Blake stuns Nalbandian to progress

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Blake stuns Nalbandian to progress

World number 90 James Blake stunned the eighth seed and defending champion David Nalbandian in straight sets 6-2, 6-4 at the Washington event to set an all-American third term clash against John  Isner.

The 31-year-old veteran broke the Argentine three times saving all the three break points from the opposite side. Blake finished the game with seven aces, a 63 first serve percentage and a 44 one on return, winning at the same time 69 percent of service points. Nalbandian lost the opener after conceding two services which propelled the crowd favorite four games ahead to clinch the first set in just over half an hour.

As for the second set, it saw the same Blake break the Argentine early in the term to take a sufficient a two game lead he eventually converted into a two set unexpected win. “If I’m 170 in the world, I’m having fun. If I’m 4 in the world, I’m having fun. Even when I retire, I’ll be having fun,” said the American after the game.

“We’re practically neighbors. Last time I was home, I was eating breakfast at his house just about every morning. And he’s taken so much food out of my fridge, I think he owes me a few thousand dollars,” he added. Next up for Blake is conational John Isner who is 11^th seeded in Washington. Isner eased past Tobias Kamke in two easy sets, 6-1, 6-3 after breaking the German four times out of 14 chances and winning 76 points of service points.

On the other side, Kamke failed to convert any of the three break points, conceding the victory in just over an hour. He finished the game with a 57 first serve percentage and a 24 one on return points. Isner will meet Blake for the second time, the head to head series between the to being led 1-0 by the world number 35 who first defeated ten-title Blake at this term’s Atlanta event, tournament Isner eventually won.

The same day 13^th seed Kevin Anderson overcame Chris Guccione 3-6, 6-2, 7-6 after surviving an early scare which saw the South African concede the opener quite easily. Guccione broke him twice in the first set, only to concede the second term much easier. The two exchanged 22 aces, 13 of which being hit by Anderson, who also finished the game with two breaks, including a 66 first serve percentage. The South African won 70 percent of service points, compared to his opponent who only converted 62 percent.

Next up for Anderson is either Ryan Harrison or Viktor Troicki. The American beat Mischa Zverev in three sets 6-4, 1-6, 6-1 to start the Troicki clash as second favorite though. Harrison broke the German four times, winning 62 percent of service points, compared to his opponent who only broke the crowd favorite three times of four opportunities.

Jarkko Nieminen has also made the progress into the third term after ousting tough Igor Kunitsyn 7-5, 6-4. The 16^th seed Finnish hit four aces past the Russian whom he broke four times. Nieminen won 64 percent of service points, and only conceded two services in the first set. Next up for him is either Radek Stepanek or Wayne Odesnik.

Washington Prize Money and points:

Winner – $264,000 and 500 points ATP

Runner-up – $122,000 and 300 points ATP

Semi finalist – $59,000 ad 180 points ATP

Quarter finalist – $27,500 and 90 points ATP

R16 – $14,050 and 45 points ATP

R32 – $7,585 and 20 points ATP

R48 – $3,965 and zero points

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