James Blake To Play For NY Sportimes vs. Philadelphia Freedoms In Mylan WTT Matchup In Albany Monday

NEW YORK - July 11, 2013 - PRLog -- American James Blake, one of the tour's most popular stars, has been added as a marquee player to the NY Sportimes roster for their Mylan World TeamTennis matchup against the Philadelphia Freedoms at SEFCU Arena in Albany, N.Y., on Monday, July 15th, it was announced today by Claude Okin, Sportimes owner and coach.  Blake has won 10 career ATP singles titles and seven doubles crowns, and ranked as high as No. 4 in the world.

Blake joins a Sportimes team that has won its last two matches to even its record at 2-2.  His appearance as a marquee player on Monday replaces that of Sloane Stephens of Philadelphia, who earlier this week withdrew from the WTT season due to injury.

Blake will also conduct a clinic in Saratoga, N.Y., on Monday at 2 p.m.

“We are thrilled to have the great American player James Blake playing for us in the absence of the anticipated Sloane visit.” said Okin.  “It is fantastic that another American star can make himself available on such short notice. It is going to be a fun day in Saratoga and a great match against Philly in Albany.”

The personable Blake, 33, has twice won in New Haven (2005, 2007), Stockholm (2005, 2006) and Sydney (2006, 2007)  among his tournament victories.  He also reached 14 other finals, including the season-ending Tennis Masters Cup (2006) and Tennis Masters Series events in Indian Wells (2006) and Cincinnati (2007).  Two of his doubles crowns have come in the past two seasons, with wins at Delray Beach earlier this year and in Houston in 2012.

The Sportimes continue their home schedule at SEFCU Arena on Friday vs. Philadelphia, followed by Monday's rematch with the Freedoms; Tuesday, July 16th vs. Boston Lobsters; and July 18th vs. Orange County Breakers, with NY Sportimes captain John McEnroe competing.

The team will also hold home matches at SPORTIME Stadium on Randall's Island, Manhattan, on July 22nd vs. Texas Wild (featuring John McEnroe and Wild marquee player Jim Courier) and July 23rd vs. Washington Kastles and their marquee player Martina Hingis.

For ticket information, fans can call 518-356-4861 or visit www.nysportimes.com.