Blake beats Santoro in Paris Masters opener

James Blake of the United States beat French veteran Fabrice Santoro 6-4, 6-3 in the first round of the Paris Masters on Sunday. The 36-year-old Santoro, who is playing in his final season on the ATP tour, swapped jerseys with Blake after the match and did a lap of honor to warm applause from the crowd at Bercy indoor arena. Blake broke Santoro's serve twice in each set, and afterward paid tribute to the Frenchman. "He's a great competitor, such a classy guy.