Roddick, Blake Put U.S. Up 2-0

Andy Roddick's overwhelming power gave the United States the early jump on France, then James Blake survived to give the hosts a 2-0 lead in their Davis Cup quarterfinal series in Winston-Salem, N.C.

With his ferocious serve skidding off the fast indoor hard court, Roddick recorded 30 aces yesterday in a 6-4, 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (7-5) win over Michael Llodra to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

Later, Blake fought off two match points to beat Paul-Henri Mathieu, 7-6 (7-5), 6-7 (7-3), 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, to give the United States a comfortable lead in the best-of-five series.

The top-ranked doubles team of Bob and Mike Bryan can put the United States into the semifinals with a win today. The reverse singles are tomorrow.

Llodra had 26 aces of his own in a powerful, if unexpected, matchup with Roddick after Australian Open finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga withdrew earlier this week with a right knee injury.

With Richard Gasquet slowed by a blister on his right hand, French captain Guy Forget went with Llodra. The left-hander had his serve broken only once, but couldn't stop Roddick's serve.

The Americans' first home Davis Cup competition since ending their 12-year title drought last year started with an elaborate celebration. Amid fireworks and a light show, each team member received a championship ring and raised the title banner before the first match.

Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal got Spain off to a quick start on a fast surface in Bremen, Germany. Nadal easily beat Nicolas Kiefer, 7-6 (7-5), 6-0, 6-3, and David Ferrer also won to give Spain a 2-0 lead on the indoor hard courts.

Marat Safin, who has struggled with a 1-5 record on the ATP Tour this season, overcame a two-set deficit against Tomas Berdych to help Russia earn a 1-1 split with the Czech Republic on indoor clay in Moscow.

-- From News Services