By Bill Scott
August 26th 2008 @ 2:05am
Roddick won’t be the one to write off Roger
Roddick is far from convinced that it’s all over for Roger Federer just because the Swiss has dropped to second seed at the US Open starting on Monday.
While the feats of new number one Rafael Nadal cannot be ignored after the Spanish phenomenon beat Federer for Roland Garros and Wimbledon titles and followed up last weekend by winning Olympic gold, Roddick says don’t count Federer out.
“I think he’s got as good a title shot as anybody,” said the American eighth seed whose only grand slam trophy came at his home event in 2003. “It’s tough to play perfect for five years in a row - he’s only done it four years in a row (atop the ATP rankings).
“He’s created a bit of a monster for himself.”
The American who is now being coached by his Davis Cup captain Patrick McEnroe - his third mentor this season after splitting with Jimmy Connors in February and brother John in recent weeks - said that Federer is judged by super-human standards.
“It’s a tough situation when you’ve made 17 straight semi-finals in slams or whatever it is now, and if you’re not thinking about it, being asked about it every day, is bound to go into your head a little bit.
“But I think one big result and it’s turned right around for him.
I know that almost any player would take his “bad” year (two titles, Olympic doubles gold medal).
“You have to use a little bit of perspective.”
Roddick begin a his campaign after skipping the Beijing Olympics against French veteran Fabrice Santoro, who stands 1-2 in their series. His tactical decision not to go to China paid only modest dividends, with a final in Los Angeles and quarter-final in Washington.
“I probably played average in those two events, but it definitely helped me get back into match shape,” said the player who turns 26 next weekend. “Just playing points in the rhythm of a match, I think that helped.
“Playing my way into shape a little bit after the injuries (neck and shoulder this season) was probably a good move as far as my tennis goes.”
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