I just watched one of the semi-final matches in the Sony Erickson Tournament in Miami, FL between Rafael Nadal and Andy Roddick. Now I don’t intend on this blog being devoted to match results, I think this match had some significance to it. Here’s why.
Nadal one the first set with one break of Roddick. He controlled the set with his forehand, and took advantage of many Roddick second serves, which he immediately went on the offense and dictated the point on both sides, forehand and backhand. This had the same feeling to it as many Roddick matches have in the past. Andy seems to be very close to winning, but loses that one service game where his first serve percentage takes as short dip, and boom, he’s lost the set. Which is what happened in this one.
In the second set, Nadal continued to be the aggressor, but Andy also held serve. Late in the set, Andy became more aggressive, and started to vary his game. He served and volleyed on second serves. He approached the net with backhand slices to Rafa’s backhand. He started to take advantage of Rafa’s second serve, and broke him at love late in the second set to even the match.
At this point, Andy was the believer, and Rafa was starting to doubt a little bit. Early in the third set, Andy broke again with a combination of aggressive returns, some net volleys, good angles, power mixed with slice and spin. He held a couple of tough service games, those he has lost in the past to top level players, and saved a break point or two. At 5-3, Andy broke again for the match.
Members of the press always look for what happened to Rafa angles to write their critique and reviews. I can tell you what happened to Rafa….Andy Roddick happened to Rafa. Andy was immense with his resolve and his strategy. You can see just how much his continued tutorship from Larry Stefanki has helped him. He also executed very well, but when he didn’t make the shot he wanted, he brushed it off and continued to execute his strategy. His variety and aggressiveness is dramatically improved. He has developed an all court game where he can be competitive with anyone, on any surface.
Remember Wimbeldon last summer….5 set loss to Roger? Today’s Andy would have won that match. He has started 2010 fantastically. So far this year, Roddick leads the tour with 25 match wins, and has yet to drop a set (until today to Nadal) at the Sony Ericsson Open as he heads into Sunday's final, his fourth this season. I’m sensing a more confident and improving Andy Roddick, even as he gets older. Believe it or not, he is in his best shape ever. He’s putting in the time and he’s getting results. He is sure smarter, and he hasn’t lost much off that serve either. I personally am looking for a very successful year for Andy. A major championship is certainly possible, even if not probable.
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