Rafael Nadal overcomes nervy start to beat Andy Roddick in London
Top-ranked Spaniard Rafael Nadal overcame Andy Roddick of the United States in a heated encounter at the ATP World Tour Finals on Monday 22 November, winning in three sets 3–6 7–6 (7–5) 6–4.
"I started the match nervous, without rhythm," said Nadal after being a tie-break away from conceding the match to the American. "Andy is a very aggressive player and it was very difficult. He can rally
from the baseline and from the net, it's very difficult to pass him."
The world number one forced Roddick to hit a volley wide from the net to earn two break points in the opening game, but the American fought back with his trademark serve to claim a narrow hold.
In the second game, the Spaniard hit a double-fault that gave his opponent three break points before another double-fault gifted Roddick his first break of the match.
At 2–0, the American's stellar serving ability made itself known as he hit three aces beyond Nadal to go up 3–0.
The Spaniard, who failed to win a single set during his three matches at last year's ATP Finals, looked to be on his way to another disappointing showing as Roddick held the rest of his service games to
claim the first set.
The pair held their opening service games in the second, but Roddick's direct backhand let him break to a 2–1 lead.
In a stroke of luck for Nadal, it was then the American's turn to hit a double fault as the world number one broke back immediately to level the standings.
The duo then matched each other, holding their remaining service games to 6–6 as it went into a tie break.
Tie break turned the match around
It was then, in the nick of time, that Nadal began to resemble his Grand Slam-winning self, hitting a stunning return before converting an ace and prompting an unforced error to earn three set points and
taking two to claim it.
In the third set, games were level at 2–2 before three mistakes by Roddick led Nadal to his first break as the tide appeared to be turning in the favour of the Spaniard.
Nadal's comfortable serving, a far cry from his mishits during the first half of the match, allowed the top seed to see out the set by holding his serve and winning the first three-setter of this year's
ATP Finals.
"The atmosphere here is fantastic, I'm very happy to win," Nadal said afterwards, glad to have overcome his shaky start to the tournament.
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