Tennis Star James Blake Is Not Into Airheads

by Marnie Hanel

I heard that your parents met on a tennis court. Would you ever date a tennis player?
That’s right. My dad was always looking for someone to play tennis with and my mom was one of the better players at the club. That’s how they got to know each other. But I’ve never dated a tennis player. I’m not sure it would be such a good idea. When I go to tournaments, I’m not thinking about romance. It’s nice to have all of that separated from tennis.

What did your parents’ relationship teach you about love?
My parents had a great relationship. [Blake’s father died in 2004.] They had this mutual respect. When they talked about each other, their eyes actually lit up. They both considered themselves incredibly lucky. They both thought they’d chosen someone who was, in some ways, better than themselves. That’s the goal, to feel that way. That’s what I want.