Showing posts with label Blake. Show all posts
Will The History Book Rewrite Itself?
Friday, September 21, 2007
There’s a line in ‘Waterloo’, the song that launched the iconic Swedish pop group Abba in 1974, that runs: “The history book on the shelf is always repeating itself.” That could very easily be Sweden's omen going into this weekend’s Davis Cup by BNP Paribas semifinal that sees the home side as distinct underdogs against the powerful United States.Three times the Americans have visited Gothenburg’s charismatic Scandinavium arena, three times it’s been a semifinal or final, and three times the visitors have left with their tails between their legs. But for it to happen a fourth time, something highly unexpected will have to happen over the next three days, and at the very least Thomas Johansson looks like he must beat James Blake on the opening day of the tie. The line-up for the weekend is:
Friday
Joachim Johansson (SWE) v Andy Roddick (USA)
Thomas Johansson (SWE) v James Blake (USA)
Saturday
Simon Aspelin/Jonas Bjorkman (SWE) v Bob Bryan/Mike Bryan (USA)
Sunday
Thomas Johansson (SWE) v Andy Roddick (USA)
Joachim Johansson (SWE) v James Blake (USA)
Johansson Returning After Eight Months
True, it’s hard to predict the opening rubber, in which the big-serving Joachim Johansson (no relation to Thomas) plays his first match for eight months against the biggest server in world tennis, a man he beat in five sets at the 2004 US Open. But assuming Andy Roddick wins that – and everyone in Gothenburg acknowledges that the longer the match goes on, the more Roddick’s chances increase – the pressure would be on the elder Johansson to beat Blake, given that the US have the world’s best doubles pair parading their near-perfect Davis Cup record on Saturday.
The 32-year-old Johansson certainly fancies his chances. “I think it’s a better match-up for us,” he said after Thursday’s draw. “I got beaten pretty badly by Andy at the US Open, so we tried to avoid that on the first day. Joachim and Jonas have both been playing well, so we had a number of options, and we’ve chosen this one.”
Blake could well find himself in the all-too-familiar position of being the weak link targeted by the opposition, but it doesn’t worry him. “I think of it as just another match,” he said. “There’s always a ton of pressure going into a Davis Cup live match. Each match is critical, but then you only have to get to three. I’ve had some experience playing Davis Cup matches, and I know how to deal with the pressure hopefully.”
Potentially Tricky Doubles For The Bryans
Not that Saturday’s doubles is a foregone conclusion. The Bryans will start favourites against Bjorkman and Aspelin, but with Aspelin having just won the US Open with Julian Knowle (and beating the Bryans en route) and Bjorkman still ranked 11th in doubles, the twins recognise that this could be their toughest match since they lost their only Davis Cup rubber two and a half years ago to Croatia’s Ivan Ljubicic and Mario Ancic.
On paper, it looks clear-cut for the visitors, but will history repeat itself? Back in 1984 John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors were the world’s best singles players and McEnroe and Peter Fleming were the top doubles pair, yet McEnroe and Connors both disgraced themselves as Sweden won the final in two days. With McEnroe’s brother now the US captain and the player Connors coaches heading the US team, it’s easy to be aware of that infamous final 23 years ago. So will the history book rewrite itself?
McEnroe Unconcerned By Past
Patrick McEnroe, who admits his brother doesn’t talk much about the 1984 final, thinks not. “We feel this is a new team and a new time,” he said. “We would love to get a win here for the US Davis Cup and for history, but we don’t care much about what happened 10 or 20 years ago. We’re excited about being in the semis again, and we feel we have a good chance.”
McEnroe’s opposite number Mats Wilander was the man who beat John McEnroe on the opening day 23 years ago. He says his team need no extra motivation, but he’s happy to keep the ghost of ’84 alive. “Of course it always helps that we have never lost to the US team in this stadium, but it’s a new tie every time. I think everyone in Sweden who follows Davis Cup knows that Sweden has beaten the US three times here, and that does help.”
Source -- Davis Cup Official Site By BNP Paribas
James Blake Remains on Davis Cup Team
Sunday, September 9, 2007
United States Davis Cup Captain Patrick McEnroe named Andy Roddick, James Blake, Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan tp the four-man roster that will play Sweden in the September 21-23, Davis Cup semi-final at Gothenburg.
"The guys always circle these weeks as big events for them," said 
McEnroe,who has held the position for seven years. "I think they know we have a real good chance to go all the way this year."
