Tennis-Blake celebrates career-best ranking

LONDON, July 24 (Reuters) American James Blake climbed to a career-high fifth in the ATP rankings today following his victory over Andy Roddick in the Indianapolis final.

Blake beat his U.S. compatriot 4-6 6-4 7-6 yesterday to start his hardcourt season in style, with the U.S. Open only five weeks away.

''I feel like I've earned the number five ranking,'' said Blake, who reached the last eight at Flushing Meadows last year.

''It's crazy what confidence will do. Every break goes against you when you don't have confidence. And every break goes your way when you do have confidence.

''I have confidence now and they all seem to be going my way.'' Roddick, who is yet to win a tournament this season, had the consolation of moving up one place to 10th, while two other weekend winners made significant moves in the rankings.

Spain's David Ferrer jumped six places to 12th following his victory in the Mercedes Cup in Stuttgart, while 19-year-old Serb Novak Djokovic rose eight places to a career-high 28th after winning his maiden ATP title in Amersfoort.

The top four in the men's rankings remained the same, led by Wimbledon champion Roger Federer and French Open champ Rafael Nadal.

In the women's rankings, former world number one Serena Williams rose 31 places to 108th after reaching the Cincinnati semi-finals on her comeback after six months out with injury.

Russian Vera Zvonareva, who beat Williams on the way to winning the tournament, leapt 13 places to 37th.

France's Wimbledon champion Amelie Mauresmo remains number one and there were no changes in the women's top 20.

REUTERS AY PC1641