Seems that tennis books run in the family...the Blake family that is!

James was on hand at the Pilot Pen tennis tournament in New Haven yesterday to help his mom Betty debut her first book, Mix it Up, Make it Nice: Secrets of a Tennis Mom.  Betty's poignant memoir shares the bonds of their family and guides parents steering children on a path to sucess.

When asked about his mom's book, James said, "I couldn't be happier that she has so many fond memories of my career and none of them would have been possible without my mom and dad"  (excerpt from Mix it Up, Make it Nice).  Betty Blake's book is available on www.bettyblakebook.com or at traditional on-line booksellers such as, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Borders.

James was busy yesterday in New Haven! Besides an appearance with his mom, he participated in Pilot Pen Kids Day which was moved from Stadium Court to the Yale University Indoor Tennis Center because of rain.  The days’ festivities kicked off with tennis activities and games across three courts at the Cullman-Heyman Tennis Center, with the budding tennis stars of the future keen to show off their groundstrokes and volleys.    A ‘tennis racquet’ tunnel was created by all the kids to welcome James to the court.  After taking part in some tennis drills with participants from New Haven tennis, James got his game faces on for a serious match play demonstration with fellow American star Taylor Dent. Luckily for both players, their mini-match was declared a draw. 

For more information about the Pilot Pen tennis tournament, visit www.pilotpentennis.com

James Blake with kids at Pilot Pen's Kids Day

Betty Blake's new book