News / Sports
James Blake Advances to Semis in Tennis Masters Cup
James Blake overcame a first set loss and survived a second set break to rally past number three ranked Nikolay Davydenko 2-6, 6-4, 7-5. Blake’s victory and Rafael Nadal’s straight set win over Tommy Robredo pushed the American into the semifinals of the Masters Cup in Shanghai, China.
As the last man to qualify for the year ending event, Blake has looked more like a world’s number one rather than an eighth seeded qualifier.
Blake struggled with his serve throughout the first set and dropped the opening frame 2-6. He started the second set in the same fashion and was forced to play a defensive style of tennis as Davydenko continued to counter each shot with thundering groundstrokes.
After holding serve in the third game in the second set, Blake was able to turn his game up a notch, winning five straight games and evening the match at a set a piece.
Blake won the third set on his third match point with a forehand return down the line.
The 26-year-old American advanced to the semifinals as a result of his win and Rafael Nadal’s 7-6 (2), 6-2 straight set win over Tommy Robredo.
Masters Cup Standings
Red Group
Roger Federer (1) 2-0
Andy Roddick (5) 1-1
Ivan Ljubicic (4) 1-1
David Nalbandian (7) 0-2
Gold Group
James Blake (8) 2-0
Nikolay Davydenko (3) 1-1
Tommy Robredo (6) 0-2
Rafael Nadal (2) 1-1
