Crowd favourite James Blake is bound for Brisbane this January.
The former world No.4 is the latest addition to an already strong line-up at Brisbane International 2010.
“The Brisbane International will be great to start my Australian Open preparation. I have heard great things about the event and I have never had the opportunity to visit,” Blake said.
“I am excited to be making my debut next year and experiencing the new tournament and tennis complex in Brisbane.”
“Tennis fans in Australia have always been very supportive so I hope they will get behind me during what I hear is a fantastic event.”
Brisbane International Tournament Director Steve Ayles said James Blake as a great addition to the Brisbane International.
“Blake is one of the game’s most loved personalities and we can’t wait to welcome him to the Brisbane International,” Ayles said.
“The 2010 event will be showcasing some of the most watchable players on the tour. With Roddick, Blake and Monfils all confirmed to come to Brisbane this January, we will have some of the most gifted and athletic players who will also bring their own flair and character to the court.”
Currently ranked No.24 in the world, Blake has won 10 career titles, all on hardcourt surfaces and was a finalist 14 other times.
His best results at a Grand Slam have been a quarterfinalist appearance at the US Open in 2005 and 2006 and at the Australian Open in 2008.
The former Harvard University All-American is known for his speed and powerful, flat forehand.
He reached the final of the 2006 Tennis Masters Cup losing to World No.1 Roger Federer and has a 20-9 career Davis Cup record,17-8 in singles, in 15 ties since 2001 and was a member of the winning team in 2007.
Blake was also named 2005 ATP Comeback Player of Year and voted to the ATP Player Council in June 2006.
Born in Yonkers, New York, Blake started playing tennis at age five alongside his brother Thomas who is also a professional tennis player.
He was inspired to pursue tennis after hearing his role model, Arthur Ashe, speak to the Harlem Junior Tennis Program when he was a student.
At 13, the American was diagnosed with severe scoliosis (curvature of the spine), and for five years was forced to wear a full-length back brace for 18 hours a day.
Blake attended Fairfield High School, in Fairfield, Connecticut, with musician John Mayer and PGA Tour pro JJ Henry and attended Harvard University before leaving after his sophomore year to pursue a career in professional tennis.
Blake turned pro in June 1999 and is coached by Brian Barker who is his first and only tennis coach.
In July 2007, Blake released he autobiography called “Breaking Back: How I Lost Everything and Won Back My Life”, which followed his comeback to tennis in 2004 and reached 15th on New York Times Best Seller list.
Off the court, the 29 year old has hit two home runs in batting practice in March 2008 in Dolphin Stadium in Miami (home of the Florida Marlins) and in Houston in April 2008.
Brisbane International 2010 series packages are on sale now with single sessions available on 14 October. Ground passes remain $9.90 with the qualifying event on Friday 1–2 January 2010 remaining free.