Forgotten Man Roddick Slips Into Third Round
Wimbledon's forgotten man Andy Roddick was barely noticed as he slipped into the third round of the grasscourt championships on Thursday.
The American is one of only three players in the men's draw—along with Roger Federer and Lleyton Hewitt—who knows what it feels like to contest a final at the All England Club.
But that did not mean fans were flocking to Court One to see the sixth seed in action against Russia's Igor Kunitsyn.
Hundreds of seats lay empty in the arena as Roddick tried to improve on his disappointing second-round exit last year.
It was not only the fans who had deserted the 26-year-old, once tipped as the next great hope of American tennis when he won the U.S. Open in 2003.
The stadium has 61 seats assigned to the world's media yet only two were occupied for the majority of the match.
Roddick, though, was not bothered that most people were writing off his chances of breaking the United States's six-year men's grand slam drought since his win at Flushing Meadows.
"This ain't Candy Land. We can't really make fantasy worlds up. You just kind of deal with it and move on," he told reporters.
Those on hand to watch the 2004 and 2005 Wimbledon runner-up were treated to some slam-dunk action as the American bounced Kunitsyn out of the tournament 6-4 6-2 3-6 6-2.
High Jump
Drawing on the skills he learnt as a basketball player at high school, one particular effort in the third set would have made even Michael Jordon proud.
He jumped so high it almost seemed as if he would disappear through the clouds as he ferociously smashed the ball away.
His shot almost beheaded a man in the stands who stood out thanks to his luminous green wig. After his close call with a Roddick missile, the fan decided he was better off blending in with the crowd and quickly removed the colourful hair piece.
While fans were left ducking for cover, as Roddick fired 18 aces, he was ruing his missed opportunities in the third set.
The American had break points in the first, fifth and seventh games and fluffed them all.
Kunitsyn added to Roddick's woes when he broke for a 5-3 lead and sealed the set by wearing down his opponent in an eight-shot rally in the next game.
That effort appeared to take the fight out of Kunitsyn and Roddick dashed through the final set like a man late for a dinner date.
"The set I got broken I had numerous break chances ... I knew I was getting the better of him," Roddick, who next meets Austrian 26th seed Juergen Melzer, told reporters.
"I knew I was getting a lot more looks at his serve than he was at mine. Probably played my best set by far in the fourth."
Hewitt's Perfect Game Sends Del Potro Flying
Juan Martin Del Potro leapt over the net, dived across the court and was often left rooted to the spot as his idol Lleyton Hewitt produced his best tennis in years to cut the lofty fifth seed down to size on Thursday.
The 2002 champion, something of an underdog after slipping down the rankings following hip surgery last year, directed proceedings from the baseline to win 6-3 7-5 7-5 and book his place in the third round at Wimbledon.
"I executed perfectly, hit the ball great, served unbelievable for most of the match. I took it to him right from the start," the former world number one told a news conference.
"I competed as well as I've ever competed ... (it was the best I've played) probably since 2005."
The Australian had expected to face a different Spanish-speaking, bandana-wearing player in this round before holder Rafael Nadal withdrew from the championships injured and the draw was reshuffled.
Hewitt grasped his opportunity with both hands.
His cap may have been back to front but that was the only thing awry as the 28-year-old spent much of his time behind the baseline pelting the Argentine with inch-perfect low shots and forcing him to make mistakes.
Having held serve for 3-2 in the opener after a marathon series of deuces, Hewitt broke in the next game and then sealed the set with an ace.
A cheeky drop shot in the fourth game of the second set had Del Potro charging forward and jumping over the net as if he was competing in the high hurdles.
Drop Shot
After the Australian grabbed the second set with a smash, 20-year-old Del Potro—affectionately cheered on as "Del Boy" or "Juan Man"—was again sent flying by a drop shot as he tumbled sideways after stretching to reach it.
Against the 1.98-metre Del Potro, Hewitt was never going to have much opportunity to use his renowned topspin lob but when he did get the chance he made it count by setting up break point in the first game of the third.
As the sun beamed down on Centre Court and Hewitt turned up the heat with 14 aces, including three in a row, a small yellow-and-green-clad Australian contingent got up and launched into a rendition of "Feelin' hot, hot, hot."
Hewitt had to serve for the match twice after Del Potro broke in the 10th but he made sure second time around when the Argentine's service return went long.
The pair spent longer than is usual shaking hands at the end of the match which was mainly down to the Argentine.
"I said 'congrats'. He's one of my idols. I said 'You are in very good shape again, so I'm happy for you and good luck'," said Del Potro, adding he still had lots to learn on grass.
Hewitt, who said the thought of quitting the sport had been at the back of his mind before he opted for surgery, tipped his admirer as a future grand slam champion. Before that happens, Hewitt could add a third to his name.
"I think if draws open up and the body feels good and I can execute that kind of style of tennis for over five sets, there's no reason why I can't put a bit of pressure on these (top) guys," he said.
