Roddick Falls to Ferrer

“He is tough, very fast. He won’t give you any points,” Andy noted in a pre-match ESPN chat. Ferrer not only held onto every point he could, he managed to take just enough from Andy to win this quarterfinal match at the Nasdaq-100 Open, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4.

Andy served ten aces, won 78% points on his serve, and even came back from 0-40, break point to win the game. So, what happened? The Spaniard made it to every drop shot, blazing forehand, and overhead slam that Andy made, just edging past the American. The calm and relaxed Andy we have recently seen was a bit too relaxed as Ferrer took an immediate lead in the first set, 4-0. Andy quickly broke and held serve, but the first set was taken shortly after by Ferrer. 6-3.

The second set started with a break each, Andy holding then holding serve the lead for the rest of the set. In this set, Andy caught a pop-up return in his hat, won a challenge, and served his eighth ace to hold the lead at 5-4. Andy meant business with his break point chance, and sent a forehand return cross court for the set, with triple fist pumps from Andy, John, and Doug. The Team was ready for the third set, but one break by Ferrer 3-2 showed the Spaniard showed he was ready too.

With a 3-2 lead, Andy fought back and evened the score at 4-4. Ferrer fired a ball past Andy’s net position to break again, and the forehand that had gained Andy a few too many unforced errors made one last appearance to give the set and the match to Ferrer.

Ferrer got a coach-player conversation warning, and kicked the court clock something fierce. Although he didn’t review the rules before he walked on the court today, he walked off with a warning and a win.

The good sportsman and number one American tennis player will now spend the next week regrouping and getting ready for another quarterfinal, USA vs. Chile in the Davis Cup.

Stay tuned to AR.com for Andy’s press conference, sponsor news, and contest results! Go Andy!