Respect for Roddick

Seems like my post last night was the kiss of death for Federer with Roddick ending a run of 11 straight defeats to win in 3 (7-6, 4-6, 6-3).

I’m a fully paid up member of the Federer fan club but I’m really pleased for Roddick. I’m sure some will suggest that the result is cheapened by the fact Federer has still not shrugged off his loss of form / fitness / confidence but it is a great result for Roddick.

It’s hard to imagine how tough it must be for Roddick to motivate himself for a game against an opponent who has soundly beaten him so many times before.

But, as I mentioned yesterday, Roddick has never stopped believing. He deserves massive respect and credit for this.

I think credit should also go to Connors. OK, Roddick didn’t win a slam during their time together (but nor did anyone else apart from Roger and Rafa), but Jimmy - as Roddick said himself – instilled both belief and fighting spirit.

Since January Roddick has won 2 tournaments and beaten Federer, Nadal and Djokovic. Disappointing early exits in Melbourne and Indian Wells mean it has not been a perfect start to the year, but Roddick has got his mojo back and shown that on his day he remains a true threat to anyone.

Unfortunately we’re about to enter the clay season, which has never been comfortable time of year for Roddick, but I really hope Roddick can maintain form and momentum and take it into Queens and Wimbledon, and then onto the summer hard court season. Who knows, maybe there's still another slam in him...