Novak Djokovic Defeats Andy Roddick to Advance in 2012 Olympic Games

Serbian sensation Novak Djokovic made quick work of fading American star Andy Roddick to reach the third round at the 2012 Olympic Games.

Any thought that Roddick would have a chance to hang with Djokovic because of the shorter matches was quickly dispelled in the first set. The world's second-ranked player broke serve to take a 4-2 lead and never looked back.

All told, he lost just three games in the entire match, which lasted less than an hour. It was the type of performance fans came to expect from Djokovic during his impressive start to last season. He hasn't been able to replicate it in 2012 but appears to be rounding into form.

The easy victory solidifies Djokovic as one of the tournament's top contenders, along with Roger Federer and Andy Murray. With Rafael Nadal out of the equation due to injury, those three players are clearly a step above the rest right now.

On the flip side, it's a disappointing result for Roddick. He was making just his second appearance in the Olympic Games and was handed a terrible draw. Djokovic is the type of player he usually wouldn't see until at least the middle portion of a major.

Regardless, Roddick doesn't possess the game that allowed him to reach the top spot in the rankings anymore. He had only five aces in the match, and when he's not able to dictate points off his serve, it becomes incredibly difficult for him to win.

The loss comes after expectations were on the rise following his tournament triumph at the BB&T Atlanta Open. He beat fellow American John Isner en route to that title.

He was no match for Djokovic, though. The Serb was hitting winners off both wings—nearly tripling Roddick's total—and still managed to keep his unforced errors remarkably low.

Djokovic will face the winner of Marin Cilic vs. Lleyton Hewitt in his next match.