American wild card James Blake used the hometown
support to grab an elusive title.
Blake rallied from an early deficit to defeat fifth-seeded Feliciano Lopez of
Spain, 3-6 7-5 6-1, on Sunday in the men's final of the US$1.26
million Pilot Pen Tennis hardcourt tournament.
A native of Connecticut who had numerous family and friends in attendance,
Blake captured his second career ATP title and first since Washington in 2002.
"Still seems like a dream come true," Blake said. "Never seemed possible at
the beginning of this week. It couldn't have been more perfect to do it in front
of my friends and family. I know there's going to be a little bit of celebrating
in Fairfield."
Blake, who improved to 12-4 on hardcourts this season, will face Belgium's
Gilles Elseneer in the first round of the US Open, which begins on Monday.
Appearing in just his second final in the past two years, Blake struggled
early as Lopez reeled off 11 of the last 12 points to close out the first set in
just 24 minutes.
After a rain delay that lasted more than 45 minutes, Blake recorded his second
break of serve at 6-5, pulling even at a set apiece when Lopez's forehand went
into the net.
The 25-year-old added two more breaks as he won the first five games of the
third, capturing the title on his own service game when a backhand shot by Lopez
sailed into the net.
"Once I got that first break (in the third set), having the sense it was
almost over was great," said Blake, who improved to 2-4 in career finals.
"Having that crowd to front run is great."
Blake received US$84,000 for the victory.
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