I’ve already written this like 4 times so I’m gonna be quick

Alright, so I know 89% of ESPN is picking Roddick so it shouldn’t be that hard to make a case for him, right?

Well I know all of you Message board regulars enjoy going against the majority as much as I do…

but I think most of the users are choosing Roddick because I mean hey, its only one set right?

So the numbers aren’t exactly in Roddick’s favor on this one…Federer leads the Head-to-Head 15-2 (one being a withdrawal by Roddick, so its only 14-2!) with 6 of those wins being in Major Slams.

Each of Roddicks wins against Fed has been on hard court, and here is where the stats get better.

Fed has an 8-2 record against him on outdoor hard.  But the most recent bought went Roddicks way.

In this tournament Andy has been serving very consistently.

His last 4 matches his first serve percentages are 71, 73, 61, and 71% winning 83, 85, 84, and 87% of those points which he gets his first serve in.

Setting a base of 70% first serves and a mere 80% winning pct on those points he will win at least 11 of 14 points when he gets his first serve in, NOt even including winning any of his second serve points!

In his last match against Federer he made 69% of his first serves, winning 77% of those points.

Federer was 1/3 on break chances against Roddick, the first set going no break and to a tiebreaker (decision Roddick) and second set break to Federer, and with Roddicks ONLY break point of the match coming in the third set, and taking advantage Roddick won that, the third set, and the match.

We all know Roddick has this incredibly powerful serve, and very strong forehand.  But I don’t even believe either of those are his best attribute.  There is NOONE in tennis that works harder than Andy Roddick.  This coming from a guy who has personally seen the way Andy treats oncourt opponents, umpires, ballboys, and fans.  This guy is an ass hole.  But man, does he know how to work his ass off.  The sole reason he won the match against JOKE-o was his work ethic and the great shape he was in.  Djokovic was not able to handle the intense heat and harsh temperature, but Roddick was not phased.

I know that Federer has owned Roddick in the past, but as we all know, the more an underdog plays his opponent, the more he learns and the lesser the advantage is  for the favourite.

Roddick will bring his best tonight, and by God if he gets an opportunity. an opening. Anything.  He will find a way to take it and hopefully take a set or two at least.  There are no two players who respect one another more than Roger and Andy, this ought to be a great match, I will be following and giving input throughout.

Final Score Prediction, with Roger taking it in a very close, hard fought match.

7-6(4), 4-6, 7-5, 6-3

“You’ve got to get to the stage in life where going for it is more important than winning or losing.” -Arthur Ashe

I find that true in life, in tennis, and even in gambling.

-NDChamps