James Black won a second set tie-break to sail through 90-ranked Australian Chris Guccione in straight sets on the opening day of the Olympic tennis event which had been delayed for about two and a half hours.
Under a leaden sky, the American stormed the first set in only 23 minutes but met serious resistance in the second set before beating the Australian 6-3, 7-6 (7-3).
"It's nice to get through with a win and it doesn't matte what a guy's ranked. Cuccione served really great and I'm really thrilled to get through and especially on a day when the weather could have been tough," Blake told Xinhua in the mixed zone.
Cuccione won 80 percent on his first serve compared to 58 percent of Blake and the Australian also powered 11 aces in the match.
"It was a ton of emotions. It's a great feeling you know. Davis Cup is one thing, but it's the same kind of nerves when you are playing for something more than just yourself in the Olympics. it's a ton of fun," said Blake, who hit 20 winners in the match.
"It's tough sometimes to sleep when you want to watch more events and be around with all of the guys. I have a tough time, so just to be able to get through is a great feeling. I was definitely anxious and nervous at the start."
With top-ranked American Andy Roddick not playing in Beijing, No. 8 seed Blake is shouldering US hopes for an Olympic medal in men's singles. Although he has yet to win a title this year, all 10 of his career singles titles have been won on hard court which is the surface in the Olympic tennis event.
"I was sitting around watching Michael Phelps set a world record beforehand and it's incredible to see the kind of emotions it spurs. To think he's inspiring the nation and then me to have the opportunity to go out there and do the same."
Blake will also have Sam Querrey and Robby Ginepri play side by side in singles' draw while in men's doubles, the Bryans brothers, now ranked second in the world, will be expected to bring medals for the United States.
(Xinhua News Agency August 10, 2008)