Blake’s career clearly winding down

PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 26:  James Blake of the United States plays a forehand during his men's singles match against Viktor Troicki of Serbia on day one of the French Open at Roland Garros on May 26, 2013 in Paris, France.  (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 26: James Blake of the United States plays a forehand during his men’s singles match against Viktor Troicki of Serbia on day one of the French Open at Roland Garros on May 26, 2013 in Paris, France. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Fairfield’s James Blake didn’t make much of a splash in the French Open — he was  eliminated in straight sets Sunday by Serbian Victor Troicki.

Blake, once a top-10 player, is now 33 years old. After the match, Blake said to the tennis media:

“I’m realistic. I’m 33, the clock is ticking down. I’m not going to be playing this for ten more years, that’s for sure. I want to enjoy each one of those moments. I’m never going to have competition like this in my post-tennis life.”

But let’s  not forget, Blake was never a premier clay-court player. His top finish at the French Open was a third-round appearance in 2006.

Let’s see if he can put together one last-gasp rally on the hard courts, and particularly at the U.S. Open Aug. 26-Sept. 9, before we figure he’s done altogether.

David Wells