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Blake Mentally Tough in Davis Cup Win

United States one victory away from first title in 12 years

By Mike Buss,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 30, 2007 10:54 PM CST
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(Newser) – James Blake got past his reputation for failing in big situations, in part by avoiding the fifth set today. The No. 2 American player defeated Russia's Mikhail Youzhny to give his nation a commanding 2-0 lead in the Davis Cup Final, reports the Oregonian. Fellow American Andy Roddick won in quick fashion in the day's other match.

Blake came into the day with a 1-10 record in five-set matches, and Roddick was clearly aware as he nervously watched Blake fail to serve out the win at 5-4 in the 4th set after breaking Youzhny in the previous game. But Blake would stave off any jitters he felt to get to a tiebreaker and win it, closing out a three-hour battle. The host U.S. is one win away from its first Davis Cup title since 1995.

James Blake, of the United States, return the ball to Mikhail Youzhny, of Russia, during the Davis Cup Final tennis tie Friday, Nov. 30, 2007, in Portland, Ore. Blake defeated Youzhny 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-7 (3), 7-6 (3) to give the US a 2-0 lead. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
James Blake, of the United States, return the ball to Mikhail Youzhny, of Russia, during the Davis Cup Final tennis tie Friday, Nov. 30, 2007, in Portland, Ore. Blake defeated Youzhny 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-7...   (Associated Press)
Mikhail Youzhny, of Russia, returns a ball to James Blake, of the United States , during the Davis Cup Final tennis tie Friday, Nov. 30, 2007, in Portland, Ore. Blake defeated Youzhny 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-7 (3), 7-6 (3). (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Mikhail Youzhny, of Russia, returns a ball to James Blake, of the United States , during the Davis Cup Final tennis tie Friday, Nov. 30, 2007, in Portland, Ore. Blake defeated Youzhny 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-7...   (Associated Press)
James Blake, of the United States, celebrates after defeating Mikhail Youzhny,of Russia, at the Davis Cup Final tennis match Friday, Nov. 30, 2007, in Portland, Ore. Blake defeated Youzhny 6-3, 7-6, 6-7, 7-6. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
James Blake, of the United States, celebrates after defeating Mikhail Youzhny,of Russia, at the Davis Cup Final tennis match Friday, Nov. 30, 2007, in Portland, Ore. Blake defeated Youzhny 6-3, 7-6,...   (Associated Press)
United States captain Patrick McEnroe shouts his support to James Blake, of the United States, during his tennis match with Mikhail Youzhny, of Russia, at the Davis Cup Final Friday, Nov. 30, 2007, in Portland, Ore. Blake defeated Youzhny 6-3, 7-6, 6-7, 7-6. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
United States captain Patrick McEnroe shouts his support to James Blake, of the United States, during his tennis match with Mikhail Youzhny, of Russia, at the Davis Cup Final Friday, Nov. 30, 2007, in...   (Associated Press)
Andy Roddick, of the United States, celebrates with U.S. captain Patrick McEnroe after defeating Dmitry Tursunov, of Russia, in their Davis Cup final match Friday, Nov. 30, 2007, in Portland, Ore. Roddick won 6-4, 6-4, 6-2. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Andy Roddick, of the United States, celebrates with U.S. captain Patrick McEnroe after defeating Dmitry Tursunov, of Russia, in their Davis Cup final match Friday, Nov. 30, 2007, in Portland, Ore. Roddick...   (Associated Press)
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Russia • tennis • Andy Roddick • James Blake • United States • Dmitry Tursunov • Davis Cup • Mikhail Youzhny • Portland, Oregon • Rose Quarter

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