Roddick moves to the fourth round of BNP Paribas Open
World number 8 Andy Roddick of USA ousted his compatriot, world number 33 John Isner in straight sets 7-5, 6-2 in the third round at the BNP Paribas Open on Tuesday.
In the first set, Roddick and Isner held their serves in the first ten games, leveling the score at 5-5. Roddick broke Isner in the 11th game and served out the set at 6-5.
Roddick hit 6 aces and 69 per cent of the first serves in the opening set. In comparison, Isner delivered 10 aces and 61 per cent of the first serves. Roddick converted the only break point he received in the first set.
After winning the opening set, Roddick never looked back and completely dominated the second set. He broke his opponent in the opening game and then again in the seventh game, taking a 5-2 lead. Roddick held his serve in the eighth
game to win the set 6-2.
The 28-year-old delivered 67 per cent of the first serves, winning 71 per cent of the points on them. On the other hand, his opponent served remarkably well as he fired in 83 per cent of the first serves and won 68 per cent of
the points on them.
Isner could not save both break points he faced in the second set. Roddick did not face any break point. The match lasted for just 1 hour and 7 minutes.
With this win, the former world number 1 improved his win/loss record to 16-2 this year. The American started the season at the Brisbane International, where he lost to Robin Soderling of Sweden in straight sets 3-6, 5-7 in the
final. He was upset by Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland 3-6, 4-6, 4-6 in the fourth round at the Australian Open.
The right handed is drawn to face world number 21 Richard Gasquet of France in the fourth round. The Frenchman cruised past world number 10 Jurgen Melzer of Austria in straight sets 6-1, 6-3 in the third round.
This will be the 5th meeting between Roddick and Gasquet. Roddick leads the French 3-1 in the head-to-head record.
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