Davis Cup: Andy Rises To Challenge

The unforgiving clay surface forced Andy to be very patient. He saved five break points and clinched one to take the first set 6-4 in forty four minutes. Andy won an impressive 92 percent of points on his second serve but Ivo was going for the big shots, hitting 13 winners to Andy’s 7. In the second set, the dirt flew in Minar’s favor. The Czech converted the only break opportunity for either players to even the match at a set a piece. An hour and fifteen minutes into the match, Andy started the third set on his serve. His determination was obvious as he pushed for an early break and held for a dominant 4-1 lead. Andy held steady and after 27 minutes captured the third set 6-2. Andy may be known for his blistering first serve, but in the third set he won 100% of the points on his second serve, not an easy task, especially on clay.

With a 2-1 set lead over Minar, Andy kicked off the fourth set again on his serve. A relentless Roddick immediately overpowered Minar, breaking the Czech in his first service game to take a 2-0 lead. There appeared to be light at the end of the clay tuned as Andy surged to 3-0. Although he was unable to convert two more break opportunities, Andy took the fourth set and the “W” 6-4, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 giving the USA a 1-0 lead against the Czech Republic. Next up, James Blake faces Tomas Berdych.

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