With the US Open on the horizon, is it time for James Blake to seek a new coach? The New Yorker is one of the hottest players on the ATP Tour but has yet to win a major.

When he returned to tennis after breaking his neck, suffering from shingles and the loss of his father, he came back with a vengeance. James shot up the rankings to No. 3, but as quickly as he rose, he dropped back. He seemingly can’t win a five setter; his confidence seems to be up and down. And with each passing major, Blake isn’t getting any younger. So, with all that said, is it time for Blake to seek a new coach?

Andy Roddick, American’s poster child for the ATP Tour, hired the great Jimmy Connors and regardless of that fact he still has not won a major with Connors. His confidence has risen to new heights and his serve and volley game has improved ten-fold. Blake perhaps should follow in the footsteps of Roddick and seek out a new coach. I understand that James has been with his coach, Brian Barker ,for over 15 years and there is a certain loyalty.

'The most exciting news I’ve heard in tennis this summer is the return of Lindsey Davenport. Lindsey has always been one of my favorite players'


But wouldn’t you think after that length of time, someone in Blake’s camp would pull him to one side and say: “Hey, listen, it's time for a change. This isn’t working.” What about Blake’s brother, Thomas? As close as they seem, you would think big brother would at the least suggest a new coach. Barker has been like a family member but shouldn’t family have your best interest at heart?

In the meantime, what will happen at the U.S. Open for the Americans? I don’t see Blake or Roddick winning the title, but I expect to see Roddick in the semis and Blake in the quarters. Roger Federer is coming off his fifth Wimbledon title, tying the great Bjorn Borg, but I think Rafael Nadal will hold up the trophy high on the final Sunday at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Now for the American women. Queen V (aka Venus Williams) will win the title. Remember where you heard it first. Venus is playing some of the best tennis of her career. Once she gets past the nerves in the opening rounds she’ll be unstoppable and I'm looking forward to an all-Williams final. Serena hasn’t been playing this summer due to a thumb injury, but expect her to come out with some fire.

Serena has something to prove after she was beaten by Justine Henin at Wimbledon this year. So, she will make it to the final but once there Big Sister will show no mercy. Venus is on a high and riding cloud nine and, I think she likes the air up there.

But there are a few players who will have a lot to say about my all-Williams final predictions. Henin, the world No. 1 has never looked so good. It was bitter-sweet to see Marion Bartoli send Justine home from Wimbledon. But Justine is still a major force. The hard court suits her game, and Maria Sharapova can never be counted out. When Maria is on, she's ON! Her focus and determination are ranked right after Serena and Venus. Maria is one of the hardest working women in tennis. It’s been said that her father often send her coaching instructions from the stands when she playing (which we all know is illegal) but there’s no denying, only Maria can construct and win the points.

The most exciting news I’ve heard in tennis this summer is the return of Lindsay Davenport. Lindsay has always been one of my favourites. She hits hard and precisely and when she’s focused she’s pretty much unbeatable, even by the Williams dynamic duo. Now if only Jennifer Capriati would return!

And finally, I would like to send my warmest congratulations to Kim Clijsters and her new husband, Brian Lynch on their marriage and the news that they are expecting their first child.