Roddick Wins Red Group Opener Over Ljubicic
© Getty Images By Bill Scott
Andy Roddick (audio) made up for lost time after missing the Tennis Masters Cup a year ago due to a back injury, fighting past indoor ace Ivan Ljubicic 6-4, 6-7 (9-11), 6-1 on Sunday to advance in his first Red group match.
The former No. 1 has been receiving a confidence boost from new advisor/coach Jimmy Connors, who has travelled with him to Shanghai.
Watch ATP Masters Cup TV | Groups, Schedule & Results
"It definitely sticks with you when a guy who's won Grand Slam after Grand Slam honestly looks you in the eye and says that he thinks you could really do some special things in this game," said Roddick, who put on a rare serve-and-volley performance to get past Croatia's best.
"That hits home a little bit more than average. It's definitely a big thing."
© Getty Images Roddick is determined to emerge a survivor in the so-called "group of death," headed by impeccable world No. 1 Roger Federer and also including defending champion David Nalbandian.
Ljubicic was playing for the first time since the ATP Masters Series Madrid last month. He has been fighting a virus prior to Shanghai.
But the Croatian who is a strongman on the indoor surfaces, played to his own strengths in a battle lasting for more than two hours.
"We have to give Ivan credit there," said Roddick. "I had break points in the second set and I had a match point or two there. He came up with big serves every time."
But Roddick also inadvertently missed a cue, sitting done at one point in Ljubicic's courtside chair instead of his own during a changeover. He quickly realized his error and moved in time.
"Ivan should have told me to get out of his chair. But I'd been sitting in that chair every day during practice," explained the winner. "It was just a habit to migrate towards it.
"I didn't notice until Ivan sat down next to me and then I figured I should probably go to my own chair. I don't think I've ever done that before."
Exclusive Audio
Federer Beats Nalbandian in Repeat of 2005 Final
Erlich & Ram Surprise Bryan Brothers
Roche, Feder-Bear Read ATP Confidential
Monday Preview: Nadal Ready for Blake Battle
|
