Share

Milestone win for Blake

Atlanta - American James Blake upset sixth-seeded compatriot Ryan Harrison 1-6, 6-3, 7-5 on Tuesday to notch his 350th career ATP victory in the first round of the Atlanta Open hardcourt tournament.

Blake, 32, who had failed to take advantage of his first six opportunities to reach the milestone this season, seemed to be heading for another disappointment as the 20-year-old Harrison dominated the opening set.

But Blake, now ranked 110th in the world, found his rhythm and sealed the victory against his 43rd-ranked opponent with a late break of serve in the third set.

Blake next faces Australian Matthew Ebden, who ended a three-match skid with a 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 victory over Ukrainian Sergei Bubka.

Eighth-seeded Go Soeda of Japan shrugged off a lengthy rain delay to defeat Belgian Xavier Malisse 4-6, 7-5, 6-4.

The match had been level at 2-2 in the opening set when rain stopped play for more than two hours.

Soeda, who reached his first career ATP semi-final at Chennai this season, rose to a career-high ranking of 54th in the world this week. He next faces Russian Igor Kunitsyn.

Belgian qualifier Ruben Bemelmans defeated American Rajeev Ram 6-1, 6-3 to line up a second-round clash with top-seeded American John Isner.

Isner, who on Sunday claimed the title at Newport for the second straight year, is using Atlanta as preparation for the London Olympics, which will hold the tennis competition at Wimbledon.

Qualifier Ricardas Berankis of Lithuania, playing his first ATP main draw of the season, also won his match against Dmitry Tursunov 6-3, 6-2.

He next faces third-seeded Kei Nishikori of Japan.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE