Roddick cruises through at Queen's
Roddick is seeded number two at Queen's
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England under-21s opened their European Championship campaign with a 0-0 draw against the Czech Republic after  |
Tuesday, 12, Jun 2007 10:41
Andy Roddick made steady progress to the Stella Championships third round with a 6-4 6-4 win over Radek Stepanek.
The big-serving American was in imposing form and quickly forced his Czech opponent on to the back foot with a series of thumping aces.
After passing up several chances to break in the deciding set, Roddick finally landed a decisive blow by taking the ninth game against serve.
The world number five will now face the winner of the all-British clash between Jamie Baker and Alex Bogdanovic.
The 24-year-old will be hoping to improve upon his last Grand Slam performance where he dropped out of the French Open in the first round.
But he is hopeful that, with Jimmy Connors in his corner, this year's Wimbledon may see him finally follow up his solitary Grand Slam victory at the 2003 US Open.
"You can't really explain what it's like having Jimmy Connors as coach," Roddick said after his win.
"He understands the pressures of playing in Grand Slams finals. Anything I've been though he's been through before - and then some."
While Roddick warms up in impressive style for the grass-court season, Paradorn Srichaphan's campaign has been brought to a premature end.
The Thai right-hander has sustained a wrist injury that will not recover in time for Wimbledon's June 23rd start.