Andy Advances in Memphis

Andy aced his 2008 Regions Morgan Keegan Championships debut with a victory over Gilles Muller 6-4, 7-6 (4)

The towering Muller started the match on his serve, and the two stubbornly traded holds throughout the beginning of the set. Andy dominated on his signature shot, winning a 100% of the points on his first serve in the opening games. At 2-2, Andy earned his first break point opportunity. Muller fought him off, but a resilient Roddick battled to earn two more break opportunities and capitalized on the third for 3-2. Andy comfortable held his serve for a 4-2 lead. Muller continued to push, firing 2 aces to hold for 3-4 but the damage was done. Andy’s steady hand served out the first set 6-4, in a little over a half an hour, firing a total of eight aces.

Once again Muller started the set on his serve, and once again the two traded games. Muller fired eight aces in the first three service games alone for 3-2, but Andy’s concentration wasn’t broken as he evened the match at 3-3. In a very competitive and ace heavy second set, the two marched towards a tiebreaker to the delight of the Memphis fans watching Stadium Court. After an hour and ten minutes of play, that is exactly what the fans got in a thrilling second set. Andy demonstrated the in-form play that earned him the SAP Title last week, as he surged to a 5-3 lead in the breaker. At 6-4 he clinched the first match point to advance to the 2nd round, 6-4, 7-6 (4).

Andy will next play compatriot Mardy Fish on Thursday evening. Check back to Ar.com for a match preview and more from Memphis!