Another Early Exit: James Blake Loses In Legg Mason First Round

James Blake can't seem to avoid roller coasters. His career has been one, full of twists and turns in the form of injuries and personal issues.

And Monday, in the first round of the Legg Mason Tennis Classic, Blake continued his up-and-down summer, losing to American qualifier Ryan Sweeting 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.

The loss, coming after a quarterfinal run last week in Los Angeles, again raises questions about Blake's future.

Blake, who won the Legg Mason in 2002, has lost his opening match in six of 12 events this season and has a 10-12 record. The former top-five player is ranked 105th.

After Wimbledon, he said retirement was a possibility, at least if his health didn't improve.

Blake said Monday that his knee felt great and that being healthy meant he could train the way he wanted to.

Still, since Wimbledon, retirement questions will probably follow every Blake loss, especially first-round exits.

"My knee feels much better. That was the main reason for (the comments) at Wimbledon," the 30-year-old said. "I couldn't deal with the pain all the time, not being able to train and not being 100% on the court. Now, my knee is better.

"Obviously, I'm always thinking about the future. I'm aware my career is finite. Right now, my main focus is being a better tennis player."