Andre Agassi became the fourth man over 35 and the first in 14 years to make the U.S. Open quarterfinals Monday, outlasting Xavier Malisse 6-3, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 4-6, 6-2. Two points from a straight-sets win, Agassi couldn't find answers when Malisse cranked up the intensity and evened the match.
"I was a bit discouraged there in the fourth. As hard as I was wanting to try, there's not a lot you can do when you're just not getting into the points," Agassi said. "Physically, I felt great. I just needed a chance. I didn't get that until the fifth.
"I was going to make him earn it," Agassi added. "He was going to have to play another great set."

　　文中的crank up意思是to increase, improve or develop (something)，即"增加；加快；改善"。如：They cranked up the pressure on the company with ads in the press.（他们在报刊上大做广告，给这家公司施加压力。）