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Roddick powers past Gulbis in Paris


 

Originally published on: 11/11/10 12:54

Andy Roddick powered past Ernest Gulbis 6-3 7-6(8) to advance to the quarter-finals and consolidate his bid for a place at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London.

Moving to 3,665 points, the American victory also ends Jurgen Melzer’s hopes of competing in his first year-end championships.

Only Fernando Verdasco can deny Roddick a place amongst the top eight for an eighth successive year, and the Spaniard faces a tricky task against Gael Monfils later today.

But the American refuses to just sit and wait for the others around him to slip up.

“I think the last thing you want to do is be in that position where you’re at home cheering against somebody hoping that something bad happens to them,” said Roddick after defeating Jarkko Neiminen in his opening encounter in Paris.

“You’d like to win it, do it on your own terms, and that’s something that I’d certainly like to do.”

Roddick, who has had a difficult season after a bout of mononucleosis this summer, has picked up titles in Maimi and Brisbane this year and looks to be peaking nicely as the big serving American exploits the rapid indoor courts in Paris.

“The courts are fast and a lot out of what happens is out of your hands. There should be some fast courts in tennis – and I’m having fun playing on it,” admitted Roddick, who has fired down 21 aces in his first two matches.

Luckily the conditions suit the 28-year-old’s style and unlike his main contender for a spot in London, Verdasco, Roddick is a fan of the courts.

“It’s significantly quicker than the US Open,” said Roddick. “It’s good. It’s a different type of tennis. You get rewarded for chipping a ball around. I think it’s good to kind of showcase a bit of difference every once in a while.

“Sure, it’s easier to try and serve and volley on this court. They have less time to return. If you actually stick a volley you get rewarded. The fact that everything else has slowed down has a lot to do with the fact that you don’t see a lot of serve and volley anymore.”

Roddick now faces either Stanislas Warwinka or No.5 seed Robin Soderling for a place in the final four.

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.