Blake Pulls Out of Australian Open and Brisbane

Written by: Staff on 28th December 2011

Blake Pulls Out of Australian Open and Brisbane |

After battling his world ranking back up to a place just outside the top 50, James Blake has pulled out of the Australian Open citing “personal reasons”.

Blake, who today celebrates his 32nd birthday, has pulled out of the preceding Brisbane International, with organizers refusing to offer further detail on his absence.

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley used Twitter to say: “Just got word that James Blake has withdrawn from the Australian Open and Brisbane. Sorry to hear this and we wish James all the best.”

Blake, a former world no.4 who reached the Australian Open quarter finals in 2008, appeared to be contemplating retirement earlier this year after seeing his ranking fall outside the world’s top 150.

He was forced to return to the Challenger circuit, winning titles in Sarasota and Winnetka but late in the year a quarter final finish in Stockholm partly rejuvenated his ranking.

Topics: James Blake