Andy Roddick notched only his second career victory over arch-nemesis Roger Federer by winning the Kooyong Classic 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 on Saturday.
The victory in one hour, 20 minutes at the eight-man special event snapped an eight-match losing streak against the Swiss world number one going back to 2003.
Handing Federer his first defeat in 31 matches was the perfect tonic for Roddick, rejuvenated by coach Jimmy Connors, ahead of the Australian Open, which starts on Monday.
”It really needs to be done on a big stage,” Roddick said. ”But that said, it is nice; my game’s going pretty well. I feel good going into the Open. My returns are working well and that will get me some looks at some breaks.”
Roddick struggled throughout against a swirling wind, but held together in the third set, firing over a pair of aces to claim victory after breaking Federer for a 5-3 lead.
Federer, holder of a dozen titles in 2006, had not lost since his shock defeat to Andy Murray at Cincinnati.
Federer still holds a dominating 13-2 record over Roddick and said he had no worries ahead of the season’s first grand slam, where he will play German Bjorn Phau in the first round.
”Andy played very well, he had me worried early on. I could have been out of it very quickly, he had such a good start,” he said. ”But I’m ready for the Australian Open. That’s exactly how I want to feel after this event. I couldn’t win it, but we had some entertaining matches this week.”
Roddick won the first set on a double break, and then could only watch as Federer clawed back to take the second. The third turned on a few shots, with Roddick’s late break the key to success.
”They were hard conditions,” said Federer. ”When the wind is blowing it’s going to be hard to return Andy’s serve. But I’m happy with the way it all came out. Andy got the crucial break for the win. But the match was still good.” — Sapa-AFP