Federer reaches Cincy quarters with easy win over Blake
Roger Federer crushed James Blake 64 61 to advance to the Western & Southern Open quarterfinalse at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason.
The Swiss next faces Tomas Berdych.
Federer remained a step ahead of Blake in the first set and dominated him in the second.
"Against James it's always a fast-paced match from start to finish. You hope you get on a roll and he doesn't," Federer said. "I was able to counter his attacking style. I was able to play clean on my service games. In the second set he didn't play so well, and the score line shows that."
"I didn't really get much of a rhythm," Blake said. "He does a great job of that. Obviously in our head-to-head, he finds a way to win almost every time - Just serves a little better, plays a little better and keeps me off balance. Every time I thought I was playing a little better, I'd find myself behind in a game or in a tough spot."
Blake, who is trying to comeback to top form, defeated Marcos Baghdatis and Fabio Fognini this week in Cincinnaty.
He was as low as No. 173 on in March, but this week he's No. 84.
"So far I've had a lot of solid wins, but I haven't had that big win that really opens up a draw," Blake said. "I just need to get that going. Once I get that one big one, then hopefully the confidence comes back consistently."
Federer spoke highly of longtime friend Blake to the media, and Blake returned the favor afterward. He praised Federer's achievements and said he was "as friendly as could be."
"I just said good luck, and he kind of gave me a pep talk and said, 'Come on, play great the rest of the summer,' " Blake said.
"He is a good friend and someone that really shows a lot of support for me. Whether or not he's the greatest player ever, he's definitely one of the greatest champions as a human being."
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