James Blake Fought The Good Fight, But Is Ousted
Monday, September 3, 2007
In the Arthur Ashe Stadium on this Labor Day Monday, it was a match worthy of a final. The fellas went toe-to-toe for the most part, but somebody had to lose, and unfortunately it was the No. 6 seed, American James Blake. Once again I just knew that he would be able to pull a win out, but not so.
No. 10 seed Tommy Haas of Germany defeated Blake in Blake's second 5-set match this week by a score of 4-6, 6-4, 3-6, 6-0, 7-6(7/4).
I'm at a loss for words, I'm going to get a drank.
U. S. Open Scheduled Play for Monday: Happy Labor Day!
ATP Tour Players
James Blake, USA vs. Tommy Haas, GER
For further U. S Open schedule information click here
Night Time Is The Right Time: James Blake Wins and Wins and Wins!
Sunday, September 2, 2007
American James Blake has got the night thang down! Once again he provided a match that was made to be watched both in person and on television, the yelling was the same.
If you watched last night's match between Blake and Stefan Koubek of Austria, these two photos depict everything that you saw until just after 1:00 a.m. this morning, massive hitting. And if you didn't see it, you probably heard the balls whizzing by.
It was by the sheer grace of God that Blake pulled out that first set. The hitting between the two of these men was phenomenal, and Koubek began the first set so tough I was afraid that Blake wasn't going to be able to hit the ball. But once again Blake reminded us of who we are dealing with "now." He took all that Koubek had to give and still managed to defeat him in four sets, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(7-5), 6-1.
After a high-speed ball machine hitting first set, the second set was pretty lack luster. But Blake began to come back to life in the third set, which he also took, and turned his flame on full burn in the third set to close that baby out. It was magnificent!
"There's a million things to do on a Saturday night in New York City and for you guys to still be out here at 1 a.m., it really means a lot," Blake told the crowd. "You make me feel like I am out - I'm at a party here. This is a great feeling."
"As soon as I got that third set," Blake said, "I felt like I was going to build on that confidence and I started ripping.......I'm ready to play again on Monday."
I hope that each of the rest of his matches is not going to be like this, I can only scream so much.
U. S. Open Scheduled Play for Saturday
Saturday, September 1, 2007
ATP Tour Players
James Blake, USA vs Stefan Koubek, AUT
Donald Young, USA vs Feliciano Lopez, ESP
For additional U. S. Open schedule information, click here.
It Was The Thrilla' In Manila!! Ehhh..Flushing Meadows
Friday, August 31, 2007
American James Blake and Frenchman Fabrice Santoro gave the people what will probably be the epic match of the 2007 U. S. Open. The 3 1/2 hour match gave the people what they wanted and then some. Blake went in a 5-set virgin and came out smokin'! Santoro went in a 34-year old veteran of the game and came out looking quite cool.
I can 99.9% guarantee you that no matter who is in the final, it will not hold a candle to the wonderful tennis that we saw these two put on display last night.
To reach a final score of 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, 4-6, 6-4, the veteran Frenchman Santoro brought his entire
arsenal of shots. He had to have used, literally, every shot that he's ever learned over his tennis career, and prayed to the tennis God's as well.
The 27-year old young blood Blake was no slouch in the shot making department either. Blake used the lob shot with particular effect over the course of the match. And while Blake didn't summon the Divine, he had private consultation 
during the change over.
during the change over. The match was so long and grueling for Santoro that he got a headache!
He deserved an ice pack the way that he played. He was all over the court defending Blake's powerful shots with his smooth slice. He didn't care what fancy shot Blake pulled out of his pocket, he just kept on coming. It was wonderful!
He deserved an ice pack the way that he played. He was all over the court defending Blake's powerful shots with his smooth slice. He didn't care what fancy shot Blake pulled out of his pocket, he just kept on coming. It was wonderful!Prior to tonight's match James Blake had the label of having never won a 5-set match, he was 0-9. I was more concerned during the third set than I was when Santoro took the 4th set, because I knew that the Blake that has evolved to this point was not going to let this 5-set opportunity at the U. S. Open pass him by. That's just who he is at this point, he expects to win.
"A weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I actually honestly said to myself at the beginning of that fifth set, I'm not going to lose this match. I'm going to win"
At some point Santoro realized the truth too. He was such a character. He came to play and brought all of his emotions with him. "My body was totally dead at the end. I tried to give him some troubles and I think I did. He looks tired."
