You already know "The Twelve Days of Christmas"—so we're doing something a little different this year. Throughout December, we'll highlight 12 things about the 2014 PowerShares Series, a competitive tennis circuit featuring legendary icons and world-renowned champions beginning on February 5.
For our second Q&A, we spoke to James Blake, who like Andy Roddick will be competing in the PowerShares Series for the first time.
TENNIS.com: How do you train to prepare for the PowerShares Series?
JAMES BLAKE: I will prepare by getting back to some of my old training. I don't think it will be quite as intense as when I was on tour, but I will still be competitive. I'll never lose that.
TENNIS.com: Among PowerShares Series players, who was your toughest opponent during your career and why?
JAMES BLAKE: Andy was definitely my toughest opponent. I played him the most and he had a good record against me. We had a lot of close matches, but he played great in key moments.
TENNIS.com: Who are you most looking forward to facing this season?
JAMES BLAKE: I think it will be fun to play Andre [Agassi] again. A lot of people remember our match in 2005 at the U.S. Open and we seem to have games that match up for fun encounters.
TENNIS.com: Most bizarre moment you ever experienced on court?
JAMES BLAKE: I would say the most bizarre moment was breaking my neck on the court. That definitely doesn't happen too often.
TENNIS.com: Your best serving tip for recreational players?
JAMES BLAKE: For recreational players I would say to imitate a throwing motion and make sure to pronate the wrist.
TENNIS.com: If you could have played any other sport professionally, what would you choose?
JAMES BLAKE: I would have played baseball. I loved playing and had a great time when I was a kid.
