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Blake beats injuries for four-set win Posted: Monday August 26, 2002 5:13 PMNEW YORK (Reuters) -- Fan favorite James Blake survived a bout of cramps and a spirited performance by fellow American Brian Vahaly to squeeze into the second round of the U.S. Open 6-7, 6-3, 6-3, 7-6 on Monday. Blake, who won his maiden ATP Tour title in Washington earlier this month, was treated for leg cramps and a shoulder injury by trainer Doug Spreen in the fourth set of the Arthur Ashe Court clash. After a shaky start, Blake tore through the second and third sets punching winners from the back of the court and using his volleying to great effect. But the 25th seed faltered in the fourth and allowed wildcard Vahaly -- ranked 111st in the world -- off the ropes. Blake, a former Harvard student, was massaged for leg cramps while trailing 5-4 and had his left shoulder treated while trailing 6-5. He proved the stronger in the tiebreak, however, sealing the win after three hours and three minutes when Vahaly netted a backhand.
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. |
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