Roddick sees off Kunitsyn challenge

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:36

Roddick cruised into a two-set lead against the Russian, but a lapse in concentration allowed his opponent to fight back and win the third.

However, the sixth seed completed the task in the following set to win the match 6-4 6-2 3-6 6-2.

The American admitted he could have pushed more in the third set when the Russian produced some of his best tennis of the afternoon.

“I feel I had him up against it in third set but didn’t take my chances,” said Roddick.

“I could have been a little more aggressive.”

Melzer, who had earlier beaten German Benjamin Becker, will provide Roddick with another tough test as the American duly acknowledged.

“He’s tough and super talented,” added Roddick. “He likes coming forward and so it will be tough.”

It was rarely tough at all for Roddick in the opening two sets against the Vladivostok-born Kunitsyn.

But Roddick, a two-time runner-up, gave his opponent much to think about with his powerful serve and emerged triumphant.