Santoro gave him some troubles alright, and Blake helped his cause with 71 unforced errors. Santoro had only 21. Nonetheless, no matter what they did to or for one another, they mesmerized the crowd who stayed late into the night.
"New York is something special, a night session is special. When you have the chance to play in New York in a big tournament like a Grand Slam, a night session against an American guy is a great atmosphere, I was feeling lucky on the court, and the battle was just great."
Santoro wasn't the only one who loved the battle, the J-Block was in the house keeping up much noise to spur their friend on.
Celebrities like Colin Ferrell were in the house keeping up a racket also. This time they got to watch the performance.
Blake and Santoro created yet another memorable match that will list among the great ones at the U. S. Open.
With all of the ups and downs and twists and turns that this match brought, there could only be one victor. But in the end, we know that both of these players won last night.
U. S. Open Scheduled Play for Thursday
Thursday, August 30, 2007
WTA Tour Players
Angela Haynes, USA and Ahsha Rolle, USA
vs
Vania King, USA and Emilie Loit, FRA
ATP Tour Players
James Blake, USA vs Fabrice Santoro, FRA (Evening Match)
Donald Young, USA vs Richard Gasquet, FRA
Scoville Jenkins, USA and Phillip Simmonds, USA
vs
Yves Allegro, SUI and Kristof Vliegen, BEL
Scoville Jenkins, USA and Alexa Glatch, USA
vs
Vania King, USA and Vincent Spadea, USA
The Blake Factor: Man With A Plan
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
James Blake is on a mission yall. He's got faith in himself and in his game. He proved it today in a tough straight sets win over another American, Michael Russell. The win came in at 7-6 (8/6), 6-3, 7-6 (7/4)
But there's one problem with having a plan, your opponent doesn't care. Michael Russell made it his personal issue to find every flaw possible in Blake's game plan and come out the winner. Russell played like a mad man whipping balls cross court, quickly getting to balls and even managing to break Blake's serve.
With the exception of aces, Blake had 13 to Russell's 5, the stats were even on this one, it was damn near anybody's game except for one thing, the Blake factor. Blake has elevated himself mentally and physically to be able to play the big points, serve a necessary ace, and whip a ball that very few else could've reached cross court.At this point Blake is expecting himself to win, and that's very different from Blake of a few years ago. It is that expectation that he places on himself that completes his games plan and releases...... the Blake factor. Read the rest of this post...........
The U. S. Open Has Officially Begun: A Tribute to Althea Gibson
Monday, August 27, 2007
I've always loved the written word, whether I've been reading or writing it. It is on nights like this that I'm reminded why I love it so much. When the visual is not available, or when our ability to be present is not an option, it is the written recording of events that allow us to mentally transport ourselves to that time and place, and be present at any given moment in time. And what a moment in time we witnessed last night, the opening events of the 2007 U. S. Open. Okay, here's the blow-by-blow.
First up a great marching band from Brooklyn, New York called the "Brooklyn Steppers." They were very good, had a lil' bit of that Grambling thang working.
Up next New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg thanked a few folks and eventually introduced the NYPD Cadets and the U. S. Open's procession of flags representing all of the countries taking part in this year's tournament.
In celebrating Althea Gibson being the first African American player to win a grand slam title, the USTA honored other African American women who have had the privilege and pleasure to celebrate other firsts. The announcer introduced honoree and host Phylicia Rashaad, the first African-American woman to win a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Broadway Play. Ms. Phylicia flowed out looking as beautful as ever. What a gracioius lady. I love the words that she opened with, "What a night! It's awe inspiring to stand here in this place where dreams have come true, lives have been changed and history has been written........" She then told us that "Althea Gibson was the first American of African descent to win the U. S. Nationals, now known as the U. S. Open. One of sports unsung heroes, her victory paved the way for some of the games finest players and she was an inspiration to women everywhere. To celebrate this milestone, let's take a look at why the Althea Gibson story must be told."
At that point sportscaster Mary Carillo narrated footage that had been put together on Althea Gibson's life. A number of celebrities and athletes spoke during the footage, to include Serena Williams, Bill Cosby, Billie Jean King and James Blake. At the end of the footage, during which the theme music to Jurassic Park music was playing (?) Yeah, it's great music, but it's too linked to the movie, anyway.......I saw this statement that Althea Gibson made and thought it so fitting, "If I have made it, it's half because I was game enought to take a lot of punishment along the way, and half because there were a lot of people who cared enough to help me.
