On Night of Upsets, Blake Falls to Friend

Nadal advances easily, but other leaders get unwelcome shocks

By Katherine Thompson, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 31, 2008 11:34 AM CDT

(Newser) – Despite James Blake's hometown support in Flushing Meadows and recent victory over Roger Federer, the No. 9 seed couldn't move on to the fourth round of the US Open. Standing in his way was Mardy Fish, the friend for whom Blake will serve as groomsman next month, the New York Times reports. The ecstatic Fish joins several other surprise spoilers.

Japan's Kei Nishikori took out No. 4 David Ferrer in five sets, and Gael Monfils of France beat David Nalbandian, the seventh seed, in straight sets. In less surprising news, Rafael Nadal continued his win streak by beating Viktor Troicki, and Venus Williams had no trouble from Alona Bondarenko. French Open winner Dinara Safina just managed a three-set win.

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Rafael Nadal of Spain shouts during his match with Victor Troicki of Serbia at the US Open tennis tournament in New York, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2008. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot to Victor Troicki of Serbia during their match at the US Open tennis tournament in New York, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2008. Nadal won easily. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Venus Williams returns a shot to Alona Bondarenko of Ukraine during their match at the US Open tennis tournament in New York, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2008. Williams won in two sets. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Serena Williams, of the United States, celebrates after defeating Ai Sugiyama, of Japan, 6-2, 6-1. She will face her sister Venus in the quarterfinals. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Dinara Safina, of Russia, eked out a win against Timea Bacsinszky, of Switzerland, during a match at the US Open tennis tournament in New York, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2008. (AP Photo/Ed Betz)

James Blake of the United States reacts during his three-set loss to friend Mardy Fish during their tennis match at the U.S. Open in New York, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2008. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

James Blake, left, of the United States, congratulates Mardy Fish, of the United States, after their match at the US Open tennis tournament in New York, Saturday, Aug. 30. (AP Photo/Ed Betz)

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I think that, you know, happiness off the court translates to clear-mindedness. - Mardy Fish, on how his wedding-planning may have helped his tennis

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On Night of Upsets, Blake Falls to Friend