Andy Roddick: Impressive First-Round Win at US Open Is Great Sign for Roddick

Andy Roddick has been in a free fall for the last few years due to a combination of injuries and poor performance. He is never going to come close to being the No. 1 ranked player in the world like he was in 2003, but for one day at the U.S. Open he at least looked like his old self. 

In his opening round match against qualifier Rhyne Williams, Roddick had everything that he used to do so well working for him. He used his big serve to overwhelm the young American, and was confident when he got into a back-and-forth rally. 

Roddick has no pretense about what he has been in recent years, or what he is now, as he said immediately after the match (via ESPN.com) that "I just want to be around for next week. That's all I want for my birthday."

It does not sound like a lofty goal for most players, especially the No. 22 ranked player in the world, but given where Roddick has been this year, it would be a huge step forward. 

In the first three Grand Slam events of 2012, Roddick has won a grand total of three matches. He was knocked out in the first round at the French Open, won once at the Australian Open and made it to the third round at Wimbledon. 

One win against a qualifier at the U.S. Open should not be this big of a deal, but Roddick has made it impossible to have faith that he can do anything of significance anymore. We have to look at certain things in a vacuum. 

Just for his confidence, Roddick needed to do exactly what he did on Tuesday at Flushing Meadows. That is not to say he has suddenly figured everything out and will make a run to the semifinals or finals of the U.S. Open. 

What it does mean is that Roddick is no longer the pushover he has been for so long. Given the state of men's tennis in America, Roddick has to shine in order to give the fans hope. He is going to be the sentimental favorite in this event. 

A dominating win gives Roddick confidence that he can take onto the next round, as well as something to build on for the rest of this season and heading into 2013. Small steps make all the difference, and Roddick has clearly taken some in the last few months. 

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