Qatar Open Final Preview: Andy vs. Andy

The last time I did a preview of an Andy vs Andy match, the Andy I rooted for didn't win. And it's been the case for more than just a few times now, but I'm still gonna do it anyway.

So Andy R. aka Andy Senior aka Andy Roddick aka the Andy I'm rooting for made it past Gael Monfils, conqueror of Rafael Nadal in the previous round. Monfils's elimination of Nadal made it easier for me to throw my full support behind Andy, because I have the tendency to root for Rafa sometimes.

So Andy made it through in three sets in the battle of big servers (incidentally, Monfils seems to have taken up the Roddick serve, so it was a pretty similar style to watch). His next opponent?

Andy M. aka Andy Junior aka Andy Murray aka the Andy I'll root for against anyone not named Andy or Rafa made my morning by defeating a certain Roger Federer in his own semi, also in three sets. The first set he lost by a close number, the final two he pretty much swept through.

That's twice this year he's beaten Federer already, that's kinda scary to think about, considering the year hasn't actually really begun. So full credit to him (I'm saying this with much held back delight keeping in mind that I have to give an objective report here) and I would suppose he's now the favourite in the final.

But upsets do happen, and I am so crossing my fingers for one. It's been a long while since Roddick last won a title or even made it this far in a tournament that has Rafa and Roger in it, so it'll be great to see him start 2009 on a really positive note. I like his chances because he made it past an in-form Monfils who actually beat Nadal quite comfortably.

But if there's anyone more in-form than the Frenchman on tour right now, it would be Andy the Scot. I would say Roddick needs more than just a very good first serve percentage to beat him now, and while Murray is admittedly more all rounded, you'll never know what's gonna happen.

Since I've got allegiance to Andy Roddick, I'll dare to make a prediction (or please don't say I've cursed it now) and take a victory for the American in three tight sets.

In other news, Rafa hasn't gone home empty handed. He and doubles partner Lopez have clinched the doubles title, beating Nestor and Zimonjic in three sets. Vamos Rafa!