Easter is probably not Andy Roddick’s favourite time of year. It is when the ATP tour leaves behind the US hard courts for the clay of Europe, meaning the American’s battle for silverware and ranking points becomes instantly more difficult.
Roddick might have the second best win percentage on clay by an American (behind Wayne Odensnik), but the slowest surface of all does not suit his serve-orientated game.
He has only once got past the second round of the French Open, on his first appearance, in 2001, and Roddick could be excused for viewing the clay court part of the season as simply the portion that comes before the grass tournaments – he has won four times at Queen’s club and reached two Wimbledon finals.
However, he has this season looked more at home on clay. Roddick found some good hard court form, reaching the Australian Open semi finals and winning at Memphis, but his quarter final effort at the Madrid Open was just as encouraging.
True, his second round opponent Nikolay Davydenko withdrew due to injury, but Roddick showed he can produce some good tennis on the red stuff in taking eventual winner Roger Federer to a final set.
Roddick’s baseline hitting has improved since he teamed up with Larry Stefanki, although he still needs to find a way of staying in rallies. The unforced error count needs to reduce, but Roddick hit some good winners against Federer.
More worrying than Roddick’s discomfort on clay is his head-to-head record with the leading players. He might have the better of his meetings with Novak Djokovic, notably at the Australian Open and Indian Wells, but the Madrid defeat to Federer means he has lost 16 of their 18 meetings. He has also won two of his meetings with Rafael Nadal, from seven clashes overall.
With regards to French Open betting, all this suggests Roddick will struggle to make an impression at Roland Garros. He should view progress into the second week as a notable achievement and look forward to addressing his head-to-head record with the top two on grass – preferably in the Wimbledon final.
Original Story:
http://www.sportsloungeblog.com/2009/...
Roddick might have the second best win percentage on clay by an American (behind Wayne Odensnik), but the slowest surface of all does not suit his serve-orientated game.
He has only once got past the second round of the French Open, on his first appearance, in 2001, and Roddick could be excused for viewing the clay court part of the season as simply the portion that comes before the grass tournaments – he has won four times at Queen’s club and reached two Wimbledon finals.
However, he has this season looked more at home on clay. Roddick found some good hard court form, reaching the Australian Open semi finals and winning at Memphis, but his quarter final effort at the Madrid Open was just as encouraging.
True, his second round opponent Nikolay Davydenko withdrew due to injury, but Roddick showed he can produce some good tennis on the red stuff in taking eventual winner Roger Federer to a final set.
Roddick’s baseline hitting has improved since he teamed up with Larry Stefanki, although he still needs to find a way of staying in rallies. The unforced error count needs to reduce, but Roddick hit some good winners against Federer.
More worrying than Roddick’s discomfort on clay is his head-to-head record with the leading players. He might have the better of his meetings with Novak Djokovic, notably at the Australian Open and Indian Wells, but the Madrid defeat to Federer means he has lost 16 of their 18 meetings. He has also won two of his meetings with Rafael Nadal, from seven clashes overall.
With regards to French Open betting, all this suggests Roddick will struggle to make an impression at Roland Garros. He should view progress into the second week as a notable achievement and look forward to addressing his head-to-head record with the top two on grass – preferably in the Wimbledon final.
Original Story:
http://www.sportsloungeblog.com/2009/...
