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Blake Advances to Clay Court Quarterfinals

He defeats 15-year-old Ryan Harrison in straight sets

By Jamie Buss,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 17, 2008 9:20 PM CDT

(Newser) – Top-seeded James Blake beat 15-year-old Ryan Harrison 6-3, 6-2 today to move into the quarterfinals in the U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship. Blake needed just 50 minutes to eliminate the Texas teenager, who earlier this week won his first-ever tour match. Harrison is only the 11th player since the Open Era began in 1968 to win a main-draw match at 15.

Blake, who won the final eight points of the match - the last one a deftly placed low forehand crosscourt volley winner - drew a glare from the youngster at 2-2 in the final set. The look came after the second-ranked American player clobbered Harrison with the ball after he had drawn Blake to the net on a drop shot.

Fifteen-year-old Ryan Harrison, right, congratulates James Blake after their U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship tennis match today in Houston. Blake beat Harrison 6-3, 6-2.
Fifteen-year-old Ryan Harrison, right, congratulates James Blake after their U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship tennis match today in Houston. Blake beat Harrison 6-3, 6-2.   (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Fifteen-year-old Ryan Harrison tosses his racket after losing a game while serving against James Blake during the second set of their U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship tennis match today in Houston.
Fifteen-year-old Ryan Harrison tosses his racket after losing a game while serving against James Blake during the second set of their U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship tennis match today in Houston.   (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
James Blake, of the United States, prepares to hit a return to 15-year-old Ryan Harrison, of the United States, during the second set of their U.S. Men's Clay Court Championships tennis match today.
James Blake, of the United States, prepares to hit a return to 15-year-old Ryan Harrison, of the United States, during the second set of their U.S. Men's Clay Court Championships tennis match today.   (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
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