Home>News Center>Sports
         
 

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."



 
  Today's Top News     Top Sports News
 

Iraq militant group claims beheading US marine

 

   
 

Stress kills workaholic academics at young

 

   
 

Efforts urged to curb floods, drought

 

   
 

China opposes foreign interference in HK

 

   
 

Ministry battles telecom price wars

 

   
 

Sino-US trade relations hit rough patch

 

   
  Sharapova stuns Serena to take title
   
  Euro 2004 stars to be named
   
  Losing Nash ends Dallas' big three era
   
  Soccer overshadows Olympics for Greeks
   
  Mavs sign top pick Harris, Daniels returns
   
  Top tennis players heading to Olympics
   
 
  Go to Another Section  
 
 
  Story Tools  
   
Advertisement