August 26, 2004
NEW YORK -- James Blake pulled out of the U.S. Open on Thursday, citing illness, the third straight Grand Slam tournament he'll miss.
Blake, ranked 76th, was not specific about why he withdrew, tournament referee Brian Earley said.
The American missed the French Open and Wimbledon after hurting his neck and spine in May when he slammed into a net post while chasing a shot during practice in Rome after the Italian Open.
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Blake was drawn to play Spanish teen Rafael Nadal in the first round of the U.S. Open, which starts Monday.
Nadal instead will face someone from the qualifying tournament, and the winner of that match could face defending champion Andy Roddick in the second round.
Blake lost his opening match at the hard-court tuneup in Washington last week to Adrian Garcia of Chile.
The Associated Press
Updated: 5:29 p.m. ET Aug. 26, 2004
NEW YORK - James Blake pulled out of the U.S. Open on Thursday, citing illness, the third straight Grand Slam tournament he?ll miss.
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Blake, ranked 76th, was not specific about why he withdrew, tournament referee Brian Earley said.
The American missed the French Open and Wimbledon after hurting his neck and spine in May when he slammed into a net post while chasing a shot during practice in Rome after the Italian Open.
Blake was drawn to play Spanish teen Rafael Nadal in the first round of the U.S. Open, which starts Monday.
Nadal instead will face someone from the qualifying tournament, and the winner of that match could face defending champion Andy Roddick in the second round.
Blake lost his opening match at the hard-court tuneup in Washington last week to Adrian Garcia of Chile.
Sad. Poor James. Almost kills himself in Rome, gets tonsillitis, hurts his arm, and his dad dies. I hope things turn around for him soon. He's such a nice guy.
oh man, my friend is going to flip......she was looking forward to seeing him so badly! aww
hope things get better for James
wishing him all the best <3*
:tears: I hope he can still look on the brighter side and has a nice comeback to at least the top 50 next year because this year seems as though it's over for him.
I was wondering about that too. It would have allowed Muller to get direct entry into the draw. Perhaps he was waiting for someone to come to New York, or wherever he is right now, to play a competitive practice match with him so that he could measure his fitness level. Or maybe it was just wishful thinking that he would be able to play. I'm wondering if one or two more players might withdraw before Sunday.
Awe, I really really really was looking forward to seeing James' matches at the USO. I am so bummed out right now because I thought maybe things would turn around for him starting at this tournament. Get well soon, James and when you come back, GO GET THEM!!
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