Blake comes through Ginepri test

MELBOURNE, Jan 20 (Reuters) James Blake continued his impressive run through the Australian Open draw with a 7-6 7-5 6-2 victory over friend and fellow American Robby Ginepri in the third round today.

The fifth seed, who retained his Sydney International title last week, was pushed hard by Ginepri in the first two sets before he pulled away for victory in an hour and 53 minutes on Vodafone Arena.

Ginepri held set points while serving at 5-6 in the second but Blake, who is yet to lose a set in the tournament, staved them off before a fine backhand winner earned him a crucial two-set cushion.

He must now face the winner of the third-round contest between Australia's Lleyton Hewitt and Fernando Gonzalez of Chile.

REUTERS SAM RN1601