Blake and Haas advance in Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS (Reuters) - Top seed James Blake advanced to the second round of the Indianapolis Championships with a 7-6 6-2 win over Israeli Dudi Sela on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old American survived a tough first set before winning the tie-breaker and then dominating Sela in the second set to advance.

After struggling with his serve in the first set, Blake settled down as the match wore on and kept Sela off balance with a stronger serve in the second.

"I just started going for it," Blake told reporters.

"When you mis-hit sometimes, you start aiming it and it goes a little slower and it ends up not being as effective. You're not getting it where you want to."

Fourth seed Sam Querrey of America moved on with a 6-4 6-4 win over Japan's Go Soeda, setting up a second round match with compatriot Vincent Spadea, who beat Donald Young 6-2 6-4.

Germany's Tommy Haas also advanced after beating Jesse Levine 7-6 6-2, setting up a second-round meeting with American John Isner, who overpowered Robert Kendrick 7-5 6-4.

"It's always difficult when you play each other for the first time in a match," Haas said of Levine.

"We've known each other for quite a long time and we practice together once in a while, but a match is a totally different story."