James Blake of USA shocked world No 1 Roger Federer of Switzerland 6-4, 7-6 (2) to move into the last four of the tennis competition at the Beijing Olympics on Thursday.The American, who had taken just a set off the Swiss in eight meetings, won the surprisingly one-sided contest to end Federer’s medal hopes and continue his so far disappointing year.
"The results haven't been good," Federer said, "but I've always felt I could win."
Federer failed to win an Olympic medal in both Sydney in 2000 and Athens in 2004. He remains in the running in doubles here, but said Wednesday night that he expected, were he to win a medal, to have it be in singles.
"If I were to bet my house, it would be singles," Federer said.
James Blake now faces either Paul-Henri Mathieu of France or Fernando Gonzalez, the Chilean 12th seed, for a place in the final.
Images Courtsey : AFP
