Lopez defeats Roddick in straight sets 7-6 (2) 7-6 (2) 6-4.
Lopez played an amazing match against the number 8 seed. Discounting serve speed, (where he was only slightly behind Roddick) Lopez beat Roddick in every stat. He had more aces, fewer double faults, a higher first serve percentage, a higher winning percent on both serves, more winners, fewer unforced errors, a better percentage of receiving points won, a better break point conversion ratio and a better percentage of points won at net. He also had a 57:7 winners to unforced errors ratio. Lopez hit some amazing passing shots as well as some great forehands and volleys. With that kind of tennis, we could see Lopez into the quarterfinals and possibly into the semifinals. If that possible quarterfinal match between Lopez and Murray happens, I wonder who Judy Murray would be voting for.
Sadly for Roddick, this loss came with a barrage of questions from the media about his possible retirement. Seriously? He's still ranked in the top ten, and he is still fit. It's almost as bad as the question addressed to Rafael Nadal about his decline as a tennis player which was asked after Nadal's victory over Ryan Sweeting. If Roddick can find any consolation though, he can tell himself that he was thoroughly outplayed by a superior player on that day.But Roddick really needs to be more aggressive. He can't be content with pushing forehands and slicing backhands. He can't continue to rely on his first serve. Otherwise, he will continue to lose third round matches at the majors.
Lopez played an amazing match against the number 8 seed. Discounting serve speed, (where he was only slightly behind Roddick) Lopez beat Roddick in every stat. He had more aces, fewer double faults, a higher first serve percentage, a higher winning percent on both serves, more winners, fewer unforced errors, a better percentage of receiving points won, a better break point conversion ratio and a better percentage of points won at net. He also had a 57:7 winners to unforced errors ratio. Lopez hit some amazing passing shots as well as some great forehands and volleys. With that kind of tennis, we could see Lopez into the quarterfinals and possibly into the semifinals. If that possible quarterfinal match between Lopez and Murray happens, I wonder who Judy Murray would be voting for.
Sadly for Roddick, this loss came with a barrage of questions from the media about his possible retirement. Seriously? He's still ranked in the top ten, and he is still fit. It's almost as bad as the question addressed to Rafael Nadal about his decline as a tennis player which was asked after Nadal's victory over Ryan Sweeting. If Roddick can find any consolation though, he can tell himself that he was thoroughly outplayed by a superior player on that day.But Roddick really needs to be more aggressive. He can't be content with pushing forehands and slicing backhands. He can't continue to rely on his first serve. Otherwise, he will continue to lose third round matches at the majors.
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