At that point sportscaster Mary Carillo narrated footage that had been put together on Althea Gibson's life. A number of celebrities and athletes spoke during the footage, to include Serena Williams, Bill Cosby, Billie Jean King and James Blake. At the end of the footage, during which the theme music to Jurassic Park music was playing (?) Yeah, it's great music, but it's too linked to the movie, anyway.......I saw this statement that Althea Gibson made and thought it so fitting, "If I have made it, it's half because I was game enought to take a lot of punishment along the way, and half because there were a lot of people who cared enough to help me.
Afterwards, Ms. Rashaad introduced a personal friend of Althea Gibson's, fomer New York City Mayor David Dinkins. He spoke with conviction about what was really going on in America with civil rights struggles for Black people from lynchings to segregated WWII barracks, and a ten years to come Brown vs. The Board of Education. It was hard times when Althea Gibson was growing up trying to make her mark in the world. Phylicia Rashaad returned and introduced an incredible group of women and noted their firsts:
Dr. Mae Jamison,
1st African-American Female Astronaut, Space Shuttle Endeavor
Dr. Debi Thomas
1st African-American Female Olympic Medalist, Figure Skating
Ms. Sharon Pratt
1st African-American Female Mayor of a Major U. S. City
Ms. Yolanda Adams
1st African-American Female AMA Contemporary/Inspirational Artist Award
Ms. Vonetta Flowers
1st African-American Female Olympic Gold Medalist, Two-Woman Bobsled
Ms. Ella Bully-Cummings
1st African-American Female Chief of Police, Detroit Police Department
Ms. Sheila Crump Johnson
1st African-American Female Ownership in 3 Pro Sports Teams, Sole Owner of PGA Tour Championship Golf Courses
Ms. Traci Green
1st African-American Female Head Coach, Harvard University
Ms. Nikki Giovanni
1st African-American Female to Win The Rosa Parks Woman of Courage Award
Ms. Loretta Claiborne
1st African-American Female to Win The Arthur Ashe Courage Award
Ms. Susan L. Taylor
1st African-American Female to Win The Henry Johnson Fisher Award
Ms. Lynette Woodard
1st African-American Female Member of The Harlem Globetrotters
Ms. Cynthia Cooper
1st African-American Female To Score 2500 Career Points in WNBA History
Ms. Roberta Flack
1st African-American Female Student Teacher in a Predominately White School and the 1st Musician Ever to Win Back-to-Back Grammys for Record of the Year
Ms. Zina Garrison
1st African-American Female Olympic Medalist, Tennis
Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun
1st African-American Female Elected to U. S. Senate (Democrat, Illinois)
Ms. Jackie Joyner-Kersey
1st African-American Female to Win Back-to-Back Olympic Gold, Heptathlon
What an incredible group of women. I cried more each time one of them and their achievements was announced, it was incredible. The honorees seemed very happy, which made it even better.
And then...and then....the final honoree, 18-time Grammy winner Aretha Franklin came out and demanded some R-E-S-P-E-C-T. She rocked the house. Read the rest of this post...........
Opening Round of the U. S. Open
Sunday, August 26, 2007
WTA Tour Players:
Serena Williams, USA (8) vs. Angelique Kerber, Germany
Venus Williams, USA (12) vs Kira Nagy, Hungary
Jamea Jackson, USA (WC) vs Nicole Pratt, Australia
Note: Angela Haynes attempted to enter the main draw through the qualifying rounds, but was defeated in the 1st round by Pauline Parmenter of France, 6-1, 4-6, 6-4.
ATP Tour Players:
James Blake, USA (6) vs Michael Russell, USA
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, France vs Oscar Hernandez, Spain
Donald Young, USA (WC) vs Chris Guccione, Australia
Scoville Jenkins, USA (Q) vs Roger Federer
Note: Scoville Jenkins entered through the qualifying rounds. He defeated the following players:
Round 1: Oliver Patience, France 6-3, 5-7, 5-7
Round 2: Harel Levy, Israel, 5-7, 6-4, 6-3
Round 3: Aisam-UL-Haq Qureshi, Pakistan 6-7, 6-2, retired
Excellent work Scoville Jenkins! And your reward? Roger Federer as your first round opponent. I am already in prayer. Bless you son.
I Won! Sweeeeeeet!!
James Blake lifts the winning trophy for his Pilot Pen victory.
