Roddick Knocks The Fizz Out Of Popp

Andy Roddick is through to the quarterfinals of Wimbledon, with a straight sets victory over Germany’s, Alexander Popp, 7-5, 6-4, 6-4.

Andy took a tightly fought first set 7-5, and both players continued their battle in the second set. At 5-4, Andy upped the pressure on Popp, and had several break points. He was unable to convert on the first ones, due to some gutsy serving by Popp, but finally, Andy made a good return and drew Popp to the net, forcing him to make the error on the volley.

The third and final set, was a set of breaks! Andy got off to a great start breaking Popp at 2-1, as Popp made yet another error at the net. At 3-1 though, Andy was immediately broken back, with a couple of forehand errors, to bring the score back to 3-2.

Andy broke the Popp serve again though at 3-2. Popp went 40-15 up, but a double fault, followed by a forehand error brought it back to deuce. The two players engaged in a long rally, which ended in Popp hitting a backhand wide to set Andy up with break point. Another backhand out by Popp gave Andy the game and a 4-2 lead.

Despite Andy holding for 5-3, it still wasn”t plain sailing for the American. Andy’s serve which had been so sharp all match, was dropping in percentage slightly as Andy came to serve for the match. A backhand out and two forehand errors saw Andy go down 15-40. Andy could not hold on and a backhand error gave Popp a life-line at 5-4.

Andy’s return of Popp’s serve which had been consistent throughout the match, was once again strong in the final game of the match. Like so many of the Popp service games, there were several deuces, and a couple of match points for Andy. On his fourth match point, Andy did not disappoint, and finished in style with a forehand pass down the line.

Andy threw his arms into the air and took his cap off to salute the crowd.

In the quarter-finals Andy will face Sjeng Schalken.