INQUIRER Sports

MELBOURNE -- James Blake doesn't feel sorry for himself that he's playing in the Roger Federer era, despite his eighth straight defeat to the world number one at the Australian Open.

The incomparable Swiss swept into a record 15th consecutive Grand Slam semi-final with his efficient 7-5, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 win over the American 12th seed on Wednesday.

Blake went into his quarter-final believing he had a chance to topple Federer, but the end result was the same as his previous seven encounters.

Federer dominates his generation like no other. He has secured the number one ranking for a record 209th week as he closes in on his 13th Grand Slam title, just one short of Pete Sampras' record.

Blake, an articulate ambassador for men's tennis, was asked how he felt playing his tennis at a time when one man reigned supreme.

"It's something I'm sure the guys in years past are wondering how their games would match up against him, so at least I know mine clearly doesn't match up very well," Blake said with a smile.

?I don't know how all the guys on the golf tour would say if they feel fortunate to play with Tiger Woods. I would say they're probably very fortunate because of the money they're making,? he said.

?For us it's frustrating that some of us maybe feel like we could have one or two or more Grand Slams if Roger wasn't around. But what can you do? It's just the place and era you were born into. You're playing against the best in the world,? he said.

?I can't say that I'm unfortunate. I get too much out of this game. I get too much out of even a loss, which I'm frustrated about right now. But I take too many positives from it to say that I'm unfortunate for being born in this era and getting to play against a great like Roger Federer," he said.

Blake said retired players are shocked to learn how self-effacing Federer is despite career earnings of almost $39 million.

?I saw him at dinner last night. We said, 'Hi, how's it going?' The waitress came over and said, 'Do we need to move you guys apart? No, we don't care.' We can be friendly,? said Blake.

?He doesn't try to make himself unknown or mysterious to the rest of us about what he's doing. He's genuinely a friendly guy. He seems like one of the guys in the locker room,? he said.

"Then you go out there, he beats the crap out of you, you come back in the locker room and he's one of the guys," he said.