Andy Roddick's Hopes Dashed by Fernando Verdasco at SAP Open

Andy Roddick had the numbers stacked against Fernando Verdasco going in the SAP championship match. He was ranked No. 3 overall for most singles titles, and his record was 9-2 against Verdasco.

But Verdasco was seriously looking to break Roddick's winning streak. It would be the first time since 1964 that a Spaniard (Manuel Santana) had walked away with this title.

In the opening set, it appeared that Roddick may very well be on his way to that fourth title. He played well and was able to hold off counter measures by Verdasco. He pulled out the win, 6-3.

However, in the second and third sets, Verdasco came back strong. He simply outplayed Roddick. He clearly had the upper hand when it came to covering the court offensively and defensively.

He was able to read Roddick well—anticipating his moves and keeping him off balance for the most part when it came to countering his plays.

Now, saying all this does not mean that Roddick did not have some good moments because he did.

But Verdasco was doing what we saw quite frequently at the Australian Open—he coupled his skillful playing with being able to capitalize on his opponent's mistakes.

It was obvious that Roddick was frustrated by how he was missing key plays or making mistakes and how well Verdasco was playing. On several occasions, he vividly displayed his emotions. One such incidence happened in the second set when he threw his racket.

Verdasco came away with the championship after winning the second and third sets, 6-4, 6-4.