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Djokovic, Roddick move on

Last updated: 30th August 2008

Djokovic: Straight sets win

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Serb sees off Kendrick while Roddick survives early scare

Third seed Novak Djokovic eased into the third round of the US Open as he overcame Robert Kendrick in straight sets at Flushing Meadows.

Backed by a partisan home crowd Kendrick made life hard for Djokovic in the first set as he forced a tie-break and narrowly missed out on edging ahead.

However, once Djokovic had got his nose in front he did not look back and closed out the match in clinical fashion, winning 7-6 (10-8) 6-4 6-4 to book a third round clash with Croatian Matin Cilic.

Despite a taped left ankle, Djokovic showed no signs of discomfort from the injury that appeared to bother him in the closing stages of his victory over Arnaud Clement in the previous round.

Indeed, he stated after the match with Kendrick: "It's already history. I didn't feel any discomfort on the movements, especially the quick ones. I decided with my doctor there is no need to have my ankle taped now."

The only discomfort Djokovic felt early on came from the racket of Kendrick as the big-hitting American went for broke at every opportunity.

With the first set having gone to a tie-break, Djokovic appeared in complete control as he opened up a 6-2 lead.

However, he seemed to relax and Kendrick took full advantage as he survived four set points before forcing two of his own.

Djokovic provided some terrific defence when he needed it most to stay in it and then countered to win it 10-8, taking what proved to be a decisive lead.

A single break earned him the second set and when he broke again in the opening game of the third the game was as good as up for Kendrick.

Djokovic was not entirely satisfied with his performance, but was pleased with how he had responded when under pressure.

"When I need to step it up, that's what I do," the Serb styated. "For me it was very important mentally to survive that first set, when I was 6-2 and he came back and had set point and the serve.

"It could go either way. But these tough matches make you stronger mentally so you can use that experience for the future."

Roddick fightback

Former champion Andy Roddick withstood a barrage of early winners from Ernests Gulbis before rallying to secure a 3-6 7-5 6-2 7-5 victory in front of his own fans.

Gulbis produced a near perfect display in the first set as he ripped a succession of breathtaking groundstrokes from all angles to move ahead.

Roddick looked in serious danger of becoming a big-name casualty on his home patch, but turned the tide in the tenth game of the second with a dazzling, running forehand passing shot he curled just inside the line.

Gulbis then put a forehand long to hand the American his first break of the contest and he duly served out to restore parity before ultimately overpowering his rival.

Having raced into a commanding lead early in the third, he maintained his advantage and a single break was sufficient to edge a tight fourth set as he completed a hard-fought 3-6 7-5 6-2 7-5 triumph.

Roddick, the 2003 champion, now faces 31st seed Andreas Seppi of Italy in the third round.