Roddick Hits 16 Aces In Straight-set Win Over Rochus

Andy Roddick always allows himself a little time to adjust to a new court and different surroundings _ and it rarely takes very long.

Roddick rode his powerful serve to a 6-4, 6-2 victory over scrappy Belgian Christophe Rochus in the first round of the Siebel Open on Wednesday night.

“I felt it was just a matter of time until I found my groove,” Roddick said. “I could have served better. I had more double-faults than usual, but that’s just nitpicking.”

Yes, it certainly was.

The top-seeded Roddick pounded 16 aces, the fastest of which was clocked at 143 mph, in his first career meeting against the 109th-ranked Rochus. The match lasted 58 minutes. Roddick double-faulted three times.

“There’s so much intensity in his game,” Rochus said. “Everything goes so fast. He doesn’t let you breathe.”

In the fifth game of the second set, Roddick’s service game went: 143 mph ace, 136 mph first serve, 137 mph first serve, 118 mph ace, 136 mph ace.

Roddick’s girlfriend, actress and singer Mandy Moore, attended the match, yet another girl believes Roddick can do better. The young female fan held up a sign reading, “Don’t Marry Mandy, Pick Me.”

Roddick’s popularity is on the rise, especially after he won the U.S. Open last fall. Some even call him “A-Rod,” the same nickname as star Texas Rangers shortstop Alex Rodriguez.

“I’ll give him the nickname, but I want his contract,” Roddick said, referring to Rodriguez’s $252 million deal. “I’ll change my nickname fast.”

Roddick hit 29 winners to 18 for Rochus. “I’ve played some good players, but like this? No,” Rochus said.