great match and i'm happy for fagassi...

JAMES BLAKE was already expressing his great respect for Andre Agassi. And that was long before they played one of the most memorable night matches ever held at the United States Open.

Blake's respect can only have heightened after the way the 35-year-old Agassi, with his efficient crablike steps very late at night, shortened the court and ambushed the 25-year-old Blake in five sets early this morning.

In the atmosphere of a big prize fight, but with two crowd favorites and no bad vibrations whatsoever, Blake used his youth and speed and power, but gallant old Agassi won the last three sets to win their quarterfinal match, 3-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-6 (6). Then they hugged at the net, and Blake said, "It couldn't have been more fun to lose."