Haas Beats Roddick For Clay Court Title

Abilene Reporter News

HOUSTON- Even Tommy Haas is surprised by how well his comeback from shoulder surgery is going.

Haas beat Andy Roddick 6-3, 6-4 at the U.S. Clay Court Championship on Sunday for his first title in more than two years.

Haas was once ranked as high as No. 2, but he missed all of last season while recovering from the surgery. The German hadn”t been in a final since 2002 and last won a tournament at Stuttgart in October 2001.

He was the steadier player from the start, ending the reigning U.S. Open champion’s 12-match winning streak.

“It means a lot to win my first clay court title but obviously it means a lot more to me to after my injuries to come back and win a title again,” Haas said. “To be honest, I didn”t expect to win a tournament this quick but all you can do is prepare for each tournament and do your best and see what’s possible.”

Roddick dropped to 18-2 at Westside Tennis Club _ he was the runner-up to Andre Agassi in this tournament last year _ and 32-6 overall this season. He was trying for his third title of 2004.

The shoulder feels pretty good which is important, I just hope it keeps up this well,” Haas said.

Haas plans to play Monte Carlo on Tuesday while Roddick headed for his home in Austin, three-hours away. Roddick is expected to skip Monte Carlo to rest up after a heavy playing schedule.

Haas, who started his comeback from rotator cuff surgery in February, improved to 4-0 against Roddick and took a big step toward regaining his status among elite tennis players.

“Personally, I wish he”d go away, because I don’t have a very good record against him,” Roddick said. “But the people seem to love you, so welcome back.”

Haas broke Roddick in the fourth game of the match and rode that to a first-set victory when Roddick’s forehand sailed wide.

Roddick was upset by a line call in the fourth game of the second set when Haas held. He was still complaining after the next game, when Haas broke his serve.

“I saw the mark, but that’s not what the match was about,” Roddick said. “He just played better than I did.”

Mardy Fish and James Blake won the doubles title with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over fellow Americans Rick Leach and Brian MacPhie.