Considering his track record for head-scratching defeats, it can be dangerous to get too far ahead of ourselves when the subject turns to former Fairfield resident James Blake.

In his last Grand Slam event, Blake lost to a qualifier making his Grand Slam singles debut when Blake fell to Argentine Leonardo Mayer in straight sets at the French Open. But on paper, it seems as if Blake's draw got easier after he was moved into Juan Martin del Potro's spot in the draw as del Potro took over the slot originally slated for top-seeded Rafael Nadal. Nadal's withdrawal led to a domino effect which impacted Blake in a positive way - or so it seems.

Instead of having to face to bizarre, unorthodox Fabrice Santoro (in his final appearance at Wimbledon) in the first round, he will now face Italy's Andreas Seppi. Seppi is no pushover, having split matches with Blake on hard courts but he won't be the sentimental favorite that Santoro is sure to see as he heads for retirement at season's end. Blake, if he gets that far, would not have to face No. 10 Fernando Gonzalez. Gonzalez has beaten Blake seven straight times including a contentious match at the Olympics when Blake questioned Gonzalez's sportsmanship or lack thereof in a loss to Gonzalez in the semifinals. Blake contended that a shot hit Gonzalez's racket and then sailed long and expected Gonzalez to concede the point. He did not, went onto win the game to even the third set 9-9. Gonzalez broke Blake in the next game and served out the match to advance to the championship match. I'm sure it is a subject Blake could have done without revisited had the two met in London.

Getting back to the original subject, if Blake beats Seppi (who has a losing record this season) he will face either Marc Gicquel (who Blake is 2-0 against) or Adrian Mannarino. Gicquel is 10-14 this season in ATP main draws while Mannarino is 0-2. Igor Andreev (who is 0-6 against Blake) is the only seeded player Blake would have to play to reach the fourth round.

Of course this is all a case of would've, could've, should've. Blake still has to go out there and take care of business but if he does just that, his road to the fourth round certainly seems as if it is one he should be able to navigate.

BALLKIDS TRYOUTS
Tryouts for ballkids at the Pilot Pen Tennis tournament will be held Saturday, Sunday, July 25-26 from 9 a.m.-noon and from 6-8 p.m. on July 7 and 28 at the upper courts at the Connecticut Tennis Center.

The tryouts are open to kids ages 12-18 and attendance at four or more sessions is mandatory for all candidates. Tryouts will be held rain or shine.

Interested boys and girls ages 12 to 18 will need to be available to work for the entire week of the tournament which will be held from Aug. 21-29. No pre-registration is necessary, but kids should fill out the waiver on www.pilotpentennis.com, and bring it with them to the first tryout they attend.
For the tryouts, potential ballkids should wear sneakers and comfortable clothing, along with a hat. Particularly if the weather is hot and humid they should also bring water.

The tournament is also looking for volunteers to work in player services, transportation, press attendants, safety/security, ushers and court attendants. For more information email volunteers@pilotpentennis.com or call 776-7331, ext. 5842.