Roddick attempts to capture third title in four

Andy Roddick’s attempt to capture his third title in four tournaments carried him to the quarter-finals of the Masters Series with a straight sets win over his Davis Cup colleague James Blake.

The 21-year-old American, the champion in Indianapolis and in Montreal over the past three weeks, showed why he has become the bookmakers’ favourite to triumph again during his 7-6 6-2 win.

Roddick was under pressure throughout much of the first set from Blake’s fierce attack, frequently with forehand drives to the backhand, occasionally with net attacks, and weathered them until the moment was right to strike.

Roddick once had to save three break points on his serve and twice in other games he was taken to deuce.

By contrast Blake won the eighth game with three successive aces and a service winner and hit two aces while winning the 10th game.

However all games went with serve and when it came to the tie-break Roddick proved more effective. He produced a low backhand return of serve which elicited a volleying error and got a second mini-break when Blake double-faulted.

“I tried to force myself on him and it worked well for a set,” said Blake. “But he has more experience of these tight situations than I have.”