"The guys on the tour have this as their job so they are working out 12 months out of the year, without worrying about an economics midterm," Blake said. "I'm just going to have to make time."

Still, Blake already feels that his pro experience should pay immediate dividends during the college season. He expects to transform an admirable professional showing to a dominant collegiate effort.

"I will be very relaxed playing matches this year," Blake said. "I won't be playing just to beat the person; I will be working on never letting [them] into the match."

Fish will rely upon Blake to display that dominance as he will have the No. 1 singles and doubles slot matching him against the very best of Harvard's opponents each tournament.

"Blake changes the level of the team," Fish said. "He adds punch in NO. 1 singles. Every time he takes the court we know we have a great chance to win."

Aside from excelling in the No. 1 single slot, Blake is expected to help every member of the team develop. Just as Blake improved from competing against world-class players this summer, the team should improve with the opportunity to practice and train with him.

"Anybody grows around better players," Fish said. "When the guys practice with Blake it raises their level as well."

Though he is returning to Harvard this year, Blake is by no means abandoning on tour I realized how much there is to do around here besides tennis," Blake said. "I think having a little bit more life experience will help me much more in the long run."

Of course next summer I hope to return to a full pro tour if improvement comes. Otherwise, it will probably be revisited, but to contemplate such pleasant new vistas is great.

Still, Blake clearly appreciates the value of a Harvard education.

"I had a great time this being on tour I realized how much there is to do around here, Blake said. "I think having more life experience will help more in the long run." MEN'S TENNIS SCHEDULE (HOME MATCHES IN CAPS)

DATE  TOURNAMENT 9/24-27  Clay Court Champ. 9/25-27  Ball St. Invit. 10/2-4  Kentucky Invit. 10/9-12  ECAC Champ. 10/15-18  All-America Champ 10/23-25  Penn Conf. Champ. 10/30  CRIMSON FALL CLASSIC 11/5-9  Rolex Regionals WOMEN'S TENNIS SCHEDULE (HOME MATCHES IN CAPS)

DATE  TOURNAMENT 9/18-20  William & Mary Invitational 9/24-27  Clay Court Champ 10/9-11  Brown Invitational 10/16-18  ECAC Tournament 10/22-25  All-America Champ. 10/31  Rolex Individuals