Canadian Press: Roddick wins three-set thriller

Andy Roddick hit a shot not found in any how-to manual Saturday, and it came at a critical time to help him survive a scare in his opening match at the Sony Ericsson Open.The sixth-seeded Roddick beat qualifier Viktor Troicki 5-7, 6-2, 6-4.

With Troicki serving at 4-5 in the final game, Roddick’s creativity helped him win the first point. A rally forced him to the sideline near the net, and when Troicki sliced a volley to the other side, Roddick chased down the ball as it bounced away from him, then spun to yank a backhand crosscourt past the Serbian.

The ball landed on the sideline, but Roddick wasn’t sure the shot was good until the crowd erupted with a standing ovation.

“I didn’t even see it,” he said. “I heard people yell and scream afterward, and I figured that was a good thing. As far as freak show trick shots, that’s up there. You don’t hit shots like that every day.”

Five points later Troicki pushed a backhand wide, and Roddick had his victory.

Top-ranked Roger Federer won with less drama. Still seeking his first tournament title this year, he erased all seven break points he faced and beat Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-4.

“I played well on the big points,” Federer said. “The times he had break points, many times I served well and stayed aggressive. All in all, I think I played a very good match.”

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