ATP US Open 2011 Preview: James Blake vs. Jesse Huta Galung

James Blake is still hoping for one final dream run at the US Open. He starts today against qualifier Jesse Huta-Galung.

Blake is playing about as well as has since the first half of 2010 and he's back up to 63 in the world after first round showings in Washington and Cincinnati. The veteran still plays for the chance to compete in those big matches in front of sell-out crowds and he's been granted a stadium court for today's opener with Jesse Huta-Galung. With the power in his game you would have thought Blake would have at least made one grand slam semi-final in his career but the American has consistently been thwarted at the last eight stage. The best he's ever done in New York was back in 2005 when he lost in five to Andre Agassi in front of a raucous Arthur Ashe crowd.

Blake will be hoping for one last swansong in the next few years, Agassi style and he may fancy his chances against David Ferrer in the next round given the Spaniard's recent injury.

Huta-Galung is ranked 160 in the world but he came through qualifying in style, winning his final round match 6-0, 6-1. He used his huge serve to good effect and Blake will have to start sharply today. However this is only the Dutchman's third ever Grand Slam match and Blake should have too much experience.