James Blake awarded 'Medal of Kindness' by Madison Key's Kindness Wins foundation

Retired tennis pro and current tournament director of the Miami Open, James Blake, has been awarded the "Medal of Kindness" award by Kindness Wins, a non-profit organization co-founded by WTA star Madison Keys.

Kindness Wins, which launched in early 2020, encourages and spreads kindness to others across the globe, and the Medal of Kindness goes to those individuals whose personal efforts have contributed to that concept. Blake was presented with the award for his fervent support of cancer research since 2008, his outspoken encouragement for equality and commitment to tennis.

“I could say a lot about why I admire James,” Madison Keys said. “He does so much to raise money for cancer research through his foundation and he’s a constant advocate for equality. I feel like the thing that stands out to me the most about him is his character. He is always looking to help, no matter the need, and with this medal I want to thank and recognize him for all he does to help others.

“I’ve had some really hard times in my career and he’s always one of the first people to reach out and send a message. He’s just a really great person as well as a great tennis player and that’s always something I’ve tried to do and he’s always been a really big inspiration for me.”

Blake was grateful to receive the award, and heaped praise on Keys for spearheading the organization.

"Madi is doing an unbelievable job of taking the matches she wins on the court – and what you get from those matches is you get a voice – and using your voice for positivity is something that is so impressive," he said. "She’s doing something really special with being positive through a time a lot of people can be pretty negative. I’m proud of her for so many reasons and this is just one of them.”