Andy Breezes Past Berrer

Under the lights of Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday evening in Melbourne, Andy enjoyed a comfortable 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 victory over Germany’s Michael Berrer to book his spot in the third round of the Australian Open.Andy, who has now won five straight matches at the beginning of the year, was once again looking in sharp form, capitalising on Berrer’s early nerves to break and lead 2-1.

A second break of serve at the end of the first set gave Andy a commanding 6-2 lead, Berrer succumbing to the pressure Andy was putting on his serve and double faulting on Andy’s second set point.

The World No. 54 did settle down more in the second set, but still struggled to deal with Andy’s variety and strong play. Andy’s level rose accordingly, passing Berrer on his many trips to the net and another double fault from Berrer gave Andy a break of serve to lead 3-2.

Andy broke again at 4-2 with another decisive passing shot to lead 5-2, and a comfortable service game, including a successful foray to the net of his own, saw Andy wrap up the second set having hit 20 winners to just eight unforced errors throughout the match.

The third set saw Berrer battle hard and produce some of his best tennis to challenge Andy to raise the bar ever higher. The crowd gasped as Berrer was able to break and lead 3-0 after a loose game from Andy at the beginning of the set.

However, Andy was quick to stem the flow and after holding serve easily for 3-1, he then forced the errors from Berrer to get back on level terms.

Andy continued to chip away at Berrer, keen to capitalise on his momentum and secure the key break of serve, which he did so after four break points at 3-3, finally converting as Berrer hit a horror smash into the top of the net.

The match was played out in good humour, with Team Roddick and Jimmy Connors delighted at the way Andy had attacked the match and kept Berrer at bay.

Andy closed out the victory serving at 5-4, having missed four match point opportunities in Berrer’s previous service game. He made no such mistake on his own serve and a big forehand into the corner forced the error from Berrer and gave Andy a place in the third round to face another German, Philipp Kohlschreiber.

Stay tuned to andyroddick.com for match reaction.

Well done, Andy!