James Blake had never beaten Roger Federer before tonight’s Australian Open quarter final. That didn’t stop the 12th seed delivering an inspired performance, throwing everything - kitchen sink and all - at the world number one.Federer still won in straight sets.
The Swiss master was almost on the defence, absorbing all the punishment Blake could muster. Rope-a-dope analogies can be kept for Jo-Wilfried Tsonga matches, but tonight it would be apt for the great Roger, who eliminated a brave Blake 7-5, 7-6, 6-4.
Blake had taken just one set off Federer in seven previous meetings. When Federer quickly ran to a 2-0 lead under the Rod Laver Arena lights, it seemed business as usual. Nice-guy Blake then brought out his street-fighter qualities, going toe-to-toe with the champ.
Until 5-6. Federer came out swinging with upper cuts and hooks to break Blake’s serve.
First set went to the champ on points.
Blake was not to be deterred, taking Federer to a tiebreaker in the second. Like a brawler behind on points, the American gave it the lot, one last ditch effort. Some hits connected, but Federer connected more to take the breaker 7-5.
The second set win was clearly a knock down, with Blake struggling to rise off the canvas in the third. The match heading for a routine finish when Federer pounced to a 5-2 lead.
But the wounded fighter still has his pride.
Blake took back one break, before scorching through his next service game, forcing Federer to serve it out again. The Swiss master duly did but at least Blake could leave the ring standing, beaten on points but avoiding a TKO.
Blake, Tipsarevic, Berdych. This week they’ve all shown Roger can be hit, can even be cut. In the new world where the rest of the field doesn’t seem so intimidated, one thing remains a constant:
Federer is still the champ.
Bring on the next two bouts.
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