Roddick hails USA spirit
Monday, 03 Dec 2007 23:48
Andy Roddick played a large part in the USA's success
American tennis star Andy Roddick has claimed the 'team spirit' in the camp helped the USA to clinch their historic Davis Cup victory over Russia.
The 25-year-old won his opening rubber of the tie against Mikhail Youzhny and victories for James Blake and the Bryan brothers doubles team in the following matches ensured the United States built an unassailable 3-0 lead.
Roddick, the world number five, was not required on the final day of the tie with the result already decided, so doubles specialist Bob Bryan stepped in but lost in straight sets to Igor Andreev for Russia's only success of the weekend.
But Roddick claimed it was the fact that the team was so fluid that allowed them to achieve what they have.
"To be here and bring the cup back to the States is an amazing feeling. But more important, just to share the journey with these guys, it's just been so much fun," he said.
"For us to have our moment, I feel like we really do deserve it.
"We've been the ultimate team, and it's just been a blast and it's been an honour to be a part of that.”
The 2007 Davis Cup was the United States' first title since 1995, despite frequently being blessed with some of the world's top-ranked players.