Blake Earns Dramatic Win Over Nadal
© Getty Images By Bill Scott
American James Blake provided the most dramatic upset of the Tennis Masters Cup Monday, handing world No. 2 Rafael Nadal a Gold group round-robin loss 6-4, 7-6 (7-0) on Day 2 at the season-ending spectacular.
Spain's double French Open winner Nadal stepped onto the court at the elite wrap-up event for the first time in his career after pulling out here a year ago with just moments to spare prior to his scheduled first match due to a left foot injury.
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On Monday at the Qi Zhong stadium, the 20-year-old was unable to earn a victory in Shanghai as Blake showed the form, which has taken him to five titles this ATP season.
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The shaven-headed American blasted a forehand return back for a down-the line winner to close it out after Nadal handed over seven match points in the second-set tiebreaker with a double-fault.
"It was all about not getting down on myself," said Blake, making his debut at the Masters Cup after qualifying last into the eight-man field during the Tennis Masters Series Paris.
"You never know what can happen. My backhand was working well, it's something I've been concentrating on. I hope this kind of beginner's luck lasts for a few more days here."
© Getty Images Nadal was burdened with 24 unforced errors, losing his serve to Blake on five of 13 chances. The 27-year-old winner struck 32 winners.
Blake showed exactly why he's now beaten Nadal two times this season and three times overal, to stand as the only player in the field with a winning record against the Spanish phenomenon.
Nadal lost only his 11th match of the season and will finish No.2 for a second straight year behind untouchable Roger Federer.
Blake rallied from 0-4 down in the second set after winning the first in 45 minutes. "I got off to a bad start but I kept my self-belief," said the winner.
Blake, along with Nadal and Nikolay Davydenko, each hold five titles this season, joint second behind the 11 of Federer.
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