Federer Bows Out Of Olympics; Loses To Blake In Quarterfinals

Beijing, China (AHN) - Top-seed Roger Federer ended his bid for a first Olympic singles medal after losing to American James Blake 6-4, 7-6 (7-2) in Thursday's quarterfinals.

The Swiss number one, reeling off a loss at Wimbledon last month, came to Beijing in the hope of picking up a win before relinquishing the top spot to Rafael Nadal next week.

Blake, who won a single set in eight previous encounters against Federer, made his presence felt by dominating the baseline and serve from the opening set.

Blake, a first time Olympian, had a break point after a long forehand from the Swiss and subsequently converted on the serve to claim the first set.

Trailing 3-0 in the second set, Federer bounced back in the fifth game to tie it a 6-all.

Blake easily got a tiebreaker and then the match point after a long return by Federer.

Blake is the lone U.S. male survivor in the first round of the Olympic tennis singles event.

Meanwhile, Federer is scheduled to participate on Thursday's quarterfinal doubles match with Swiss partner Stanislas Wawrinka.