Australian Open and my own Fila line

hey guys. i'm in melbourne getting ready for the australian open. it's always an exciting time preparing for the first grand slam of the year. we get a chance to see what everyone has been doing during the offseason. sometimes it's obvious to see who's really put in the hours on the practice court and who is still working there way into the year. there's also a chance to see what has been new with everyone. for me, there is one big thing that is new. i've switched my clothing and shoes. i entered into an agreement with fila. they gave me a very exciting opportunity to create my own line that will begin in a limited edition at the u.s. open this year. until then, i will be wearing the fila line and i'm proud of the tradition fila has in tennis and athletics in general. the brand has a history in the game with the likes of bjorn borg. i hope this relationship is mutually beneficial and i think both sides have a lot of reason for excitement at the beginning of this journey. and of course i'd like to start it with a great result here in melbourne. my training so far has been good. yesterday was the first day here that was really hot, so it's good preparation to get out there and work hard in those conditions to be ready for the way it could be during the next two weeks. i'll try to write again during the tournament.


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• NickRall said January 14, 2009

  Great to see that you have gotten your own clothing line now James. I always rock the sleevless so I'm looking forward to wearing the same ones as you when they come out. Again good luck in the Tourney and I'm hoping to catch you at the U.S. Open this year after just missing you last year.

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• DavisCupFLfan said January 14, 2009

  Congrats on the clothing line! Great to see you pumped and ready to start off the tennis year strong. Melbourne is a place of great fun, enjoyment, and exercise. Was there this past summer, so will have to cheer you on from home. I will have my dvr set to tape all the matches. I have even planned an Australian Open party to watch the men's semifinal matches, plan on watching you in one of those. Good Luck Mate!

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• rkulkarni34 said January 15, 2009

  That's great about your collaboration with Fila-congrats! Can't wait to see more of it during the Aussie! We'll be following your matches.

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• PurePlaya_22 said January 15, 2009

  James what a tremendous opportunity for you - I am so happy that you've teamed up with FILA - I've been a fan of thiers that for a long time. Best of luck at the AO and I am looking forward to seeing the introduction of your line at the 2009 US OPEN.

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• Luvletter101 said January 16, 2009

  Congrats on the awesome opportunity with FILA.

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• Tennisidentity said January 16, 2009

  Nice James. Looking forward to seeing the line! Good luck at the Australian.

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• star80 said January 16, 2009

  thats whats up JB. I see the picture up there and its HOT.. I know your going to burn it up on the courts in Aussie town.Best of luck down under.I know you gone do ur thang and in top Fashion.they dont call me Stat80 for nothing.Check my page . Im just Fabulous all day. Later. HOLLYWOOD
  

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• Jobatime62 said January 16, 2009

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMjZS-Rvhnc&feature=channel_page

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• victory said January 17, 2009

  CONGRATULATIONS James. How wonderful for you to be in partnership with FILA. Looking forward to your new line and design. And as always looking forward to more James Blake Tennis. Glad your preparation is going well. Stay Cool JB, no matter how Hot it is! We love you JB and feel so good about your 2009.
  
  

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• jefflebowski said January 20, 2009

  Hi James,
  I'm French and a tennis fan. I hope that you'll win a Slam some day because you deserve it.
  I like your style James, you take lots of risks and play wonderfully. I also like your behaviour on the court, you are a gentleman, a great champion.
  I've seen a bit of your game against Franck Dancevic today and I liked a lot your reaction to his strike in your direction. That's how a champion has to react, showing that you can do it and you do it better !!!
  So now comes a French player, I have to say he is unknown in France but I trust you 'll do your best to win all the same...
  James please try to win this slam, never give up, it might be yours.
  another jb

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• safinafan said January 20, 2009

  Good look in Australia James!!!
  Me and all of your fans in Mens tennis forums are cheering for u.

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• Scrablmonics said January 22, 2009

  I wondered about that Fila! I'm happy about your new line. I haven't worn Fila since the 90s! I'll likely be right at the open to get a shirt. I still have that special edition shirt that Nike did with you and Rafa and Federer. I won my match every time I wore it. Then one week I didn't wear it and ruptured my achilles tendon...hmmm

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• raven6275 said January 28, 2009

  James, I have seen you play so many times and noticed nothing really has changed in your game. I also noticed when you get down and behind you think if you hit the ball harder you will win the points. I always wanted to know if you ever think on court. If something is working right, do you know how to change it. I also have noticed that everyone (except Federer) has changed thier game except you. Also coaches. You have been with your coach for a long time. You haven't won a slam and you really haven't improved your game. Don't you think it is time for a change. Or are you afraid to win a slam? You need to improve and change. Change is good and if you do not do something, then you might as well leave the game. It looks like everyone is passing you up and being left behind. Even Roddick has made changes for the best.

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• Starfish33 said February 12, 2009

  James, great job. Ignore those who try to bring you down to their level, your game is amazing & keep up the great work. If you're at the pilot penn this year I'd love to attend!

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