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Blake defeats Spain's Robredo in Davis Cup match

James Blake of the US reacts after breaking serve in the third set during his Davis Cup World Group quarter-final match against Spain's Tommy Robredo in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on Friday. Blake Defeated Robredo in straight sets 6-4, 6-3, 6-4. PHOTO: AP

James Blake handed the US a 1-0 lead over Davis Cup World Group quarter-final rivals Spain on Friday with a 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Tommy Robredo.

Blake, ranked No. 9 in the world, was coming off a desperate run of form last month on home hardcourts, winning only one match at two Masters Series events at Indian Wells and Miami.

But the 27-year-old US player, who made his Davis Cup debut six years ago at this North Carolina venue, suddenly came alive at the right moment at this indoor hardcourt event to put the hosts into an early lead.

"This means so much to me," said Blake, who had lost his previous two Davis Cup matches. "You can come in sour after Davis Cup losses -- they are so great to win and so tough to lose.

"But if I'm in a slump, that's a compliment, I'm still in the top 10," he said.

Andy Roddick, the world No. 3, was set to test a recent hamstring strain as he faced Spanish left-hander Fernando Verdasco.

Roddick owns a 5-2 all-time lead over the Spaniard.
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