Roddick survives scare to edge out qualifier in three-set thriller
Sunday, 30 Mar 2008 11:56
Roddick survived an opening round scare from the Serb qualifier
Andy Roddick had to fight harder than he may have planned to defeat qualifier Viktor Troicki in his opening game at the Sony Ericsson Open.
The US 6th seed edged out the Serbian 5-7, 6-2, 6-4 in his opening game at the championships in Key Biscayne, Florida.
A superb backhand crosscourt passing shot by Roddick in Troicki's service game at 4-5 in the final set the American up for a much-relieved victory.
Meanwhile top-seed Roger Federer eased to victory over France's Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-4 in the second round after the Swiss received a first-round bye.
Federer was pleased with his performance against the serve, reports the Associated Press.
"The times he [Monfis] had break points, many times I served well and stayed aggressive. All in all, I played a very good match.
"I couldn't really chip and charge the way I wanted to do because he's improved his second serve. I played well on the big points," Federer told the news provider.
The Swiss ace will now face Sweden's Robin Soderling in the third round, but Spaniard David Ferrer is out of the competition losing in straight sets to Thomas Johansson.
British number one Andy Murray failed to convert two match points as he lost to Croation Mario Ancic in the second round 6-2 2-6 7-6 (9/7).