Blake, Roddick set up title duel

INDIANAPOLIS (Reuters) – James Blake fought his way into
the Indianapolis International Championship final against
fellow American Andy Roddick with a 6-3 2-6 6-1 win over Xavier
Malisse on Saturday.

Blake will move to a career-high fifth in the ATP rankings
after beating the Belgian.

Former world number one Roddick reached his first final in
2006 with a 7-5 6-3 victory against compatriot Robby Ginepri.

Roddick will be hoping to win his first trophy since Lyon
last October. He holds a 6-1 record over Blake, his
poker-playing partner.

But Blake will take confidence from a semi-final win last
month at Queen’s Club, London, into the Sunday encounter.

“It helps to know that I’ve beaten him in the past when it
comes to a tight situation.” Blake told reporters.

“I’m most concerned about his serve, he hasn’t been broken
yet this week. If I get my chances, I want to be sure and take
them.”

Blake weathered the storm against Malisse as the Belgian
leveled at a set apiece before the American regained control in
the third set.

Roddick needed just 66 minutes to claim his sixth win in
seven ATP meetings against Ginepri, who he first played aged
12.

Twice former champion Roddick dominated on serve, with
Ginepri praising the effort as the best he has ever faced from
his friend.

Roddick never faced a break point, fired eight aces and
notched 21 winners against defending champion Ginepri.

“I played tight tennis with not a lot of sloppy errors,”
Roddick told reporters. “I tried to mix up my serve and give
him things he wasn’t expecting.

“This was the best tennis I’ve played all year. I played
this match on my terms, I’m happy with the way things are
going.”

Roddick is aiming to become the first three-time
Indianapolis champion since Pete Sampras. Blake will be playing
his fifth final of the season, with titles earned in Sydney and
Las Vegas.