Roddick Wins 2003 US Open Men's Singles Championship
by Jason Brown
Sunday, September 7, 2003
American Andy Roddick won the 2003 US Open Men's Singles Championship on Sunday, Sept. 7, at the USTA National Tennis Center, defeating Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain in straight sets, 6-3, 7-5 (2), 6-3, to capture his first career Grand Slam singles title.
Ferrero double-faulted on break point, down 4-3 in the third set, to give Roddick a chance to serve out for the championship.
Belting three blistering serves, including a screamer down the tee on match point, Roddick fell to the floor in shock.
"I don't believe it, I don't believe it," mouthed a disbelieving Roddick.
Converting on two of five break point opportunities was the difference in an otherwise close match. Ferrero was unable to break Roddick's serve the entire match.
Roddick joins Pete Sampras in 2002 as consecutive US Open American men's champions, the third in the past five years.
The 21-year-old also became the eighth successive different Grand Slam men's champion, joining Thomas Johansson, Albert Costa, Roger Federer and Ferrero as recent first-time champions.
Roddick took home a record prize check in the amount of $1 million, but his most prized new possession was the men's trophy.
Clutching the silverware, Roddick hoisted the first of many US Open trophies to come.
Ange
2:00 pm
