You can’t tell the James Blake story too often. Last year, over a span of less than three months, Blake broke his neck, lost his father to stomach cancer and came down with a virus that paralysed the left side of his face. Nearly everyone at the U.S. Open wants Blake to succeed. The cameras show his legion of fans. At a time when hundreds of thousands of fellow citizens are trying to put back the pieces of their lives along the Gulf Coast, the story of Blake’s personal triumph is particularly relevant.But in professional sports, with winning paramount, there comes a point when you have to win. Being unique is not enough.On Monday, Blake won a match in the come-from-behind fashion that has marked his recent history, defeating Robredo, 4-6, 7-5, 6-2, 6-3.The victory sets up a fairy tale of sorts, an all-American quarterfinal between Blake and Andre Agassi.Agassi, at 35, is trying to become the oldest U.S. Open champion in the Open era. Blake, at 25, is trying to win his first Grand Slam tournament and become the first black man to win the U.S. Open since Arthur Ashe did it in 1968.Invariably, while discussing Blake, someone invokes Ashe’s name. We all have to grow into certain shoes, and any comparisons between Blake and Ashe are right-minded but premature.Ashe has a stadium named in his honor, not because he was a great tennis player but because he was a humanitarian and an activist. He spent years as a player fighting discrimination and spent the final year of his life broadening public awareness of AIDS.I served on Ashe’s inaugural African American Athletic Association. He was adamant that athletes — especially black athletes — use their prominence to push for change. He was the last tennis player to use his position and status to fight for social justice.So the question becomes, does James Blake have what it takes to assume Arthur Ashe Jr.’s stature? Can he define social and political issues in his sport, rally and mobilize fellow players and inspire them to action?Can he win?If his run at the Open is any indication, the answer is yes. Blake was 17 years old in 1997 when Arthur Ashe Stadium was dedicated. He was participating in a qualifying tournament at the stadium, and was awestruck at the mere idea of playing in a place named for such an icon.Asked about Ashe’s gifts at the time, he told a reporter: "He was more than a player; he was a humanitarian. It’s amazing coming in the front gate and seeing that sign that says Arthur Ashe Stadium."What he said after that was even more impressive, especially coming from a teenager: "I probably could never be as great a tennis player as him, but I think to have character as great as him is even harder of an accomplishment."Eight years and several steep challenges later, Blake has developed an Ashe-like demeanor that combines grace and restraint with moral indignation.Can he be the voice of protest and resistance? Last Saturday, Blake had just defeated second-seeded Rafael Nadal when a reporter asked about Hurricane Katrina and the Bush administration’s reaction to the disaster.He acknowledged that players were not supposed to talk politics — "especially to the press.""I feel this is a crisis that deserves a lot of attention, and if possible, more attention," he said. "I don’t want to contradict our president too much but."Blake stopped and thought better of going down that path."Actually, I’ll leave it at that," he said. "Don’t want to contradict our president because, you know, we have to follow him and follow his lead."Ashe, with grace and charm, probably would have spoken his mind and let the chips fall where they may. Give Blake time — and a few major victories. Tennis doesn’t need the next Arthur Ashe Jr.; tennis needs a new Arthur Ashe.(The New York Times)Head to HeadAndre Agassi versus James Blake • 2001Los Angeles A.AGASSI won 6-0 7-6(3)• 2002Washington J.BLAKE won 3-6 4-6• 2003San Jose A.AGASSI won 6-4 6-2• 2003Washington A.AGASSI won 3-6 7-5 6-3Andre Agassi leads James Blake: 3 to 1
