New York ? The rematch was satisfyingly similar for Lleyton Hewitt, and without the controversy.

The defending champion beat James Blake 7-6, 3-6, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in the third round of the U.S. Open on Saturday, exactly one year after Hewitt won another five-set match known as much for the Australian’s comments as his comeback from a 2-1 deficit in sets.

A year ago in the second round, Hewitt was called for two foot faults by the same linesman, then approached the referee.

“Look at him and look at him,” Hewitt said of Blake and the linesman, who are both black. “You tell me what the similarity is. Get him (the linesman) off the court.”

Hewitt offered a written apology and said he and Blake get along well.

The crowd favored Blake on Saturday, but Hewitt said. “I just block it out.” Of the controversy, he said, “I try to block everything out and use my positive energy.”

Monica Seles overcame a second-set swoon and a windy day to advance to the fourth round with a 6-1, 5-7, 6-3 win over qualifier Yoon-Jeong Cho. Then two-time defending champion Venus Williams beat Martina Muller 6-1, 6-2 in 41 minutes.

“My brain went away from the court,” the sixth-seeded Seles said.

Williams will face 14th-seeded Chanda Rubin, who beat No. 21 Lisa Raymond 7-6 (2), 6-4. Williams’ serve topped out at 116 mph.

Martina Hingis beat Amanda Coetzer 6-3, 6-4. Jennifer Capriati followed with a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Meghann Shaughnessy.