Posted on 09/04/2005 8:01:45 PM PDT by everitt12
FLUSHING, New York (Ticker) - American James Blake has an underdog quality that has endeared him to U.S. Open fans. They will have an opportunity to cheer him on at least one more round.
Blake produced arguably the biggest win of his career Saturday, stunning second-seeded Spaniard Rafael Nadal, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1, in the third round at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The 25-year-old Blake had missed much of last year with a broken neck, a lengthy illness and the death of his father from cancer, but he began to gain attention when he won last weekend's Pilot Pen tournament in his native Connecticut.
Last year Blake was watching the Open on television and wondering if his career ever would resume. This year, he matched his best showing at a Grand Slam event and became the first unseeded American in the men's draw to knock off a No. 2 seed in the Open era.
"I do reflect and think about last year watching it on TV," Blake said. "It's a little different on this side than on that side. It's so much fun."
(Excerpt) Read more at sports.yahoo.com ...
He is an all around great guy, and really gives you something to root for these days. No offence to the rest of the American tennis players intended.
Blake is a wonderful player. A nice guy too. NY is treating him well :)
He plays Andre next, if I'm not mistaken.
Now that's a tennis match not to be missed.
Glad someone else here saw it. I think he plays Tommy Rebrado next actually, then Andre in the quarters. I think it looks like he might have a great run through. I think he can squek by Agassi. He is in a pretty weak section of the draw (no offense to Agassi). The way James was playing Saturday, I think he has a shot at the title.
Not so quick. Agassi is the best return of server ever to play the game. Veteran on Arthur Ashe stadium too.
One match at a time :) Agassi vs. Blake. I'd never miss it.
I'm looking forward to Justine Henin-Hardenne vs. Mary Pierce. I like Justine. Reminds me alot of Steffi.
Are you watching today. Game on :)
Next, CAN YOU BELIEVE Martina Navratalova??? She's almost 50 years old and still playing AND WINNING! How remarkable is that. So if Pierce and Agassi end up winning, it'll be like a Sr. tour!!!! LOL!! I'm rooting for them, although I love this guy Blake. What a story. What a remarkable story. And he's cute!
It's going to be a fun match to watch, that's for sure.
By all accounts Blake is such a great guy and everyone loves him. I hope he doesn't choke!
James is playing confident and smart tennis. He's up two sets over Andre. I'm cheering for Blake to win.
James sure looks good! Hey, fill me in, what does "getting in as a wildcard" mean?
Uh oh...It looks like James is hurt and I think I know exactly when it happened. NOT LOOKING GOOD...but he's an up and comer, he'll be here again.
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