U.S. wins doubles to stay alive against France

PARIS (AP) -- James Blake and Todd Martin came back to beat Mickael Llodra and Fabrice Santoro in five sets Saturday, allowing the United States to stay alive in its Davis Cup semifinal against defending champion France.

Blake's smash ended the 2-6, 7-6 (2), 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 doubles victory, allowing the U.S. team to narrow its deficit to 2-1 in the best-of-five series on the red clay of Roland Garros.

"This feels great," Blake said. "It got us back into this, and now we've got a chance to win tomorrow. That's what makes the Davis Cup so exciting."

Blake and Andy Roddick, both beaten in Friday's singles matches, must win Sunday to avoid elimination. The last time a U.S. squad won a Davis Cup series after trailing 2-0 was in 1934 against Australia.

Roddick plays Sebastien Grosjean, and Blake plays Arnaud Clement on Sunday.

Roddick watched Saturday's doubles match from the stands, biting his nails.

In the closing set, Llodra conceded a break with a long backhand, allowing the 32-year-old Martin to serve for the match at 5-4. Blake wasted the first match point with a long backhand volley, but sealed the victory two points later.

U.S. captain Patrick McEnroe switched his doubles team Saturday, opting to use Blake in place of Mardy Fish, who never before had played with Martin in competition. Blake and Martin won the Cincinnati Masters title last month.

France is looking to win back-to-back Davis Cup titles for the first time since 1932. In its Davis Cup history, France has squandered a 2-0 lead twice -- in 1946 and 1956.