Robredo ends with win

The Spaniard knew he could not progress to the semi-finals himself, but rallied to find some form against the man who topped the group. Blake had beaten the same men to whom Robredo had previously lost, Rafael Nadal and Nikolay Davydenko.

How Robredo played, however, would have had little bearing had Blake been on top of his game from the off.

The American number one made numerous errors throughout the first set, allowing his opponent to break early and then late on to take it comfortably 6-2.

In the second set, Blake's woeful form continued as he went a break down. He was unhappy about the circumstances as, having challenged an out call that went against him, the virtual camera backed the decision by the tiniest of margins.

From there on he found his stylish stroke play. Although pushed at times by Robredo, he found baseline winners throughout the set to even up the break then take the lead himself. The set finished 6-3 in his favour.

Blake, who faces a tough semi-final against David Nalbandian on Saturday, then tensed up once more and allowed the Spaniard to take control of the deciding set.

At 3-2 he gave his service game to Robredo, his frustration showing as he challenged an out call on his first serve, which was several inches wide.

A love game followed and, at 5-2, it seemed as though Blake would conserve his energy and bow out.

Robredo took him to match point with an elegant lob from deep, but Blake woke up to save the game. He then survived another match point to break, before holding for 5-5.

Robredo held his serve for 6-5, to guarantee a tie-break. With that prospect facing Blake, he capitulated and, having gifted Robredo two match points, promptly played a forehand drive well wide for 6-2 3-6 6-3.