Andy Roddick outshines Gilles Muller to capture the title - BB&T Atlanta Open 2012
Former world number one, Andy Roddick, battled past the Luxembourgian star, Gilles Muller, in a three-set nail-biter at the BB&T Atlanta Open 2012 on Sunday. He formulated a 1-6, 7-6(2), 6-2 score line against his fellow 29-year-old to conquer this outdoor
hard court tournament taking place in Johns Creek, Georgia.
The American icon re-kindled his spark to crush Muller’s dream of bagging his maiden career title at this ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) World Tour 250 series event. As a result, Roddick not only extended his lead in the head-to-head series by
4-1 against the world number 56 but also claimed his 32nd career title.
“I’ve won 32 times now and every one of them, I’ve never assumed I was going to win again,” said the jubilant American. “I’ve always appreciated it... I go through the process of playing, work hard, and hope that I can put myself in position enough times
to create some success.”
The left-hander from Luxembourg stormed into the Atlantic Station and drew the first blood in the second game to jump to a 3-0 lead before Roddick could hold on. He maintained his intensity and stroke out the last three games successively, subsequently pulling
out the opener with a breadstick.
Currently ranked 22nd in the South African Airways ATP World Tour Rankings, Roddick brought his experience into handy in the following set. He quickly pocketed his entire serves without facing any breakpoint. Apart from squandering four break
opportunities, the American took the set to a tie-breaker. He dominated in it and ultimately clicked the equaliser with a 7-6(2) win.
The American veteran went berserk in the final set which counted the most. After the Luxembourgian held his serve in the opening game, Roddick unleashed his skills and reeled off the following five games in a row, eventually taking a 5-1 lead. He plucked
his serve once again and sealed the decider with a 6-2 success.
Muller on the other end played his best tennis at this event. He dusted away four set points before dragging the second set to a tie-breaker.
“I played very well in the first two sets. At the end of the second set, I got very tight. I felt like I was in a position to win that match. I was too nervous to close it and then Andy started to play better. Maybe I lost the belief in myself to win that
match too quickly.”
The Luxembourgian was appearing at his first title-round appearance since Farmers Classic in Los Angeles in 2005. Despite losing the match, he gained confidence and geared up for his upcoming tournament.
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