Andy Roddick, 2003 champion, wins U.S. Open opener
NEW YORK -- Andy Roddick, who won his only major title at the U.S. Open in 2003 and who turns 30 in two days, eased his way into the second round of the 2012 tournament with a 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 win over former University of Tennessee star Rhyne Williams.
Roddick, who is seeded 20th, served 20 aces in the short match.
Canadian Milos Raonic, seeded 15th, served 30 aces in a much longer match. Raonic beat Santiago Giraldo 6-3, 4-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, in a match that was often sloppy and always intense.
The 21-year-old Raonic had a face that was lobster-red after his long day in the sun. He played without a cap and seemed to need sunscreen.
Roddick hit 140 mph with one serve -- “I haven’t hit 140 in about three years,” he said, “so that was nice.”
He also referenced his upcoming birthday. “All I want for my birthday,” Roddick said, “is to be around next week. After that, we’ll renegotiate.”
The talented Raonic won his first-ever main draw U.S. Open match. He missed the tournament last year with a hip injury and lost to qualifier Carsten Ball in his Grand Slam-level debut here in 2010.
Another untroubled first-round winner Tuesday was fifth-seeded Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who was a quarterfinalist last year.
The Frenchman knocked out Karol Beck 6-3, 6-1, 7-6 (2). Tsonga bowed to the Grandstand Court crowd at the end and earned himself a loud ovation. Sixth-seeded Tomas Berdych was another easy winner Tuesday, moving to the second round with a 7-5, 6-3, 6-3 win over David Goffin.
ALSO:
Cranky Andy Murray wins opening-round match
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