Breakthrough
The American tennis player had faced Roger Federer eight times in his career. Once, Blake actually won a set.
But on the Olympic stage, Blake shocked Federer, eliminating him in the quarterfinals 6-4, 7-6 (2) on Thursday.
“I’ve played him on many occasions, but I think this was the best I’ve seen him,” Federer told reporters. “I’m happy for him. He’s a good guy. I hope he can go all the way now.”
Blake, a Yonkers, N.Y., native, rattled the Swiss star, who even challenged a call for replay four times, losing all four.
“This is unbelievable, to do it at the Olympics with USA on your chest,” Blake said.
Blake next will face Fernando Gonzalez of Chile in the Olympic semifinals and still has a chance to face the Rafael Nadal, the world’s No. 1 player, in the gold medal match.
Benjamin Hochman, The Denver Post
