BLAKE OUTLASTS SANTORO

James Blake outlasted 34-year-old Frenchman Fabrice Santoro 6-4 3-6 6-2 4-6 6-4 in three hours, 25 minutes on Thursday night at the US Open.

Blake, who grew up in nearby Fairfield, Connecticut, had been 0-9 lifetime in five-setters, while Santoro - hitting two-handed strokes off both wings - had been 19-14.
The 27-year-old Blake appeared to seize control of the match with a dominant third set, but he was broken in the opening game of the fourth.

The American immediately countered, and did so again after losing his serve at 2-2, but he was unable to do so a third time after Santoro broke him in the ninth game.

Serving at 2-3, 15-all in the decisive set, a cramping Santoro took a medical timeout to have the trainer work on his legs, allowing Blake to take a quick bathroom break.
When play resumed, Santoro won the next three points to level the set.

As play continued past midnight, Blake saved three break points at 4-4. In the next game, Santoro jumped to a 30-love lead but Blake won the next three points and ended the clash with a crosscourt backhand winner that the Frenchman could only fling his racquet toward.

Blake will face Austrian Stefan Koubek in the third round.