Blake Wins 10 and 2 in New Haven
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Don't Blake and Fish look 'lil' kid' cute in this old photo? Anyway......James Blake captured his 10th ATP Tour title, and 2nd Pilot Pen title in New Haven this evening. He had to beat his good bud Mardy Fish to do it, but it's all good, they're going out to dinner tonight and it's on Blake.
The 7-5, 6-4 match was relatively uneventful. However, it did put on display the
ever evolving consistency of James Blake. He really is becoming a trusted player to watch. I got the impression that although the two of them practice together a lot, with a title on the line it's still another animal. The two of them seemed apprehensive and off beat just a bit. The first set was full of service breaks and weird looking tennis. Mardy Fish began having too-much-play bicep pain and it appeared that Blake was going to sweep the second set. But Fish regained some composure and made it competitive.I'm just glad it's over, I don't like splitting American hairs when I'm cheering. Now both Blake and Fish can put their killer instincts back in tact and go after everybody else and the US Open crown with zeal.
Blake to Play Friend Fish For Final
In no less than two weeks, James Blake has secured a spot in yet another US Open Series final. After a fairly grueling match against the determined Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu that came down to a tie-break in the third set, Blake eventually prevailed with a score of 6-4, 3-6, 7-6. After Blake and Mathieu swapped sets, it was relatively toe-to-toe in the third. However, the set turned into a bit of a nail biter when Blake served for the match at 5-3 but was broken by Mathieu. Nevertheless, Blake shone through in the tie-break and that's all that matters. He now has an appointment with one of his best buds, Mardy Fish.
So, what's up next in New Haven you ask? Why a Saturday night fish fry of course! I love ya Mardy, but I'll be pulling for Blake tomorrow night.
Two Americans on American soil in a US Open Series final, what a weekend!
Work it Out Blake!!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
It took James Blake a little while to wake up earlier today, nearly to the brink of defeat at the racquet of Agustin Calleri. Blake was a bit sluggish for most of the first two sets of the match, but a bit tension between he and Calleri, his coach and the umpire woke blake up and uh oh. Calleri obviously didn't know good when he had it. At 1 set down and Calleri with three match points,the sleepy Harvard man awakened and once again caught fire moved into a tie-break at the end of the second set. Well it was vitually all over but the shouting at that point. The third set was shear Blake dominance. The final score was 3-6,7-6(2), 6-1.
"I was easily just one first serve away from being out of here and on my way to Flushing Meadows," Blake said. "Now that I'm still in it, I feel great and I feel like I'm kind of lucky to be still at the tournament and still alive." I could have been out of here a while ago," Blake told the crowd following the match. "But I'm excited to be coming back tonight."
During the press conference, when questioned about what was going on between he and Calleri on the court, Blake revealed that he thought that Calleri was receiving coaching from his coach and spoke to the coach about it. He attempted to smooth things out with Calleri at the end of the match but Calleri snatched his racquets, waved his hands, said something and walked off the court. But come on, we know that Blake is guy No. 1, he is definitely not the guy that's going to incite ignorance on the court. Get it together Calleri.
The J-Block was on hand in New Haven today providing big time support for Blake and annoyinig the hell out of Calleri, go for it J-Block!
I'M UP NOW, IT'S ON!: Blake Into Semi-Finals in New Haven 
Both James Blake and Fernando Verdasco had tall orders of play today. Due to prior rain delays, they both had two matches to play. The third round and quarter final matches.
The wear and tear of day seems to have taken a greater toll on Verdasco than Blake. Perhaps because Blake rested through much of his first match -- HA! The other key seems to have been Blake winning first serve points. He won the match in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 6-2. Blake served 6 aces and only 1 double fault.
Blake's next opponent will be Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu. Mathieu beat countryman Gilles Simon 6-4, 6-3. He has never played Blake, and knows he will be the underdog.
James Blake Continues His Winning Ways in Second Round of Pilot Pen
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Yesterday's gloomy weather did not dampen the red hot game of James Blake. In pursuit of holding the New Haven title for a second time, he previously won it in 2005, the No. 3 seed followed a very successful week in Cincinnati by continuing his history of perfection over Arnaud Clement of France. In seven meetings Clement has been defeated every time. Blake won by a score of 6-4, 6-2, within which he hit 6 aces, 2 double faults, and had a 57% first serve rate. He also broke Clement's serve 6 times in a match that lasted only 1 hour 15 minutes.
