Roddick Magic in LA2008

Roddick started strong, but could not convert his first break point on Nadal’s first service game.  The match proceeded without another break point opportunity until the middle of the second set.

At 3 all in the first set, Roddick hit a volley wide to Nadal’s forehand and stayed put in the center allowing Rafa the opportunity to pass down the line… Andy charged the net again in the very next point and left the same line uncovered as Nadal passed him easily.  Roddick did cover the line on the next point forcing an error on the difficult cross court pass attempt, but Nadal took that break and the first set, 6-4.

Rafael Nadal on Practice Court

Wind whipped up in the second set and Andy’s approach shots started to stray.  Andy was broken at 3 all and for those watching on FSN, Justin Gimelstob stumbled through an interview with actress Kate Walsh that was filled with inappropriate comments  that distracted from great quality tennis as Roddick went through a series of critical break-back opportunities.

Eventually Roddick was able to truely bring the crowd into the match by breaking back when Nadal served at 5-4.  Although Roddick went up a mini break in the tie-breaker, Nadal sealed the victory by winning the tie break 7-4.  Nadal will take on Andy Murray in Sunday’s final and Roddick will be back on the court this evening to play in the doubles final with fellow American, Mardy Fish.  No television coverage for the doubles match.

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