Tennis: Hewitt Enjoys Roddick Horror Show

Any Spanish fans who watched Andy Roddick being taken apart by Lleyton Hewitt in the semi-finals of the Masters Cup will be rubbing their hands in anticipation of an overwhelming victory in the final of the Davis Cup, which begins in Seville on Friday week.

Roddick, who had won his three round-robin matches against Tim Henman, Marat Safin and Guillermo Coria, came apart at the seams against Hewitt, losing 6-3, 6-2, and left the stuffing strewn all over the court. It was a horrible performance by the young American, notably at the net where his volleying made him look like a novice.

Of the world's current top four players Roddick has the greatest limitations. Roger Federer is obviously by far the most gifted and complete while Hewitt's and Safin's all-court games are demonstrably superior to the American's. Roddick's enormous serve and forehand are formidable but, if he is drawn into extended rallies, the relative weakness of his two-fisted backhand quickly becomes apparent.

It has improved, and proved an unlikely match-winner against Henman. However, Brad Gilbert, Roddick's coach, made it clear from the moment they teamed up before the Queen's tournament last year that it was essential that the former world No1 junior developed his game at the net.

Roddick's determination should not be underestimated but the mental strain of the attempted transformation from baseline slugger to a player capable of feeling at ease in all areas of the court was all too obvious against Hewitt, whose avowed intention was to make Roddick always play "one extra ball".

In consequence the American lost his rhythm, even on his forehand - so much so that there was speculation that he might be masking an injury from Spanish eyes.

Henman's year came to a tame end when he was overpowered in his final group match by Safin. Henman had made his big effort, and played his best tennis, against Roddick in his opening match here. Once that was lost, there was little left in the tank for Safin, who then lost to Federer in the semi-final. Rain delayed last night's final before reducing it from the best of five sets to the best of three.