James Blake has announced that he will retire from tennis after the US Open, ending a 14-year career that includes 10 singles titles.
The 33-year-old American confirmed his decision at a news conference in New York ahead of his first-round match against Radek Stepanek at Flushing Meadows.
“This is my last tournament,” said Blake, currently ranked 100th in the world. “I have had 14 pretty darn good years on tour, loved every minute of it, and I definitely couldn’t have asked for a better career.
“I’m really excited I have gotten to do this on my terms. I had knee surgery a couple years ago, and if that had been the end it would have been a little more disappointing to me.”
Blake went on to say that he is looking forward to spending more time with his wife and one-year-old daughter.
“There are so many athletes that say they can never replace that feeling of having that adrenaline rush, but I get more of an adrenaline rush now seeing my daughter wake up in the morning,” he continued.
“That’s something that I’m truly looking forward to, being able to spend more time with my wife and daughter.”
Blake ends his career having amassed $7.9m in combined singles and doubles earnings.