Blake flies the flag for Americans in French Open

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2008

PARIS (AFP) — Top-ranking American Andy Roddick may be missing due to injury but James Blake feels that the Stars and Stripes will flutter proudly again at the French Open after last year's shocker.

On that occasion all nine American men in the main draw crashed out in the first round - the first time in 40 years that had happened at a Grand Slam event.

A few hours into the 2008 edition on Sunday, Blake himself ensured that there would be no repeat, thanks to a 6-4, 6-1, 7-6 (7/3) first round win over former Australian Open runner-up Rainer Schuettler of Germany.

"We set the bar low enough that we're over the bar by 3:00 on Sunday afternoon," Blake said with a laugh.

"It was a tough situation last year, but now maybe it's just like playing with house...