James Blake lost to Denis Istomin in Cincinnati this week and he has already gained a wildcard into the US Open and New Haven next week. The American hopes he will have the home crowd on his side next week to boost his US Open preparation.
"I know what would be best for me is to have a real rest and get my body healthy," said Blake. "But I really want to play New Haven and I really want to play at the U.S. Open, so I know we're gonna be kind of playing beat the clock and see if I can be as healthy as possible going in there."
Blake has been struggling with injuries of late.
"If I'm at the point where I'm at today and not feeling any better than I did today, then I don't know if I'll be able to," he added. "But I really think with a couple days off I'll be able to be a lot better. The hometown crowds there will hopefully lift my spirits a lot, and I'll have a whole a lot to play for."