Andy Roddick: Wimbledon 2012 Bid Continues for the American

A RETURN TO FORM

Three-time former finalist Andy Roddick goes into what promises to be his last Wimbledon, with a good chance of making it through to the second week.

The former world No.1 has finally found some form. After losing in the first round of both Roland Garros and Queen’s Club, Roddick entered Wimbledon fresh from winning the grass court event at Eastbourne..

EARLY ROUNDS

The Wimbledon draw was kind to A-Rod who last made the final in 2009, where he lost an epic encounter 16:14 in the final set to Roger Federer.

Seeded No.30, Roddick beat British wild card entrant and world No.186 Jamie Baker in the first round, and Germany’s No.88 ranked Bjorn Phau in the second, without dropping a set.

Tough Third Round Opponent

Next up in the third round for A-Rod is the No.7 seed David Ferrer.

World No.5 Ferrer is no push over on grass. Whilst Roddick was winning his first title at Eastbourne, Ferrer completed his Wimbledon preparation by winning his second career title on the grass at Hertogenbosch in the Nederlands.

In the third round of Wimbledon 2011, Roddick lost in straight sets to Feliciano Lopez, whereas Ferrer made it one round further losing to Tsonga in straights.

The formbook states that Ferrer, having won their last two meetings, should be the favourite. But this is Wimbledon, and possibly Roddick’s last year at the Championships—so my money goes A-Rod’s way.

Into the Second Week

SECOND WEEK

If he makes it through the first week, Roddick’s fourth round opponent will be the winner of Juan Martin del Potro or Kei Nishikori.

Once again, providing he makes it this far, I would expect him to go through to the quarterfinals and play the winner of probably the draw’s toughest section.

Britain’s great hope Andy Murray’s part of the draw still includes Marin Cilic and Sam Querrey.

The Scotsman who entered the tournament carrying a back injury, played well in his first two matches, coming though against Nikolay Davydenko and then Ivo Karlovic.

He faces Marcus Baghdatis in the third round, a match he will be expected to win. But his fourth round match against either Cilic or Querrey will be a true test.

If Roddick makes it to the last eight, it really will be all to play for, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him go through. 

A Match Too Far

SEMIFINALS

It’s stretching it to say that 29-year-old A-Rod could make it to a fourth Wimbledon final. 

Anyone with an interest in the chronicles of Andy Roddick recognizes the huge contribution he’s made to American tennis. However, all good things come to an end one day and time stands still for no man.

But write Andy Roddick off at your peril. The winner of 31 career ATP titles and over $20 million may just have the last laugh before riding off into the Wimbledon sunset with Brooklyn by his side.