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Blake next US Open hurdle for Djokovic
World number three Novak Djokovic's path to a fourth consecutive US Open semifinals appearance has a tricky third-round obstacle on Saturday in US danger man James Blake.
The 23-year-old Serbian and 30-year-old Blake, a former world number four fallen to 108th in the rankings after injuries, will meet at Arthur Ashe Stadium, where the American veteran figures to be a huge crowd favourite.
"James always plays well here," Djokovic said. "He has been so many years on this level, winning against a lot of top players. He knows how it feels like to play on a big stage in important matches.
"I've faced this situation with the crowd in my life. You cannot always have a crowd behind you, but you always try because it's very important. It's a big support - just big energy when the crowd is behind you."
Djokovic lost the 2007 US Open final and fell in the semifinals the past two years, all at the hands of Roger Federer, the 16-time Grand Slam champion who could await Djokovic again in this year's semifinals.
"Physically I'm fit. I'm definitely ready for this tournament and mentally motivated to do well," Djokovic said. "I have been playing really well in New York in last three years. The court is very suitable to my style of the game. I just hope I can maintain this high level of performance."
Blake, whose deepest US Open runs were to the 2005 and 2006 quarterfinals, likes his chances after exiting at the third-round the past two years on the Flushing Meadows hardcourts.
DJOKOVIC THE FAVOURITE
"I would expect it to be a pretty good match," Blake said. "You have got to think that he's the favourite. Played some great tennis. Plays very well on hard courts. He has been a finalist here before.
"If I go out there and start dictating, I feel like I have a good shot, but there's also a good shot that he comes out and proves why he's No. 3 in the world right now. Hopefully I can come up with some of my best as I've been known to do at the Open before."
Their only prior meeting came at the 2008 Beijing Olympics when Djokovic beat Blake 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) to bring Serbia a bronze medal.
Both were in the unusual situation of a meaningful match after a tournament loss.
"That was a difficult situation," Blake said. "I think both of us were a little shaken up about it because it means so much to you. You're not used to losing and then coming back and playing.
"But he played well. We had a pretty tight match. He's got a great service motion, a great serve, one of the best backhands in the game. His movement is unbelievable. I'm going to have to play well, that's for sure."
Djokovic realises he is in a similar situation.
"He's a very aggressive player and I have no doubt that he's
going to have that mindset when we step on the court," Djokovic
said. "He's going to try to take the ball early, and I have to be
ready for that."
