Andy Roddick topples Nicolas Mahut to enter quarters – BB&T Atlanta Open 2012
Former world number one, Andy Roddick, tumbled the French star, Nicolas Mahut, in straight sets at the BB&T Atlanta Open 2012 on Wednesday. He clobbered a 7-6(4), 6-3 victory against the 30-year-old to power into the final eight at this ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) World Tour 250 series event taking place in Johns Creek, Atlanta.
The fourth seed, Roddick, recreated his magic at the Atlantic Station and overpowered the 30-year-old in their sixth meeting. After earning the limelight in one hour and 37 minutes, the American not only avenged his opening round loss at the Roland Garros earlier this circuit but also improved to a 5-1 record in the FedEx ATP Head 2 Head series against the world number 66.
The local icon, Roddick, enthusiastically entered the Georgian hard courts and after drawing the first blood in the fifth game, he took a 4-2 lead. Apart from losing his edge in the eighth game, the American stayed firm and took the set to a tie-breaker. He prevailed in it before carving out the opener with a 7-6(4) success.
Currently ranked 27th in the South African Airways ATP World Tour Rankings, Roddick perfected his game in the following set. He swiped his entire serves without facing any hindrance and got the breakthrough in the eighth game, eventually sealing the set by winning six games to three.
Overall, Roddick withstood 15 aces hit by Mahut and sealed the deal with 73 points. He nudged up a better first serve share of 67 per cent as opposed to his rival’s 60 per cent and impressively marked 38 out of 50 points on it.
The American veteran is looking for his 32nd career title and his second year-to-date title. He conquered the Wimbledon warm-up tournament held in Eastbourne last month.
Up next for Roddick is his compatriot, Michael Russell, who stunned the fifth seed, Kevin Anderson, in three sets to set up this battle. Russell required two hours and 42 minutes to steal the show and advance at this event. He was broken once but cashed in three out of seven break chances to register a 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-4 victory.
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