Blakes hopes to repeat Davis Cup tennis success on Houston clay

0 Comments | AFP, April, 2008

HOUSTON, Texas (AFP) — American James Blake is hoping to carry the momentum from his Davis Cup victories over the ATP Tour which heads to Texas this week for the US Clay Court Championships.

The eighth-ranked player in the world, Blake captured a pair of singles wins in the U.S.'s 4-1 victory over France in the Davis Cup quarter-finals over the weekend.

Blake will turn his attention to dirt in preparation for the European clay court season.

Clay has been a difficult surface for the American, although Blake did show some signs of improvement with an appearance in the semifinal here last year. However, it did not translate over to the French Open, as the 28-year-old fell to Ivo Karlovic in the first round.

Blake is back to try again, opening against...