Blake Grabs Pen for ATP New Haven Title

"Still seems like a dream come true," Blake said. "Never seemed possible at the beginning of this week. It couldn't have been more perfect to do it in front of my friends and family. I know there's going to be a little bit of celebrating in Fairfield."

Blake was cheered on by the "J-Block," a large group of family and friends giving the American from nearby Fairfield, Conn., the hometown advantage. When Blake went up a break 3-0 in the third he applied extra pressure as the Spaniard's confidence wilted, utilizing advice from coach Brian Barker during the rain delay.

"After the break, I made a little bit of an adjustment," Blake said. "I moved back just a couple of steps, trying to see if I could get looks. If he hits the corner, it doesn't matter where I am standing, it is going to be an ace. I just had to accept that he was going to get his aces...Once I got that first break (in the third set), having the sense it was almost over was great. Having that crowd to front run is great."

It was the second career title for Blake after Washington in 2002.

Lopez had also won only one career title going into New Haven, last year at Vienna, and was undecided as to whether the rain delay played a part in the final result.

"It's tough to say. The match at that time was more my way," Lopez said. "After, he gets a break, I break back. The match was close. After he wins the second set, it was completely a different way."

Blake improved to 2-4 in career finals.

In the doubles final, the Argentine team of Gaston Etlis and Martin Rodriguez defeated American wildcards Rajeev Ram and Bobby Reynolds 6-4, 6-3 for their first title of the year.