It's been a while

hey guys, i know it's been a while since i've written a post. sorry about that. but the year has ended and now i'm trying to enjoy the off season. i had a great experience over in asia for a week doing two exhibitions with some legends of the game. i played with roger federer in macau and kuala lumpur. we also played doubles with bjorn borg and john mcenroe. it was an honor for me to be included in this group of players and part of a show that entertained so many people in areas that don't often see that level of tennis. the excitement of the fans was palpable. and the experiences of hanging out with those guys and talking tennis, as well as many non tennis topics was invaluable.

since that time i've been home and had a wonderful thanksgiving in connecticut with my family and friends. watching football all day and eating as much as possible is always a great day to me. and after that, it was back to work on the courts down at saddlebrook in tampa. my coach has been down here with me in my one real opportunity to work on things in my game without being concerned with an upcoming tournament. so we have been enthusiastically working on my game. and since the weather is nice down here we were able to get out on the golf course a few times too. that is a perfect way for me to relax in the offseason as well.

next up i'm looking forward to christmas back in connecticut and i'm hoping for a white christmas since i have a tough time getting into the christmas spirit when i'm outside in t-shirts and shorts. i start the year at an exhibition in abu dhabi. this is my first trip over to the united arab emirates. i'm looking forward to being there as i've heard it's an amazing place. the exhibition will be over new year's and will include federer, nadal, murray, roddick and davydenko. the beginning of a new year is always exciting and filled with anticipation. hopefully i will have some good news to start the year soon. happy holidays to everyone.

JB

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• Iggle4eva said December 17, 2008

  Be sure to take some downtime for yourself, so you can win when it counts. We know that last year was a crazy schedule for you (adding the Olympics into the normal tour schedule) - you had a lot of big moments and came real real close. This is your year, you just gotta make sure your body can hold out thru those five setters and tiebreaks, so get some rest.

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• terilyns said December 17, 2008

  Happy Holidays to you James. Good luck in the exhibition and here's to hoping you have a great upcoming season!!!

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• DianeMc said December 17, 2008

  Welcome back!! We missed hearing from you and are glad you are doing well. Best of luck in the exhibition--I'll be watching for the results. Have a wonderful holiday season--rest, relax and we will be looking forward to a very successful 2009! You are an inspiration to all of us---GOOD LUCK!

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• sambot said December 17, 2008

  the UAE is crazy, man. have a good time out there - you should go to their indoor skiing thing. i haven't been out there since that whole thing happened, but it's seriously like a massive oasis out there.

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  • AlanaG replied December 17, 2008

    I've heard it's crazy, I want to see pictures!! Hope you have a good time out there, James.
    • sambot replied December 18, 2008

      if you have the time and the cash flow, it's one giant playground. i stayed there for a night on a layover. it was awesome.
• Nefertari said December 17, 2008

  So glad to hear from you again! I wish you the best for the 2009 season. Happy Holidays to you and yours!

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• DavisCupFLfan said December 17, 2008

  Welcome back! Sure have missed you, hope you are in good spirits.
  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too! Glad to hear you are rested and ready to attack 09 w/ direction. 08 was a tough, but good year for you to springboard into a fine 09. Good luck, be safe and have fun at the UAE. Put up some pictures of you and tennis buds and maybe a family chirstmas picture too. I hope you have a white christmas too, I will be returning up there to family too and hope for the same thing, shorts, sandals and t-shirts here are great, but christmas needs snow. Also hope you can join Mardy Fish and John Isner in Plantcity, FL next year.

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• luvableissa said December 17, 2008

  happy holidays! looking forward to you coming out to San Jose, California! =)

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• Yelena said December 18, 2008

  James, It's nice to hear from you again! Your fans wait for a lot of amazing wins and titles next season.
  HAPPY HOLIDAYS FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!!!

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• rkulkarni34 said December 18, 2008

  I like how you use big words like "palpable." I thought I knew what it meant, but I still looked it up. :-) As everyone has already said, the UAE is a lucious playground for adults and well, rich people. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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• blogan said December 19, 2008

  James, it is great hear that you are doing well. Although you lost against Pete Sampras at the exhibition game in Baton Rouge, Louisiana it was great seeing you in person and thanks for signing your book for me. I hope you got to eat some good ole' gumbo or jambalaya. It was good fun to see you and Pete Sampras play. Rest up because great things are in store for you. Keep up the hard work and keep God first.

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• ejheat said December 20, 2008

  I saw your interview on Brighthouse Networks Sports and it was fantastic. I really got emotional when I watched it because of everything I go through with my health condition. I have scoliosis like you. Also, I have a neurological condition called dystonia. I know what it is like to go through bad times. I also know what it is like to have good things come out of bad things and not to take anything in life for granted. It is always a physical and emotional roller coaster ride for me. It is great what you are doing in honor of your father and the loyalty between you and your friends is so awesome. I will be a fan and friend to you always and forever and grow old with you. I am 37 years old now. I really believe 2009 is going to be your year out there on tennis courts all over the world. Have a great Christmas with your family. Take care and God Bless. My thoughts and prayers are with you always and much love to you my friend!!!!
  
  Eric

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• PatesPeg said December 21, 2008

  Anticipating a great year in 2009. Thanks for the tennis entertainment and the vocabulary enrichment.

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• blogan said December 23, 2008

  Happy upcoming birthday to you, James, and you older brother, Thomas this month. Have a safe journey to UAE and a Happy New Year to your family. :)
  Keep smiling,
  BERNADEAN

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• star80 said December 23, 2008

  Its good to hear from you. thought U forgot about us barkers. hope the best for U in the upcoming visit ti the Emirites. Its so beautiful there U wont want to come home to the states. Well I be rooting for you in the New Year. Lets gets some wins and Happy Holidays to you and ur family. Hollywood

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• PaulaV said December 23, 2008

  James - nice to read about what's happening with you - keeping a low profile these days, huh?
  Happy holidays, and keep those wins coming in 2009!

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• Tennisidentity said December 27, 2008

  Looking forward to seeing you on the courts in 2009. Till then, have fun and enjoy.

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• Horatiu said December 28, 2008

  HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JAMES!!!
  Good luck in winning the upcoming Aussie Open! Good luck at next year's US Open as well! You can do it! Bam! Fire it up one time... ;)

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• victory said December 31, 2008

  Dear James Blake
  I was also hoping for a white Christmas but it was not to be. Virginia weather was not very cooperative. My husband and son traveled to our home state of Ohio and no luck with snow there either. I hope your Christmas and Birthday were enjoyable. Glad you had some downtime and looking forward to your return on the courts in 2009. Happy New Year and let's beat Murray.
  

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