Blake, who would later attain two US Open quarter-finals, was in Augusta for a sweat check, having struggled with cramp in the course of the event.
His father, although, was nonetheless in New York, the place he labored. With cell phone networks overloaded, there was an uncomfortable wait to find he was secure and properly.
Blake was residing in Florida on the time, and with planes grounded, took a rent automobile from Augusta again to Tampa.
His subsequent event was in Hong Kong two weeks later, and he admits it was removed from straightforward to board the aircraft.
“It was positively scary as a result of I believe you get so remoted in tennis,” he mentioned.
“You’re feeling just like the little bubble you might be in, the place you’re a type of travelling circus, is regular.
“After which while you realise how restricted journey could be, it wakes you up a bit of bit to the truth and the way shortly issues can change.
“It felt like there was a security web round you. We lived in a little bit of a dream world the place you might be residing your dream of enjoying a sport for a residing, and that may all be taken away.”
Many home sporting occasions had been paused within the aftermath of the assaults, and the Ryder Cup – which had been scheduled to happen at The Belfry in England later that month – was postponed by 12 months.
In Blake’s view, the return of aggressive sport helped enormously.
“I believe that was one of many issues that introduced the nation again,” he mentioned.
“Sports activities had been stopped, however once they got here again having [then President] George W Bush throwing out the primary pitch at a Yankees recreation – I am not a Yankees fan, and I am unable to say I used to be essentially a George W Bush fan – I used to be virtually in tears at that second.
“It was particular to have a sitting president [do that]. And it additionally signified we’re again – we’re going to have sports activities, we’re going to proceed on with our lives.
“The world appeared prefer it was again on observe in a small manner.”
