An American to root for

James Blake pulled off an impressive upset, beating number 2 seed Rafael Nadal 6-4,4-6,6-3,6-1. Bud Collins does more than wear funny pants; he's a great writer and knows everything about the history of tennis. Here's what he wrote about Blake.

...However, one year ago, watching the Open on television, a troubled Blake was wondering whether he would ever play in the big league again. It was a ghastly year that included a broken neck, viral attacks, facial paralysis, and, worst of all, the death of his father...

...Get this: Not since Charlie Pasarell beat Fred Stolle in 1965 had an unseeded American bounced the second seed...

...As Blake prepared to serve match point to conclude a five-game gallop, a rare tribute was offered by the multitude. Everybody stood and clapped and yelled so bombastically that even the ''James!" gang was lost in the cacophony....