James Blake did not seem terribly downcast after losing his US Open quarter-final against world number one Roger Federer [Images].

After all, he did take a set from the Grand Slam maestro.

"I take pride in the way I fought," fifth-seeded Blake said after losing 7-6, 6-0, 6-7, 6-4 to the 25-year-old Swiss, who equalled Ivan Lendl's record streak in reaching his 10th successive Grand Slam semi-final.

"Down two sets and a break. First time I took a set," said the American, who had lost his previous four matches against Federer in straight sets.

"I was one point away from winning the first set, too. I guess he's human."

Blake said Federer was so special, he merited consideration as the top athlete of our time, alongside the likes of golfer Tiger Woods and NBA star Michael Jordan.

"I think that's a joke - not to take anything away from Tiger Woods [Images] because he's an unbelievable golfer.

"I'd make a case for Roger Federer being the best athlete of our time, not tennis player, athlete."

Blake, 26, noted that Woods' record is not overly impressive in match play events "where it's a tournament where you have one bad day and you're out."

"That's what we do every single week. Roger is winning every Grand Slam except for the French, winning every Masters Series tournament. That means he can't have one bad day. I mean, that's incredible.

"Not to mention he has to be out here for four hours running as opposed to walking while carrying one club - not taking anything away from golf."

UNBELIEVABLE ATHLETE

"Tiger is an unbelievable athlete. He's proven himself every Sunday every time he has a lead.

"But look at Roger's record in Grand Slam finals, too. Grand slam finals, he's 8-1. That's unheard of."

Blake, who attended Harvard University, was asked to assess what makes Federer great.

"Just too many things he does well. He doesn't panic. He plays offense unbelievably well. He plays defense better than anyone I've ever played.

"He makes so many gets, and when he gets to it, he doesn't just put it back; he puts it where it's difficult for you to hit the next shot.

"Volleys well. Serves well. Handled the pressure of being number one in the world. He's handled the pressure of being against a crowd tonight that was clearly on my side. He obviously puts pressure on himself to succeed and has handled all that.

"Got the biggest forehand in the game. Seems to be able to create pace out of nothing. I could keep going probably, too."

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