Sporting Life: A-Rod takes the honours

Andy Roddick admitted he had a tough time retaining focus to overcome old friend Justin Gimelstob on Court One at Wimbledon.

The number three seed eventually recorded a 6-1 7-5 7-6 (7-3) victory following a rain delay of almost two hours at the All England Club.

Gimelstob - who had missed the end of last season and the opening few months of 2007 after recovering from major back surgery - was happy to play to the crowd as he pushed his fellow American in the final two sets, one of which included an epic game of 10 deuces.

The 30-year-old produced a number of trademark acrobatic dives, and also recorded the first Hawk-eye challenge at Wimbledon following the new rules at this year’s tournament.

In the end, though, Roddick - who won the Artois Championship at Queen’s earlier this month - kept his cool to secure safe passage into the second round.

“I have known Justin a long time,” said Roddick.

“He used to play doubles with my brother in juniors.

“As Justin will, he was playing to the crowd a little bit today, doing all that stuff, even kind of talking on switch overs.

“I was trying as hard as I can, because I think he is hilarious, right or wrong with his opinions.

“I was trying to keep it together and kind of focus in.

“He makes that a little tough for you sometimes.”

Roddick added: “It was a weird match because I felt like the best set I played was the toughest one.

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