Roddick Rolls Russian at Masters Cup
© Getty Images Andy Roddick made an impressive start to his 2007 Tennis Masters Cup campaign Monday and improved his unbeaten record against Nikolay Davydenko to 5-0 with a 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 win over the Russian.
Playing just his second match in almost two months, Roddick had the opportunity to close out the match in straight sets but suffered an inexplicable lapse. The 2003 US Open champion broke Davydenko for a 4-3 lead in the second set but was broken back at love. Roddick was then broken a second consecutive time to drop the set.
But the American, who will likely face a rematch with Davydenko in December's Davis Cup final, broke the Russian for 2-1 in the third set when the Russian netted a backhand volley as he closed the net. Roddick, who fired nine aces, powered home, claiming a second break before closing out the match.
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Roddick has qualified for the Masters Cup for five consecutive years (he withdrew with injury in 2005). He was a semifinalist in his first two outings in 2003 and 2004 on home soil in Houston. Last year he lost in the round-robin stage but did hold a match point against World No. 1 Roger Federer. Roddick is chasing his third title of the year, having won in Washington and Queen's.
Davydenko is making his third straight appearance at the circuit finale. He reached the semifinals in his 2005 debut and fell in round-robin stage last year with 1-2 record. His lone title this year came in Moscow.
Roddick said that he was particulalry happy with his backhand and volleys during the match. "Those shots are something that I try to practice a lot. But I think for the first time this year I've actually had an extended period of time, because of my injuries, to practice. I haven't been healthy enough to play in a tournament. But because I haven't been able to move as much, maybe I've been able to hit backhands standing still and volleys. So maybe that helped a little."
Roddick is accompanied in Shanghai by trainer Doug Spreen and his brother and assistant coach, John, but not coach Jimmy Connors. "Even though Jimmy's not here, I'm sure he's watching on TV. I'll be able to call home and get his thoughts." Sunday: Nadal Battles Past Gasquet in Shanghai Opener
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