Robin Haase beats James Blake effortlessly in 2nd round – Winston-Salem Open 2011
Robin Haase, world No.42, ended James Blake’s run at the Winston-Salem Open when the two played their 2nd round match on Tuesday, 23rd August at the Wake Forest University, Winston Salem, USA.
Haase defeated the local lad winning in straight sets 6-4, 6-1 in less than 62 minutes after the start of the match. Blake tried to level up in the first set, however, did not stand a chance after losing that.
Ranked at world No.42, Haase has been playing as a professional since 2005. The right-hander has a strong hold near the baseline, however, has to improve his play near the net. Enjoying the highest ranking at the moment, Haase
has won only one career title.
Former world No.4, Blake, even though has played most of his match at home and on hard court, still has been struggling to pull off major matches. The 31-year-old is creditable that his age does not reflect the way he plays.
Comparatively, the two have played 3 matches head-to-head and out of that Haase has won majority, 2. However, it was yet too soon to determine who would have the greater advantage in the 2nd round battle.
Opening up with the starter, Blake served first and lost. Giving away a breakpoint gave the Dutch an advantage as he swirled through the next game leading 2-0. The American pulled off the lead and levelled scores at 2-2 winning
2 consecutive games including a breakpoint.
Blake trampled as he lost an immediate breakpoint after he drew with the Dutch and followed. The 31-year-old could not cover the lead till the end and finished up losing the set 6-4.
The two then moved on to play the second set. The former world No.4 then served first again but got a win and took the lead. The American was followed as Haase won game 2 levelling the scores at 1-1.
Hoping to win the second set, Blake was destroyed by the hands of the Dutch as he could not retain any more games after game 1. Breaking the American in game 3, 5 and 7, the 24-year-old mesmerized his fans winning the second set
6-1 and leaving the Americans devastated.
Although the American had the upper edge, he was unable to prove better than his challenger on the other side of the court.
Shaking the 31-year-old, Haase now sits in the 3rd round of Winston-Salem Open 2011 to play against Pierre-Ludovic Duclos a 3 set match for the quarter-final seat.
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