Next up, Blake's third round opponent will be the winner of the match between American Robby Ginepri and Agustin Calleri of Argentina.
Rainy Day Stops Play
The matches to be played by Gael Monfils and Donald Young were washed out by east coast storms. Both are on tap for play today.
Pilot Pen Tennis Tournament Presented by Schick: Play on Tuesday
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
In action at the Pilot Pen Tournament today during the day matches will be American Donald Young vs. Nikolay Davydenko of Russia and Frenchman Gael Monfils vs. Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland. And in the evening singles match, American James Blake vs. Arnaud Clement of France. Fantastic action, can't wait!
Read the rest of this post...........The Blake Train Derailed by Focused Federer
Monday, August 20, 2007
Alas, it 'twas not to be. World No. 1 Roger Federer earned his 50th career title by defeating James Blake-- the new world No. 6 -- 6-1(ouch), 6-4 in the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters Series final on Sunday.
"It's not a goal I set for myself in my career, but it's definitely a nice number to get to, especially in terms of titles," Federer said.
Ever the diplomat and all around nice guy, Blake stated "just about everything he does is pretty impressive. Fifty titles at 26 is incredible."
Now I was dead in there with Patrick McEnroe when he proclaimed on Saturday evening that Blake was going to win on Sunday. I just knew it was true, I just knew it. The fire that Blake played with against Davydenko had to burn straight through the finals on Sunday. But, the pilot slowly burned out during Sunday's game. Not that I think that Blake blew it, because Federer was focused and "Federer". And when Federer is on the money, we all know that there's very little that many of the other players can do against him. Plus I think Blake had to suffer for Federer's loss last Sunday to Djokovic.
Nevertheless, Blake had an incredible run last week and I do believe that he'll jump back on the Blake train and take it for a nice ride in New Haven, Connecticut this week. I'll definitely be watching and posting all week.
Blake Rides a Semi-Final Win into the Cincinnati Finals
Saturday, August 18, 2007
WOW! James Blake closed out the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters Series semi-final like a Black Tennis Pro should, in style!! The forehand that he whipped cross court to seal Davydenko's fate was of the most wicked fashion. Any other time I'd be rooting for Davydenko, I like him, but never against Blake. My brotha lined 'em up and knocked 'em down incredibly well this week, his fire is definitely on full burn! The serve and blasting ground strokes of Blake rode home a 6-4, 6-2 finals berth for the world No. 8.
A lot of the Cincinnati fans were standing behind Blake in the interview booth and they were just as pumped as he was. During the post-match interview, ESPN's Chris Fowler said "the sobering news is that you will meet Federer in the finals tomorrow, do you think that you can take Federer down? Blake pointed at the crowd behind him and said "well, I've got the crowd support!" The crowd responded with "Blake, Blake, Blake, Blake......." What a night.
The enjoyment of the night was everywhere. I love the sign that Patrick McEnroe made and passed to the crowd "Patrick McEnroe Rules," too funny.
Read the rest of this post...........
Sorry Querry, the Semi's in this Tournament Ain't Big Enough for 2 Americans: Blake Wins!!
James Blake advanced to the semifinals by beating Sam Querrey 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 on Friday night in a matchup of Americans. He'll face fifth-seeded Nikolay Davydenko, who beat David Ferrer 6-2, 6-4 in the last match of the day.
Blake and Querrey played a close-as-could-be match last month in Indianapolis. Querrey served a career-high 34 aces — including 10 in a row — while winning in three sets, all of them decided by tiebreakers. The 19-year-old Querrey had trouble with his serve and found himself occasionally fighting his nerves in his first televised match from center court.
"I had a blast out there, even though I lost," said Querrey, who is ranked No. 65. "That was one of the most fun matches I've ever played. First of all, TV — that's pretty cool."
Blake was more aggressive in the final set, coming to the net to gain the upper hand. He crouched and pumped his fists after breaking Querrey's serve to go up 4-3, then served it out and finished it off with an overhead slam at the net.
It's the second time the 27-year-old Blake has reached a Masters semifinal — he lost the title match at Indian Wells to Federer last year. Blake had to pull out of Montreal last week because of strained abdominal muscles, and didn't know whether he could play. The injury hasn't bothered him.
"Maybe it's a sign that I need to rest a little more sometimes," Blake said. "Maybe it's the lack of expectations coming in. This time, I didn't know what to expect. I wanted to make sure I was healthy."
Source -- International Herald Tribune
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