Roddick Into 3rd Round

Andy battled hard to a 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(3) victory over Thailand’s Danai Udomchoke in the second round of The Championships on Wednesday. Andy got off to a fast start in the match against the slightly nervous Udomchoke and was able to capitalise on some errors by the Thai to break and lead 3-1. However Udomchoke began to settle into the match and was especially impressive with his forehand down the line shot, which caused Andy a few problems this afternoon. There was a slight wobble from Andy at 4-2 and he was forced to produce some big serving to deny Udomchoke on the break point. Andy had to fight off another break point when it came to serving out the set, but did so with a fine forehand, Some big serving then saw him secure the set 6-3.

Udomchoke would not go away in the second set though and some big hitting from the back of the court saw the diminutive Thai earn himself three break points at 1-0, but Andy’s world-renowned serve came to his rescue and the danger was averted. At 2-2 Udomchoke finally missed a couple of forehands and some great attacking play from Andy saw him take advantage to break and lead 3-2. The set went with serve from that point and Andy confidently served out the set at 5-4.

Andy carried his momentum through into the third set and was rewarded with an early break as he fired a forehand past the net rushing  Udomchoke. However it wasn’t all plain sailing for Andy afterwards. As his level dropped just a little, he had to fight off three break points at 3-2 ,but couldn’t hold his serve at 4-3 as Udomchoke ripped a backhand winner to level the score.

Once the set went to the tie break Andy held his nerve well and some brave big hitting from the back of the court gave him a mini break advantage, which he duly converted into a third set victory hitting an unreturnable serve on match point.

Andy did not only woo the British public with his impressive play today but also with his charismatic nature. At one point in the first set, when the umpire’s microphone made a ‘rude noise’ Andy was quick to make a joke of it wafting his racquet around his rear end much to the amusement of the Centre Court crowd.

Andy now goes on to face the winner between Spain’s Fernando Verdasco and Andreas Seppi of Italy.

Stay tuned to AR.Com for all the news from Wimbledon.

Go Andy!