Blake Defeats Hewitt

James Blake defeated Lleyton Hewitt for the first time in seven tries Sunday, breaking the former No. 1 player in the world four times in the final set to win the Tennis Channel Open, 7-5, 2-6, 6-3.

“It’s not easy to play against him,” Blake said. “I’m just happy to finally get a win against him. He’s one of the best players of all-time.”

Blake earned his fifth title and second of the year, highlighting a career-best 14-4 start. He also won an ATP event in Sydney, Australia, on Jan. 15.

Blake won $52,000 for the title and 175 ranking points in this $380,000 event. He’s expected to move up seven spots to No. 14 when the ATP releases its latest rankings today.

Blake, seeded fifth, had held serve in 35 of 36 tournament games entering the match but was broken four times by the tournament’s top-seeded player, including three straight to close the second set. He responded by knocking 20 winners in the third.

The win was Blake’s sixth in 28 matches against top-10 opponents.

“He’s on a great run,” said Hewitt, ranked No. 10. “Blake has come back as one of the best players out there.”