Andy To Face Carlsen

In the second round of the SAP Open, number one seed, Andy Roddick, will take on Denmark’s Kenneth Carlsen. Carlsen reached the second round after recovering from a one set deficit against Lukas Dlouhy from the Czech Republic.

The 33 year old Dane has had a slow start to the year, only getting past the second round in one of his four tournaments. He will likely find it very tough to get past the second round here as he faces a very determined Andy Roddick who is starting to find his form and his fitness again.

Andy has played Carlsen just once before, two years ago on the clay in Houston where he won comfortably in straight sets.

Here are some stats on Carlsen courtesy of the ATP:
Birthdate: 17-Apr-73
Birthplace: Copenhagen, Denmark
Residence: Monte Carlo, Monaco
Height: 6′3′’ (190 cm)
Weight: 194 lbs (88 kg)
Plays: Left-handed
Turned Pro: 1992
Career High INDESIT ATP Ranking - Singles: 41 (6/7/1993)
Career High Stanford ATP Doubles Ranking: 134 (4/5/2004)

There was drama last the weekend when Andy was sick on court in action for the USA Davis Cup team, and many fans feared he would not be fit to play his best tennis in San Jose. But Andy, who came back to win on Sunday, said he is feeling a lot better now. “After last Friday, it’s probably the worst I’ve ever felt after a tennis match, just completely drained. I’ve been pretty fortunate with how the schedule has worked out. I should be good by the time (I play my next match).”

Andy, who played in a bright red shirt in his first round victory over Garcia Lopez, felt good after his first round victory and confirmed he is feeling better with every match. “I feel like I’m on the verge of playing well, but it’s just picking and choosing spots. I’m hitting the ball alright now, it’s just a matter of feeling comfortable with the ins and outs of the points. I feel OK, close to 100%”

Andy takes on Carlsen at 7:00 Pacific Time (10pm Eastern) Wednesday Evening, first on Center Court.

Stay tuned to AR.com for all the latest on Andy in San Jose. Go Andy!