Sixth seed James Blake survived a tough test at the US Open on Tuesday when he beat fellow American Michael Russell 7-6 6-3 7-6 to reach the second round.
Also see: Sania enters second round
Blake, along with former champion Andy Roddick considered to be America's best hope for a men's champion, battled through in two hours, 41 minutes to set up a clash with Frenchman Fabrice Santoro.
US Open: Complete Coverage
"I had to tip my cap to how many balls (Russell) got to today," Blake, a quarter-finalist in each of the past two years, said in a courtside interview.
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