James Blake becomes 1st men’s quarterfinalist at Key Biscayne

James Blake wobbled at the finish but became the first men’s quarterfinalist at the Sony Ericsson Open by beating Radek Stepanek 6-3, 6-4 Tuesday.

The No. 9-seeded Blake needed six match points in the final game to close out the victory. He had trouble with his serve throughout but broke four times and won 13 points at the net.

By reaching the final eight, Blake matched his best showing at Key Biscayne. He has often struggled in the event, where his career record is only 11-6, including a loss in his opening match last year.

He’ll next play the winner of the match between No. 2 Rafael Nadal and No. 16 Paul-Henri Mathieu. Top-ranked Roger Federer and newly engaged Andy Roddick also were scheduled to play later fourth-round matches.