Roddick loses to Cilic in quarter-final

Andy Roddick vs. Fernando Gonzalez

Roddick survives in five

Seventh seed Andy Roddick has outlasted a strong challenge from Fernando Gonzalez to book a quarter-final clash with Croatia’s Marin Cilic.

The American came from two sets to one down to win the fourth-round match 6-3 3-6 4-6 7-5 6-2 in three hours and 25 minutes at Rod Laver Arena on Sunday night.

Gonzalez looked to be in control of the match early in the fourth set, and created a break point chance in the third game. However, Roddick managed to hold the service game, and as the set continued the Chilean tired significantly, and the American never looked back.

Roddick’s service game was incredibly consistent throughout the match, as he delivered a remarkable 32 aces and no double faults. Gonzalez on the other hand hit 83 winners, but produced 49 unforced errors to Roddick’s 17.

Early aces from the world No. 7 saw him looking the stronger player in the first set, and though Gonzalez hit some superb winners, a costly double fault in the sixth game helped the American break serve to 4-2 – a lead which he consolidated to take the set 6-3.

Gonzalez struck back hard in the second set as he made 17 winners to Roddick’s 10. He eventually broke the American’s serve in an epic 30-shot rally at the end of the sixth game to take a 4-2 lead. Assisted by vocal support from a large Chilean contingent at the Rod Laver Arena, he took the set 6-3.

In the third set, 11th-seeded Gonzalez only improved as Roddick’s frustration grew. The Chilean looked to have an edge over the American, and took the set 6-4, blasting an impressive 23 winners, many of which came from his preferred forehand.

Roddick’s crucial hold early in the fourth set would be the turning point in the match. Having saved the break points in that game, he challenged Gonzalez’s serve at 5-4, but the Chilean managed to save four set points.

Two games later, it was a different story, as Roddick came from 0-40 down to take the game and the set. The set point came in dramatic circumstances as Roddick challenged a line judge that had called a forehand winner out. The challenge showed the ball was in, and Roddick took the set and plenty of momentum into the decider.

Roddick broke early in the fifth, and as the Chilean’s fatigue continued to affect his game, the American controlled the set and claimed it 6-2.

The victory was Roddick’s ninth in 12 meetings with Gonzalez, though it marked the first time the pair had reached five sets.

After the match, Roddick admitted he was fortunate to go through.

“I was lucky to get out of that. Sometimes if you fight and stick around you give yourself a shot – and that’s what happened,” he said.

Fast facts

- Roddick served 32 aces, while Gonzalez had 17.

- Gonzalez had nine double faults, while Roddick had none.

- Roddick was 4-for-18 on break point conversion chances, while Gonzalez went 2-for-4.

- Gonzalez had 83 winners to the American’s 68.

Current Match on Rod Laver Arena Rod Laver Arena - Men's Singles - 4th Round Andy Roddick USA (7) 6 3 4 7 6 Fernando Gonzalez CHI (11) 3 6 6 5 2 Match Statistics Serve Statistics

Roddick wins third round match against Lopez

Roddick content after first hit-out

Andy Roddick jumped out of the blocks quickly today before meeting some resistance from Thiemo de Bakker of the Netherlands in their opening round match at Hisense Arena.

The men’s seventh seed eased through in straight sets, prevailing 6-1 6-4 6-4 after de Bakker raised his game in the second and third sets.

Roddick was in complete control early as he pushed his opponent around the court at will, taking the first set 6-1.

In the second, a rain delay held up the match at 2-2 despite it being played at Hisense Arena – which has a roof. Unfortunately for the players, the roof had been left open, causing a 20-minute delay.

The pause in play may have helped world No.80 de Bakker to relax a little as he worked his way into the game following the delay, but Roddick got the required break and took the set 6-4.

It was a similar story in the third set as de Bakker tried hard, but the damage had been done, and the match was Roddick’s in just over two hours.

Roddick saved all seven break points he faced and converted four out of the 15 opportunities that came his way.

“I thought I played the right way,” said Roddick after the match. “I could have executed probably a little bit better at times.

“But overall I thought it was pretty good. You know, first rounds are always a little uncomfortable, especially at a slam. You know, you're kind of built up, you're maybe a little bit over-anxious.”

Roddick moved well throughout the match, chasing down several de Bakker drop shots and giving his repaired knee a good workout. At one point, Roddick tripped over the legs of a linesperson, but no harm was done.

“I didn't see him. He wasn't really trying to do much to get out of the way ... Normally they see a player running full speed, they decide to at least move or catch the player.”

“But, you know, it's a good sign that I can kind of take that. You know, it didn't do too much to me.”

Looking at the post-match statistics, Roddick didn’t win his points in the manner tennis spotters are accustomed to – a bundle of aces backed up by a stack of winners.

De Bakker hit 17 aces to Roddick’s seven, which is surprising considering Roddick is the holder of the fastest serve record and last year was ranked second behind serving giant Ivo Karlovic for total number of aces served.

And while de Bakker hit 43 winners to Roddick’s 25, most of them were undone by the 42 unforced errors that came from the Dutchman’s racquet.

What made the difference was that Roddick won 100 points overall to de Bakker’s 79 and came out with a ‘W’ against his name.

The former world No.1 did what he needed to during the match to get himself into the second round – the victory may not have shown off the devastating power game that Roddick is known for, but was perhaps a win from a player who has realised there is more than one way to get the job done.

Roddick’s next job will come in the second round against the winner between Brazilian Thomaz Bellucci and Russian Teimuraz Gabashvili.

Caption! Andy Roddick "adjusting" his balls

Here's Andy Roddick's speed lessons on how to scratch your balls in case of an emergency (which seems to happen quite frequently for him lol):

Andy's ball scratching and adjustments don't get as much attention as Rafa's ass picking, so I'm hoping to change that ;) Btw, how hot is Andy looking right now?!

Original pics below plus 3 larger pics for a close up view of his itch.





Photos taken during a training session in Key Biscayne in preparation for the 2009 Sony Ericsson Open.

Shane Warne and Brooklyn Decker in Roddick's box

Retired cricketer Shane Warne was spotted in Andy Roddick's box today during his straight sets win over Robredo. Andy's bikini model girlfriend Brooklyn Decker was also there to support him.

Roddick will face the winner of tonight's match between Djokovic and Baghdatis!

Enlargeable snaps of Shane Warne and Brooklyn below.

Photos: Andy Roddick wins Memphis

Andy Roddick defeated Radek Stepanek 7-5, 7-5, in the final of the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships in Memphis - an ATP 500 series event.

This is Roddick's first title of the 2009 season and his 27th title overall.

Click here for the match report, or continue reading this post for the photos.







via Reuters Pictures