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Frustrated Roddick aims to upstage Federer
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-07-04 08:49
Andy Roddick has spent a frustrating fortnight at Wimbledon thanks to the
unpredictable British weather and the American is relieved that the end is
finally in sight.
"It's been pretty stressful but I can see the finish line and that's where my
focus is right now," said the American on Saturday following his 6-4 4-6 7-5 7-5
semi-final victory over unseeded Croatian Mario Ancic.
Roddick had to endure several rain-disruptions during his two-day victory
over Ancic before finally booking his place Sunday's final against champion and
top seed Roger Federer.
"Everything about the match was strange. Playing chunks of it at times in
perfect weather while chunks of it felt like a hurricane," said the American
second seed, who was break point down when rain suspended play midway through
the second set on Friday.
"You almost had every different kind of scenario in that one match."
After losing his first set in this year's championships against Ancic, the
U.S. Open champion will be looking to come out firing from the start against
Federer.
Although the Swiss top seed beat Roddick 7-6 6-3 6-3 in the semi-finals last
year, the 21-year-old feels Sunday's final will be a keenly contested
affair.
"I'm just excited that I get the chance to play for it tomorrow," said
Roddick.
"We've both become better players than since last year. We've both played a
lot of big matches. Whatever I've been through, he's been through as well. We've
kind of shadowed each other
"We do play different types of games. He's more flash, feel and artistry. The
one advantage I have over him is just hitting the crap out of the ball. I'm
going to have to try and play to my strengths."
Roddick will certainly have to use all of his firepower if he is to stop
title favourite Federer from taking his second successive Wimbledon crown.
The Swiss enjoys a 5-1 advantage in their head-to-head meetings and has been
in stupendous form in the run-up to the final.
"The whole thing about pro sports is you want to measure yourself up against
the best and try and be the best," said Roddick. "So there's not much of a
better opportunity than to be able to play in the biggest stage in tennis."
"I'm going to go out there and give it a go."
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