Europe News

Blake ends Santoro era in Paris

Nov 8, 2009, 17:50 GMT

Paris - James Blake beat Fabrice Santoro of France 6-4, 6-3 in the first round of the Paris Masters, likely ending the Frenchman's two-decade career Sunday. Blake next faces fourth-seeded Andy Murray of Britain, winner of a sixth title this season in Valencia. Santoro, 36, is in his final ATP season. He swapped shirts with Blake after the match and ran a 'victory' lap around the court at Bercy arena. 'Although I am the one who made the decision 11 months ago to put an end my career, I still know that many things are going,' said Santoro. 'I'm going to miss many things, and I know the crowd will. I will miss the crowd, and all these rituals I had in my life are going to disappear.' Santoro was already planning his first post-tennis meal: 'This evening, if I want to eat fondue, nothing will prevent me from doing so. 'It's been a long time I was not allowed to eat that kind of thing. We have very simple rules. It's different when you are a high level athlete.' Geman Benjamin Becker reached the second round over Michael Llodra of France 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 in the only other first-round contest.

Europe News

Blake ends Santoro era in Paris

On the Web

Your Talkback on this Story

Similar articles

Latest Headlines in Europe

Older Talkback

Like M&C on Facebook

Viral Web

In Monsters and Critics

Corporate

The Fine Print