(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
"Brook and I had a lot of talks—if I still thought I could play and at least be toward the top of the game," Roddick told ESPN. "I definitely openly questioned it at that point. Then the rest of the year I was kind of hurt.
"So this offseason, we said, 'You know what, if you're not going to be up there, let's at least not wonder. Let's prepare yourself and give yourself every opportunity.'"
His forehands are hit with more conviction and fluency; his service game is more reliable and consistent, despite the blistering pace of it; and he appears to be adept at adjusting at requisite intervals of the match.
Although Roddick hit four less aces than Murray (25 to 21), for example, his first serve efficiency topped out at an admirable 75 percent.
Considering he was tossed out of Wimbledon in the second round only a year ago, Roddick has the momentum of a projectile to finally enjoy wholesome victory on London grounds.
However, Roger Federer, who is wagering his own war against the current alignment of the record books, has a penchant for subduing Roddick every time both suit up on the same court.
"I don't know how much my great record I have against Roddick would come into play," said Federer, who has only lost two of 20 matches against his fellow finalist.
"I'm not sure. It starts from zero... I've had plenty of time to study his game, to understand his game.
"I've had many different looks against Roddick. I enjoy how he leaves everything out on the court. I can only marvel at how incredible his serve is. I like playing against him, not only just because of the record."
Federer has had the luxury of avoiding a top-10 player so far this tournament, playing wildcard seeds such as Ivo Karlovic and Tommy Haas.
Roddick, to be sure, has dug deep in his matches against both fledgling and fleeting talent alike. This was seen in his five-setter with 2002 Wimbledon champion Lleyton Hewitt, and tonight with a responsive Murray.
He has also ridden the wave of the underdog.
Although Roddick has lost his past three matches with Federer in England—two of which were in the final—the naivety and errant areas of his tennis person are seemingly shed.
Regardless of the result, however, Sunday will still be met by a noteworthy end.
0 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete