Roddick bests Serbian Vemic in second round
By Sara Salam
Aug. 7, 2008 9:09 p.m.
The headliner for the Countrywide Classic came out of the gates tonight rearing to go after a brief hiatus from the tennis racket.
No. 1 seed Andy Roddick, the tennis stud who was proclaimed by many as America’s future, defeated Serbian Dusan Vemic handily tonight 6-2, 6-2 before a riveted crowd at the Los Angeles Tennis Center. The match was one of Roddick’s first since his second-round loss at Wimbledon.
"Two and two is always a good night," Roddick said, referring to the tennis rout he dished to his opponent.
Although the score indicated that there was little contest between the two athletes, the match played out some interesting points, reverting often between deuces and game points.
Roddick admitted that there are still a few things he needs to work on in order to perform at his utmost capabilities.
"I need to play a little bit cleaner at times, but that’s to be expected," Roddick said. "I’m going to get a chance to hit a few more balls, hopefully I’ll play a little bit better."
Roddick said that playing under the lights allowed for a little different dynamic, in terms of point predictability.
"It’s tough to judge your opponent at night because you feel like you’re a little uncomfortable, and it’s a little unpredictable," Roddick said. "All of the sudden it’s 6-2, 5-2 and you’re in control, and there’s no real pattern to the points. You’re reacting to what he’s throwing against the wall."
Tomorrow evening Roddick will face Marc Gicquel of France at Straus Stadium. Gicquel defeated Donald Young this afternoon 6-3, 6-3.
DAY MATCHES: Earlier today, No. 7 seed Carlos Moya lost in three sets to American qualifier Amer Delic 6-2, 6-7(5) 7-6(5). No. 3 seed Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina defeated Italian qualifier Andrea Stoppini in straight sets 6-3, 6-3.
In doubles play, Igor Kunitsyn and Marat Safin of Russia defeated Americans James Cerretani and John Isner 7-5, 6-4. Del Potro and Fabio Fognini of Italy beat Feliciano Lopez and Fernando Verdasco of Spain in two tiebreakers 7-6(4), 7-6(2).
For the Legends segment of the tournament, previous Countrywide Classic champion Jim Courier defeated Aaron Krickstein.
