supported that. I’m not sure what her father thinks about the photos, though.

How do you know when a relationship is over?
When I can no longer see myself having a life with that person—a marriage, and a family—then I know it’s over and I break up. I’ve heard it’s more difficult if you drag it out. I break it off early, so there are fewer hard feelings. Maybe that’s why I’m friends with most of my exes.

From the sound of it, you’re doing most of the breaking up. Have you ever been heartbroken?
Yes. Sure. Hasn’t everyone?