The Serve

Blake loses in fifth again

James Blake’s abysmal record in the fifth set of grand slams has hurt him again, with the 6th seed losing to Tommy Haas in the fourth round of the US Open.

Blake led two to sets to one before being overrun by the 10th seed, 4-6, 6-4, 3-6, 6-0, 7-6 (7-4).

Blake, who has a fifth set record of 0-9, was broken early in the fifth set. Down 2-4 and more break points, the American used the sell out Arthur Ashe Stadium to elevate himself back into the contest, holding serve in the seventh game and breaking back in the eighth.

At 4-5, Haas faced three match points, with his first serve saving him each time.

The tie break was a mixture of silly errors and sizzling winners, with a long exchange at 3-3 pivotal. Blake was sent all over the court, with Haas finally closing the point with a second top spin lob. A Blake double fault and sprayed forehand later, and Haas had three match points. The second was challenged but called an ace, handing the German victory.

“He served great when I had match points,” said Blake

“Had chances in the breaker, I didn’t take them. He did”

Haas will play Nikolay Davydenko or Hyung-Taik Lee in the quarters.

“I hope the audience enjoyed the show,” said the German.