Roddick is looking strong, finally!!!
Getting past the surging youngster from France, Richard Gasquet, in straight sets, bodes well for Roddick. He has not lost a set so far.
Now, he is entering unchartered territory. His record against the top ten players has been questionable, of late. Although Roddick has a 6-3 head to head advantage, Ljubicic has gotten the better of him, in two of the last three matches – one in straight sets.
Ljubicic is playing to his ranking. He has one title this year, with a ‘finals’ appearance in Rotterdam, and brings in 14-5 record this year. However, his path to the quarterfinal has not been as smooth, having dropped two sets.
Although, Roddick was the ATP player of the month for February, he is without a title so far, but carries a healthy 14-3 record for the year. Not having dropped a set in the tournament helps.
Roddick seems to have the edge, having spent less time on the court. Considering Ljubicic will be celebrating his 28th birthday in a couple of days, that time on court may become a factor.
This is where Roddick has to prove himself – that he can hold his own and then some, against the top ten player. Win will provide much needed confidence, against the potential semifinal Nadal match-up, against whom he has a 1-1 record.
Should be an interesting and close see-saw battle.
