Australian Open 2010 — After deteriorating Blake, it’s time for Del Potro vs Mayer.

2009 US Open Champion Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina barely avoided being upset by a deteriorating American, James Blake on the second round of the Australian Open 2010. The battle between the world’s No.4 and 45 (and declining) lasted four hours and 17 minutes, in what became a nail-biting five-setter. In the end, the Argentine escaped Hisense Arena with just an early second round scare by a final score of: 6-4, 6-7, 5-7, 6-3, 10-8.

“I really showed the crowd, the people were so excited all the time. We played a very good match,” del Potro said. “Blake was fast. He played very strong with his forehand. He never missed easy points, easy forehand. I was trying every game with my serve. Then when I had the opportunity to break his serve, sometimes I did, sometimes not. It’s very difficult to keep trying, keep going. You have to be focused every point, every time, and try to take your chance. I had my chance in the last set.”

Juan Martin de Potro [-1500 ML] will now face underdog Florian Mayer [+800 ML] of Germany, as seventh seeded Andy Roddick will likely await him in the next Australian Open 2010 round. Del Potro and Mayer are expected to meet tonight at 10:30 PM ET (7:30 PM PT) live from Rod Laver Arena on ESPN-2’s continuing coverage of the Australian Open 2010.

One has to believe that after such an exasperating second round match, Del Potro will likely have to receive some treatment on his injured wrist. “Yes, (pain) a little bit, but I can play,” Del Potro added. “I think I have many good things right for the next match.”

Check out the live streaming sites for the availability of this match online