American Andy Roddick defeated the Czech Republic’s Tomas Berdych 7-5, 6-4 to win the Sony Ericsson Open on Sunday after an enthralling final.
The former world No.1 captured his 29th career title, and second at Key Biscayne, after two fiercely contested sets.
Roddick was especially delighted to win the crown after losing the Indian Wells final to Croatian Ivan Ljubicic two weeks ago.
PHOTO: REUTERS
“Obviously it’s a big title for me. I felt a little bit of pressure to win this one, because I had a pretty good opportunity in Indian Wells and didn’t come through there,” said Roddick, who also triumphed in Brisbane in January.
“I think just the last month has been real good for me,” he said.
There was nothing to choose between the pair for most of a high quality first set, with Berdych producing some delightful lobs and Roddick unleashing his powerful serve.
But Roddick, who went to high school in South Florida and played many of his early junior tournaments on the Crandon Park courts, broke in the 11th game and then served out the set in style, finishing with a magnificent ace.
The 27-year-old American, who had last won a Masters event in 2006, then grabbed the momentum when he broke Berdych’s first serve of the second set with some blistering forehand strokes.
Once ahead Roddick, roared on by a packed crowd basking in Floridian sunshine, never looked like giving up his advantage, not once offering a break point.
But he faced tenacious opposition throughout from Berdych who had beaten world No. 1 Roger Federer on his way to the final.
There was more to Roddick’s game than his trademark blasting serve as he sliced well and was smart on his feet.
“He was really good today. He was really strong, serving well I was looking to get one chance or maybe one is enough,” Berdych said. “But he held pretty well. I didn’t get a chance during the whole match.”
Roddick agreed.
“I’ve played well on the big moments. Haven’t had an off day mentally. I’ve been able to execute. I’ve been able to have a game plan and execute it regardless of what kind of shots it takes. So it’s all good.” the world No. 8 said.
OUT AGAINST INDONESIA: Taiwan reached the semi-finals at the tournament for the first time by defeating Denmark, with Chou Tien-chen beating Viktor Axelsen Taiwan yesterday crashed out of the Thomas Cup team competition in Chengdu, China, but achieved their best result at the top-tier badminton event by reaching the semi-finals. Indonesia were too good in the semis, winning 3-0 to advance to today’s final against China, who eliminated Malaysia 3-1. In the opening singles of the men’s team clash at the Hi-Tech Zone Sports Center Gymnasium 2, Anthony Ginting defeated Taiwan’s Chou Tien-chen 21-18, 21-19 in 51 minutes, which put a huge hole in Taiwan’s aspirations to perhaps even make the final. In the men’s doubles, Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Ardianto downed Lee Yang and Wang
NO DOUBT: Spurs star Wembanyama was unanimously selected as NBA Rookie of the Year, winning all 99 votes to become the first Frenchman to capture the honor The Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night produced a dominant defensive display to seize a commanding 2-0 lead in their best-of-seven playoff series against the Denver Nuggets with a 106-80 road victory. The third-seeded Timberwolves harassed Denver relentlessly to claim a second straight win over the NBA champions as the series heads back to Minneapolis for Game 3 on Friday. Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards scored 27 points apiece, but the star of the show was Minnesota’s suffocating defensive effort, which knocked Denver out of their stride almost from the tip-off. The Timberwolves finished with 11 steals and 12 blocks, in sharp contrast to
Top-ranked Iga Swiatek on Saturday came through “the most intense and crazy final” she has ever contested to avenge her loss to Aryna Sabalenka in last year’s Madrid Open final with a grueling three hour, 11 minute victory in the Spanish capital. Coming back from 1-3 down in the decider and saving three match points in total, Swiatek claimed a 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (9/7) victory to secure the Madrid Open trophy for the first time. “Well, who is going to say now that women’s tennis is boring, right?” Swiatek said. Swiatek, who picked up the 20th title of her career, and ninth at
Playing soccer and competing for trophies is the best way that many transplanted Hong Kongers and Macanese have found to stay in touch, and to interact with Taiwanese society, said officials at the Taiwan-Hong Kong-Macau Football Friendship Cup, which was held on April 13. Twelve clubs, mostly of players and coaches originally from Hong Kong and Macau, took part in the tournament in New Taipei City. The event is sponsored by the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) and the Taiwan-Hong Kong Economic and Cultural Co-operation Council. Participating teams were from the wider Taipei area, Hsinchu, Taichung, Kaohsiung and other areas. They divided into two