Defending Champ Survives Dancevic Test

Andy Roddick came through a tough second round match at the Stella Artois Championships, eventually defeating Canadian Frank Dancevic 2-6, 6-4, 6-3.

The match was predominantly played from the baseline, yet it was Dancevic who took an early 3-0 lead. Despite some strong serving from the American, Roddick was unable to make inroads on Dancevic’s serve. At 5-2, Dancevic, who had returned wonderfully in the first set, put in some more solid work, and a return that landed on the line gave the Canadian a one set lead.

Andy significantly upped the aggression in the second set. Watched by Coach John, Trainer Doug, and British player Ian Flanagan, Andy secured an early break. Pumping himself up, Andy thumped a smash into the stands to take a 3-1 lead. Andy worked hard for a second break but the strong serving of Dancevic prevailed. Serving for the set at 5-4, Andy’s serving was impeccable and another huge serve calmed the nerves of all Roddick fans, as Andy levelled the match at one set all.

The final set went with serve until 3-3, when a forehand passing shot winner from the three times Stella Artois winner, found it’s way through the Dancevic defences to take a 4-3 lead. Andy’s intensity increased at 5-3, and he found himself with three match points at 0-40. Dancevic fought back, but a forehand down the line winner by Andy opened up a fourth match point. Roddick did not miss this one, as he pressured the Canadian into a forehand error.

After the match, a relaxed Andy commented that he feels OK. Andy suggested that in the first set, Dancevic “played unbelievable.” Andy confided that the key to the match was that he “made first serve returns, made him play.”

“The beginning of the second set was crucial,” Andy said, “I was glad to get the early break.”

Asked about the World Cup, Andy voiced his disappointment with the USA’s first loss, but said his fall back team was England…unless they played the USA!

Stay tuned to more from Queens!