Roddick and Fish edge to Indian Wells doubles title

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 11:30

Andy Roddick had quite a day at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on Saturday. First up, he pushed world No.1 Rafael Nadal all the way in their semi-final match-up before going down 6-4 7-6(4).

Spirited, but surely disappointing – but the American bounced back with a vengeance that evening, pairing up with long-time tennis pal Mardy Fish to beat Andy Ram and Max Mirnyi in the doubles final.

“I’d like to sit here and talk about my doubles prowess, but Mardy pretty much took over that match” – Roddick

The duo saved three break points in the championship breaker before defeating the doubles specialists 3-6 6-1 14-12 to claim their second title together.

“I’d like to sit here and talk about my doubles prowess, but about one-all in the second set, Mardy pretty much took over that match,” Roddick said.

“In the breaker, I didn’t do much to help us. I double faulted twice, which was ridiculous. I’m just glad he was able to step up and be clutch.”

For Fish, that makes it two doubles titles in two months after winning in Memphis four weeks ago with doubles specialist Mark Knowles.

“We were excited,” Fish said about teaming up with pal Roddick in front of home support. “We were fired up. It was an unbelievable atmosphere. Even those guys I’m sure had fun. It was a great match, 14-12 in the third.”

Mirnyi and Ram had prevented the final being an all-American affair by defeating the world No.1 doubles team of Bob and Mike Bryan 6-2, 6-4 in Friday’s semi-final.

Fish celebrated victory in style, jumping on Roddick’s back after clinching the third-set match tiebreak at the second attempt after saving three match points themselves.

“Well, it was only fair,” Roddick said. “He carried me for three sets. I only had to carry him for about five seconds.”

In the ladies’ doubles, Victoria Azarenka and Vera Zvonareva got back on the same side of the net to clinch the title with a 6-4 3-6 10-5 victory over Shahar Peer and Gisela Dulko.

The newly-crowned champions faced each other a day earlier in the semi-finals, with Zvonareva prevailing 6-3 6-3 to set up a final with defending champion Ana Ivanovic.

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