Nadal, Blake set for second-round matches at U.S. Open

Aug 28, 2008 - 10:09 AM FLUSHING, New York (Ticker) -- Top-seeded Rafael Nadal is seeking his third consecutive major championship, while No. 9 James Blake is hoping for his first career Grand Slam title.

Both will be looking to cruise into the third round of the U.S. Open on Thursday after receiving unexpected challenges in their opening-round matches.

Nadal squares off against American Ryler de Heart and Blake faces Steve Darcis of Belerus at Arthur Ashe Stadium in the second round of the year's final Grand Slam.

The world No. 1, Nadal has been on a roll in 2008. He captured his fourth straight French Open title, grabbed the crown at Wimbledon, took the gold at the Beijing Olympics and won five other titles this year.

Few tournaments have given Nadal more trouble than the U.S. Open. The lefthander has never advanced further than the quarterfinals at Flushing Meadows and was eliminated in the fourth round last year, Nadal's worst showing in a Grand Slam in each of the last three years.

The 22-year-old Spaniard needed to survive an early test in the first round, defeating German Bjorn Phau, 7-6 (7-4), 6-3, 7-6 (7-4), on Monday.

Blake had even more trouble with his first opponent in this hardcourt event. He committed 50 unforced errors and need five sets to finish off fellow American Donald Young, 6-1, 3-6, 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, on Monday.

A quarterfinalist in 2005 and 2006, Blake was eliminated in the fourth round at the U.S. Open last year. The 28-year-old has yet to make it past the quarters in any major during his career, but has enjoyed the most success in this event.

Four other players seeded in the top 10 will be in action on Thursday.

Fourth-seeded David Ferrer of Spain takes on German Andreas Beck and No. 6 Andy Murray of Great Britain meets Frenchman Michael Llodra

Also, seventh seed David Nalbandian of Argentina plays Kazakhstan's Andrey Golubev and No. 10 Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland faces American Wayne Odesnik.

Six other seeded players take the court, too.