Blake Presented 2008 Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award

© Aaron M. Sprecher/ROCCJames Blake

Australian legend Roy Emerson, winner of 12 singles and 16 doubles grand slam titles, presented ATP World Tour star James Blake with his 2008 ATP Arthur Ashe Humanitarian of the Year award at the US Men’s Clay Court Championships in Houston following the conclusion of Blake’s doubles quarter-final victory Wednesday.

The Arthur Ashe Humanitarian of the Year award is presented to one ATP World Tour player acknowledging their outstanding humanitarian contribution. Previous winners of the award have included Roger Federer, Carlos Moya, Patrick Rafter, former South African President Nelson Mandela and of course Arthur Ashe.

"Arthur Ashe is one of my idols and to be able to win this award which is named in is honour is very special to me," said Blake.

More than just a tennis player, Ashe demonstrated his commitment to social justice, health and humanitarian issues that has left a long-lasting legacy for the game of tennis. One such example is the foundation of the Arthur Ashe Tennis Complex in Soweto, which will see one of the poorest areas of Johannesburg host its first ATP Challenger event next week.

Blake was acknowledged for the creation of the Thomas Blake Sr. Memorial Research Fund at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre, as well as organising important fundraising initiatives including his tennis charity exhibition Anthem Live! and the J-Block merchandise program. The American has also helped to raise funds for the Harlem Junior Tennis Program, hosting their annual fundraising event.

The 29-year-old American said: "I am proud to be able to give back to the community, and to be able to do that in honour of my father, who along with my mom, played an important role in helping me to realise my dream of becoming a professional athlete, is especially pleasing for me."

Joining Emerson in presenting the Waterford Crystal trophy to Blake were US Men’s Clay Court Championships Tournament Director Van Barry and ATP World Tour Supervisor Mark Darby.

"Roy had some great clashes with Arthur during their careers and it means a lot to me that he was able to be here at River Oaks to make this occasion more special," said Blake.

Thomas Blake Sr. Memorial Research Fund