This Date in U.S. Open History: August 30

Every morning during the U.S. Open, Richard Pagliaro will take a look back at a significant match that took place on that calendar day.

August 30, 2007: James Blake d. Fabrice Santoro, 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 (Second Round)

Start with the largest Grand Slam stage in the game, set the scene on a lively New York night, and surround it with a crowd so raucous it could out-roar the rumblings of the nearby No. 7 train. Include Yonkers native Blake, moving so fast he looks like he could outrun a bicycle messenger rolling down Fifth Avenue, and 34-year-old French magician Fabrice Santoro, who makes the ball dance like a puppet. Stir up suspense with Blake bidding to end an 0-9 lifetime record in five-setters and Santoro suffering cramps—but no shortage of audacity—in a climactic set popping with circus shots.

Sit back and enjoy the madness.

Fast forward to the 2:30 mark on the video and watch an all-court adventure as Santoro blunts some of ballistic drives from Blake with low slices before the Frenchman hurls himself into a lunging stab volley. The point they play at the 7:09 mark on the video is a must-see moment. In a dazzling series of shots, Blake flicks a running forehand rainbow lob down the line that seems certain to be a clean winner, but Santoro not only runs it down; his over-the-shoulder lob reply concludes with him steps from face-planting into the blue back wall.

The entertainment value of this three-hour and 25-minute spectacle was so high, fans stood and gave both men an ovation as they met at net. Santoro’s legs briefly buckled and he groaned with cramps as Blake wrapped him in embrace; in the post-match press conference he wore the smile of a player who shared the buzz fans felt.

“When you have the chance to play in New York in a big tournament like a Grand Slam, night session against an American guy in a great atmosphere, [I] was feeling very lucky on the court, and the battle was just great,” said Santoro.

This Date in U.S. Open History

August 27:The defending champion survives his opener (1985)
August 28:Jimmy Connors' legendary run begins (1991)
August 29: Pierce rises from the dead (2003)
August 30:Santoro, Blake put on a show (2007)
August 31: Agassi's final, epic victory (2006)
September 1:Sampras' win streak snapped (1997)
September 2:Doubles players announce lawsuit vs. ATP (2005)
September 3:Safin survives in breakthrough tournament (2000)
September 4:A bizarre Williams vs. Williams match (2005)
September 5:Unbreakable: Pete vs. Andre (2001)
September 6:A Seles-Capriati classic (1991)
September 7: The late show with Agassi and Blake (2005)
September 8:Venus' late comeback vs. Hingis (2000)
September 9:Sharapova feels pretty powerful (2006)