New York police have released video footage of the mistaken arrest of retired professional tennis player James Blake.

Blake was on his way to the US Open when a plain-clothed officer knocked him to the sidewalk and handcuffed him.

The officer who tackled Blake has been identified as James Frascatore.

Records show that Frascatore has a history of alleged misconduct with civilians.

New York Police Commissioner William Bratton said Blake looked like the suspect's "twin" and later apologised to him.

Blake has alleged that the officers used improper force when they slammed him to the ground on Wednesday.

Frascatore, who is on desk duty while the case is investigated, has received five civilian complaints in the past, including use of excessive force, according to New York radio station WNYC.

"Some of the information from his personnel file is in the media... Part of our investigation will be looking at his history," said Bratton on New York morning news programme "Good Day New York."

Blake, who is mixed race, said race may have contributed to the incident. All of the officers were white.

However he said his primary concern was with the amount of force used, and said an apology is not enough.

"I am determined to use my voice to turn this unfortunate incident into a catalyst for change in the relationship between the police and the public they serve," he said in a statement on Friday.

James Blake of the US gets ready to serve to compatriot John Isner at the Legg Mason Tennis Classic in Washington, in this file photo taken August 4, 2011. Photo: Reuters

"Incidents of the type I experienced occur all too frequently."

The department has recently been involved in a number of high-profile cases involving accusations of police brutality.

In the most prominent case, a man selling illegal cigarettes died in July 2014 after being subdued by several police officers. Eric Garner's violent arrest was filmed by a bystander.

A decision not to criminally charge the officers led to widespread protests across the city.