US Open 2012: Roddick Versus Del Potro - Preview

Juan Martin Del Potro has the onerous task of facing the crowd darling Andy Roddick in the fourth round on Tuesday, the 4^th September. He could be construed as villain, out to spoil the grand retirement party. He leads the head-to-head meetings 3-1, but it was Roddick who came out on top when they met in the semi-finals of Regions Morgan Keegan Championships at Memphis last year. Roddick will also have advantage of being the underdog.

There is no doubt that Del Potro will be facing a rejuvenated Roddick who would like to put in 150% in what is being perceived as his last match. He will use his strengths to maximum effect and it is the serve department where he scores over Del Potro.  His first strength is the first serve and the second strength is the second serve. He is likely to put in not less than 65% of the first serves and given that Del Potro is not the best returner, aces and unreturnable serves will give him a significant number of free points. Del Potro too will fire quite a few winning serves, since Roddick is not a renowned returner. The pressure of the situation may come in the way of Del Potro aiming to serve a higher percentage of first serves in. It would be an achievement if he manages to put in 60%. Further, any error, forced or unforced, will have the potential to trigger a stage fright, though Del Potro has been through many big stage matches. Nerves can propel an attacking player to pull the trigger prematurely in a rally and commit an unforced error.  If Del Potro were to lose, one has to just see the balance of unforced errors and winners to find out the causes.  

Roddick might come to the net more frequently to probe weakness, if any, on the other side. He might use the slice to deny ball to Del Potro in the hitting zone, as well as to disturb his rhythm. Del Potro will not shun rallies since he is stronger in that department. Del Potro’s main strength is his forehand and the second strength is his first serve. Given the stakes on each side, it may not be a straight sets victory. If the match goes to the fifth set, Roddick will be the fresher mentally and Del Potro, physically. In the tie breaker situation, the player who is more confident of his serve will have a distinct advantage, and that is likely to be Roddick.

Del Potro is fancied to move to the next round, but Roddick is capable of turning in an inspired performance. However, it may require more than an inspiring performance to turn the tables and that would be, a poor performance from his opponent. Del Potro may not be in a mood to oblige.