MacDirectory magazine is the premiere creative lifestyle magazine for Apple enthusiasts featuring interviews, in-depth tech reviews, Apple news, insights, latest Apple patents, apps, market analysis, entertainment and more.
Issue link: https://digital.macdirectory.com/i/867
132 MacDirectory INTERVIEW JAMES BLAKE > MORE THAN JUST A TENNIS STAR James Blake is watched and admired world over by adoring fans eager to witness his massive groundstrokes and deftness on the tennis court. His most fervent supporters have even garnered a group name as the J-Block, and appear regularly when Blake plays, cheering him on through every shot. In 2004, Blake's belief in himself and his game was tested when he fractured his neck during a practice, then lost his father to cancer months later. His physical and emotional struggles, and eventual rise once again to a top 10 ranking on the international circuit is testament to Blake's self-discipline and fighting spirit. His best- selling book, Breaking Back: How I Lost Everything and Won Back My Life, reveals much about the man behind the racquet, thrilled to be alive and swinging hard. Blake is still vying for his first major singles title, and the French Open is set for May 24-June 7 in Paris. MacDirectory > In your book, you mention tearing apart your Fisher Price Vacuum cleaner as a toddler and using it to hit tennis balls. What gadgets were you into growing up? James Blake > We were always a little behind—not exactly on the cutting edge in my household. I grew up in the days of boom boxes. Getting a Walkman was a huge deal, and then a Discman. MD > What kind of computer do you use and what's on your iPod? JB > I've got a Sony Vaio, but I'm planning to get a MacBook. I listen to John Mayer, Gavin McGraw, Dave Matthews Band and some hip-hop. Also J.D., Notorious B.I.G., Tupac, and Eminem. MD > It must have been a thrill to beat Roger Federer at the Olympics last summer. Does that big win help boost your confidence for this season? JB > I feel great now and keep working hard. During the off season you really have to build up your body as you spend the rest of the year breaking it down with all the tournaments. I put in a lot of gym time, and practice on the courts about four hours a day, to build my strength and stamina. MD > What do you consider to be the biggest advancement in the game of tennis since you've become pro? JB > Since I've been on tour, and possibly since the wooden racquet changed to graphite, it has to be the strings. Poly- mono is a polyester blend of string and it changes how you can play. The harder the swing and how the ball really jumps off the racquet. It also gets gripped by the strings a lot more. I think it's caused the demise of a certain type of volley player. It's moved the game to the baseline and is most obvious in the heavy groundstrokes that players use now. INTERVIEW BY ALISON ASHLEY FORMENTO > IMAGES COURTESY OF IMG