Blake to coach Aviators for opener
June 23, 2015
SAN DIEGO, Calif. — The San Diego Aviators announced today that former United States Davis Cup star James Blake will serve as Coach for the team’s 2015 Mylan World TeamTennis home opener on Sunday, July 12 versus the California Dream at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa.
John Lloyd, Coach of the Aviators, will travel to San Diego later that day after wrapping up his broadcast commentating duties for the BBC at Wimbledon. Lloyd will be at the helm for the remaining 13 matches on the team’s schedule.
The Aviators also announced they will honor Blake, the winner of 10 career ATP World Tour singles titles, with a video tribute during Sunday’s match to recognize his stellar career and numerous contributions to the sport of tennis.
The 35-year-old Blake, who retired from the men’s professional tennis tour in 2013, is a seasoned WTT veteran having played on five different teams over nine seasons. His most recent stint was last year with the Springfield Lasers. He was named Male Rookie of the Year in 2000.
Blake, who was ranked as high as No. 4 in the world, is no stranger to the San Diego area. While playing Davis Cup, he won two singles matches to lead the U.S. to a 4-1 victory over Romania in 2006 at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club.
“We are very thankful to James for taking time to fill in for John Lloyd in our opening match,” said Aviators CEO Billy Berger. “As a veteran player with a great deal of WTT and Davis Cup team experience, he was the perfect choice.”
The Aviators will host seven home matches at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, Calif., during the 2015 regular season which runs July 12-28. Go to sandiegoaviators.com for the complete schedule.
Season Tickets and Match Tickets are currently on sale. Packages range from VIP Boxes to General Admission. Go to sandiegoaviators.com for ticket information. In addition to tennis, there will an interactive expo area for all ages, gourmet food and a variety of beverages.