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Roddick ends losing streak at French Open
Andy Roddick finally made it into the French Open's second round Monday, though not before a misunderstanding with opponent Todd Martin over the rules.
At 4-3 in the third set, Roddick hit a shot that Martin returned, then quickly realized had landed out. Martin immediately pointed out the mark to the chair umpire, who ruled in his favor.
That angered Roddick, who thought Martin shouldn't have been allowed to ask for an overrule after hitting the ball. But the rule book does permit what Martin did.
When the players met at the net after Roddick's 7-6 (5), 6-4, 7-5 victory, an animated Martin told Roddick he was bothered by the exchange with the chair umpire.
"I knew he didn't argue the validity or the accuracy of whether the ball was in or out, but I felt like he thought that I bent the rules in order to win that point," Martin said. "It seemed to me he forgot who was on the other side of the net."
The two Americans talked about it in the locker room later, and both said everything was smoothed over.
The second-seeded Roddick, who's battling a stomach virus, was thrilled to move on after two straight first-round losses at Roland Garros.
"It's definitely nice to get a win here and not walk away from this place feeling disappointed after the first day," the U.S. Open champion said. "I'm kind of into the tournament a little bit. Hopefully I can get through another one."
Martin, meanwhile, isn't sure how many more French Opens he has left.
"There's a good chance that's the last time I get to play here," said Martin, at 33 the second-oldest man in the tournament. Andre Agassi, who also lost Monday, is 34.
Asked by a reporter if he'll provide fans with more great matches in the next five years, Martin smiled.
"Five years from now, you're not going to get anything from me. Not one thing," said Martin, twice a runner-up at majors. "Four years, probably not. Three years, doubtful. Two years, don't count on it. One year from now, the jury's still out." |
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