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Blake has familiar failure vs. Federer

James Blake has his moments, but drops to 0-4 against the world's No. 1-ranked player.

By KEITH NIEBUHR
Published March 31, 2006

KEY BISCAYNE - James Blake didn't appear to be upset after his 7-6 (7-2), 6-4 quarterfinal loss to Roger Federer at the Nasdaq-100 Open Thursday night.

Rather, he looked a bit puzzled.

Like many on tour, Blake is looking for answers. But thus far, he hasn't found many.

The Tampa resident did everything he could to defeat the world's No. 1-ranked player, again showing signs that he has joined tennis' elite. At times, his forehand overpowered Federer. On more than one occasion, he tracked down shots others likely wouldn't have reached. And during one sequence, he produced a 130 mph overhead smash.

Again, it wasn't enough, and for those keeping score at home Blake is 0-4 against Federer. Even worse, he hasn't taken a set.

"I'm starting to feel like one of those basketball players that was playing in the early '90s," Blake said. "You feel like you make Michael Jordan play well, but then every time, he comes up and beats you and makes you realize why he's the best."

Federer faces 11th-seeded David Ferrer, a surprise 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 winner over fourth-seeded Andy Roddick, in one semifinal tonight. No. 3 David Nalbandian faces No. 6 Ivan Ljubicic in the other today. The losses by Blake and Roddick mean the men's final will have no Americans in it for the second straight year.

Because of his improved play, rise in the rankings and ever-growing confidence, Blake, 43-12 since August with four tournament titles in his past 12 ATP events, entered the match with the feeling that maybe, just maybe, it would be his time to finally topple Federer.

When the players met two weeks ago in the Pacific Life Open final, Federer won 7-5, 6-3, 6-0. Despite the humbling defeat, Blake came away feeling as if he had learned something and that he was gaining ground on the likable, but lethal Swiss star.

But "today," Blake said Thursday, "was another learning experience."

Blake, the ninth seed, wasn't without his opportunities. The problem was, every time it looked as if he had seized control, Federer snatched it right back.

Case in point: One game after Blake broke to go ahead 3-2 in the opening set, Federer broke back in the subsequent game as Blake won only one point. Federer took the first five points in the tiebreaker to all but clinch the set.

"I felt like I controlled my game pretty well," Blake said. "I had one break on him, had a couple of breakpoints. He played unbelievable on one of them, so I thought I could have gotten another break. But that's what makes him No. 1 in the world."

The second set had a similar tune.

Blake hit several spectacular shots. Federer, though, seemed to counter each with something better. Blake, however, did more than enough to impress his opponent.

"I thought it was a tough match," said Federer, who improved to 26-1 this year. "Sometimes, it's good when you play the same guy within two weeks. You can demoralize them. But I don't think James has too much of a problem with that."

He only problem right now, it seems, is with Federer.

[Last modified March 31, 2006, 01:09:18]