THE SUNDAY TIMES HAS AN ARTICLE JUST ON ANDY RODDICK.
Big Swiss obstacle
With his thunderbolt serves, Andy Roddick has only Roger Federer blocking his quest for first Wimbledon title
LONDON - FOR a man who has an enviable record on grass and possesses all the tools to succeed at Wimbledon, Andy Roddick must be sick of the sight of Roger Federer.
The American got his thunderbolt serve firing in all directions on the lush green lawns as he won his third successive Stella Artois title last weekend.
That win improved his grass-court record to an impressive 26-2 since 2003 and left him eager for a first Wimbledon crown.
'I'm just excited that my preparation's gone well for Wimbledon,' said the world No 4.
'If you're playing good tennis going in, then obviously you help your chances.'
The only man who boasts a better grasscourt record than Roddick since 2003 happens to be two-time defending Wimbledon champion Federer.
Frustratingly for Roddick, both his defeats on grass have been dealt by the Swiss at Wimbledon.
He was given a straight-sets master-class by Federer in the 2003 semi-finals.
Just 12 months later, it appeared that the owner of the world's fastest serve had done his homework when he stepped out for a rematch in the final.
For a set and a half, his frenzied attack put Federer's usually impeccable timing off course.
However, the world No 1's mesmerising skills eventually doused Roddick's fireworks and the American came out second best again.
Roddick believes he learnt an important lesson on that damp English summer's afternoon.
'It's not every day you play your first Wimbledon final,' said the American, who could run into Federer again in the title showdown, if both of them live up to their seedings this year.
He is in the bottom half of the draw, along with fourth seed and French Open champion Rafael Nadal, whom he thinks would be the surprise package.
He said of the Spanish teenager: 'He's made it very clear that you can't underestimate him. One thing about him is he'll compete.'
Roddick opens against Jiri Vanek of the Czech Republic and could then face Croatia's Ivo Karlovic, whom he narrowly beat at Queen's last week.
Having lifted the 2003 US Open title two months after Federer's debut Grand Slam success at Wimbledon, Roddick had been expected to challenge the Swiss for many of the top awards.
But while Federer's bulging trophy cabinet now displays four Grand Slam prizes, Roddick has failed to add any more major silverware to his collection.
After a miserable claycourt season, Roddick will be determined to make up ground at Wimbledon. He will also be looking to end a drought for the US men, who have not won the last six Grand Slams.
'If you're confident, you feel like you can play on anything,' said the 22-year-old Roddick.
'I feel like I'm ready to go and ready to compete.' -- Reuters
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