One Down, One Russian to Go for Blake at ATP Sydney

The final is the result of hard work in the off-season for Blake, who told his coach he feels he is near the top of his game in Australia.

"My defense has definitely gotten a little better," Blake said. "My serve's gotten a little stronger. I've put on four or five pounds, which I think has helped me make it through the long seasons without getting injured. I think all that combined is turning into me feeling more confident when I play Top 10 players like I did today."

Up next for the American is another Russian opponent in unseeded Igor Andreev, who gained the final with a 6-2, 2-6, 6-2 win that included a three-hour rain delay against Italian qualifier Andreas Seppi.

"This is a new experience for me," Andreev said. "I've had a good preparation this season and I'm just trying to grow in my game. I just have to keep playing the same way I have been this week and give 100 percent."

It will be the first outdoor hardcourt final for Andreev, who last year won titles at Moscow, Palermo and Valencia. Blake won titles last year at New Haven and Stockholm.

The 22-year-old Andreev leads Blake 2-0 in their career meetings.

The doubles final will be (4) Santoro/Zimonjic (d. (1) Bryan/Bryan in the semis) vs. unseeded Czechs Cermak/Friedl (d. Knowle/Melzer).