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Blake reaches final in Stockholm

15/10/2005

James Blake has completed a straight sets victory over Olivier Rochus to reach the final of the Stockholm Open.

Blake, making his first appearance since his agonising US Open quarter-final defeat by Andre Agassi, eased past his Belgian opponent 6-4, 6-3.

The American was too strong and powerful for his opponent, recovering from an early break of serve to fire 17 aces en route to victory.

He has now completed a double over the Rochus family in Sweden, having beaten Olivier’s brother, Christophe, in the second round.

After the match, the sixth-seed was delighted with his performance, having lost to Rochus in a Davis Cup play-off clash last month.

"I've never played well in Europe before but it's been great so far," he told reporters.

"He (Rochus) is such a good player and made me work hard. He beat me on clay because he plays such good defence. He did the same today, but my shots went in when I needed them."

The win means that Blake will now compete in his first European final. He will play the winners of today’s second semi-final between Paradorn Srichaphan and Davide Sanguinetti.

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