Roddick Strikes Again

By Clay Allen Sports Central Columnist

Andy Roddick refuses to go unnoticed

As if beating world number one Gustavo Kuerten was not enough, Roddick served up a 145 mph rocket during his third round victory on Thursday. The serve was the second fastest in tennis history. Only Greg Rusedski has hit the ball harder.

Kuerten became the fourth current or former world number one to fall to Roddick's powerful serve and devastating forehand this year. Carlos Moya was the third. He lost to Roddick in the second round on Tuesday.

The Tennis Masters Series-Canada in Montreal is the first major hardcourt tournament of the summer season, which culminates in September with the U.S. Open. As Roddick plows through top-ranked opponents, other Americans struggle.

After winning in Los Angeles last week, points leader Andre Agassi fell in the first round to Croatian qualifier Ivan Ljubicic. Pete Sampras withdrew from yet another tournament after aggravating an injury during the finals of Los Angeles against Agassi, increasing rumors that his career is quickly coming to an end. Todd Martin and Jan-Michael Gambill both lost on Thursday in Montreal.

Andy Roddick is the only American left standing as of publication time. Just another reason why A-Rod is the future of American tennis.

Thursday's 7-6 (4), 6-4, 6-2 victory over Kuerten was a gentle reminder.

Roddick looked strong throughout the match. A slight hiccup in the tie-break (the first time all match Roddick lost a point on his first serve) cost the American the first set, but Roddick's relentless pressure eventually wore down the tour's top player.

Roddick rebounded well in the second set and secured an early break. His powerful groundstrokes frustrated Kuerten, who was unable to find an opening throughout the match. Kuerten's unforced errors mounted as Roddick intensified his game. After the match, Kuerten admitted, "He played well. I think he didn't miss too much."

Two quick breaks in the third set secured the victory for Roddick. After the match, Roddick commented on the victory. "It's pretty cool ... I have a great deal of respect for Gustavo. He's still a better player (than me) by far, but I was just fortunate today. It's a big win for me, obviously."

All eyes now turn to Roddick as he refines his hardcourt game in preparation for the U.S. Open. With the newly instituted 32-seed format for Grand Slam tournaments, Roddick (ranked 35), looks to break through for the first time in a major. And as other top Americans struggle to find their form this summer, Roddick looks to be the top hope for the United States.

Roddick next faces Andrei Pavel, who defeated Morocco's Hicham Arazi handily, 6-0, 6-2. With the top three seeds already missing from the draw, A-Rod's chances look promising.