Federer downs Blake to reach semifinals
MELBOURNE, Australia — Roger Federer has lots of reasons to like James Blake.
The 12th-ranked American has a reputation as a nice guy away from the court and a good sportsman on it. More importantly for Federer, Blake always puts up a good fight against the Swiss star — then loses.
Top-ranked Federer ran his record against Blake to 8-0 and advanced to the Australian Open semifinals with a 7-5, 7-6 (5), 6-4 victory today.
Federer is seeking to win here for the third straight year and pull within one of Pete Sampras' record of 14 Grand Slam titles. He's also one step away from his 11th consecutive Grand Slam final and has won 19 matches in a row at Melbourne Park.
"It's great to be on top of the game for so long and be compared to the greats like Rod Laver and Sampras," Federer said.
He's not too worried about younger players stealing a little of the spotlight, either.
"I'm looking at history, looking at my own game," Federer said.
He next faces No. 3 Novak Djokovic, who beat No. 5 David Ferrer 6-0, 6-3, 7-5 to join two Serbian women in the semifinals. Ana Ivanovic ousted Venus Williams 7-6 (3), 6-4 on today, while Jelena Jankovic beat Serena Williams a day earlier.
The same three players reached the French Open semifinals last year on clay, proving they can win anywhere. Djokovic also made the Wimbledon semifinals and was runner-up to Federer at the U.S. Open.
U.S. flags were outnumbered by Swiss ones on a perfect night for tennis, and Federer had to be nearly perfect to beat Blake, who used his powerful forehand to keep the Swiss star from taking control of points as much he prefers.
"Playing against James, it's always great fun," said Federer, dressed in all-black again for a night match. "He's dangerous when he's even behind in the game. He made some incredible shots."
Blake's feelings about Federer were similar — to a point.
"He seems like one of the guys in the locker room," Blake said. "Then you go out there, he beats you. You come back in the locker room and he's one of the guys."
