ATP & WTA Weekend Tennis Wrap-Up
Andy Roddick and Maria Sharapova Ready for Roger’s Cup and US Open
Maria Sharapova's powerful ground game, and Andy Roddick's serve and Jimmy-Connors-constructed game prevail in San Diego's Acura Classic and Washington, DC's Legg Mason.
Top seeds Andy Roddick and Maria Sharapova looked sharp this week at the Legg Mason in Washington, DC and the Acura Classic in San Diego respectively. Roddick took the final over the newest American sensation, John Isner, the 6’ 9” rookie out of University of Georgia in straight sets (6-4, 7-6), and Sharapova took care of Patty Schnyder in three, 6-2, 3-6, 6-0, to win her first event of the year.
Isner the Story at Legg Mason
Roddick beating a rookie playing his second tournament on the ATP Tour is no news, but Isner’s winning five three-set matches, against players the likes of No.2 seed Tommy Haas and No.8 seed Benjamin Becker, to reach the final in only his second tour event was. With a serve almost as big as Roddick’s, Isner lost his serve only once in the match, but that was enough of an opening for Roddick, who was not broken at all.
Connors' Influence Showing in Roddick
Roddick’s forehand looked as good as it has in some time. It was consistent, deep, and had penetrating power when needed. His backhand was as solid as usual, making very few winners but few unforced errors as well. Reliance on the serve remains his M.O., but Jimmy Connors’ influence is evident. Roddick appears to be more patient, is standing closer to the baseline during rallies, and playing more strategically than the B.C. (before Connors) era.
Sharapova Dominant after 2nd-Set Stumble
Sharapova looked sharp early against Schnyder, but her forehand and serve broke down in the second set, allowing Schnyder to snatch the momentum with two service breaks in the set. Sharapova appeared winded at times in the second set, as Schnyder’s groundstroke variety moved her around the court.
The third set was vintage Sharapova and Schnyder appeared helpless in the third set. Sharapova dictated points with blistering groundstrokes at which even the fleet-footed Schnyder could only wave as they blew by. Sharapova’s dogged determination allowed her to fight off a multitude of break points and to break Schnyder repeatedly after long service games. Say what you will about Sharapova, but she’s no Kournikova. She comes to play!
Coaching Cures Sharapova's 2nd-Set woes
It’s fortunate for Sharapova’s opponents that coaching won’t be allowed at the US Open, the year's final Grand Slam, because there is little doubt that Michael Joyce’s instructions prior to the start of the third set influenced Sharapova’s play. Schnyder’s coach and husband, Rainer Hofmann, offered instructions, but they were useless against Sharapova’s superior firepower.
Roddick & Sharapova Ready for Hard Courts
Given their performances thus far in the hard court season, Roddick with a semis appearance and title in his two outings and Sharapova with a title in her first outing, they are both poised for good runs on the hard courts of Roger’s Cup in Montreal and the US Open in New York.
