Andy Roddick is hoping a third straight win at the Kooyong Classic will prove to be the perfect warm-up for Australian Open glory.
American looking for Grand Slam glory Down Under
Andy Roddick is hoping winning the Kooyong Classic for a third straight year will put him in prime form for next week's Australian Open.
The American defeated Marcos Baghdatis 7-5 6-3 in Saturday's final to continue his dominance of the exhibition event in Melbourne.
His hat-trick of successes equals the achievement of compatriot Michael Chang, who was victoruous in the tournament from 1995 to 1997.
Having not dropped a set all week, A-Rod admits he couldn't be better prepared ahead of the first Grand Slam event of the season.
Great week
"It's been a great week," he said after his 76-minute win over Cypriot Baghdatis.
"I hope the form I showed this week will be indicative of how I play next week.
"Winning here means I'm well prepared for the Aussie Open. Winning shows you what you've accomplished and that you're ready to go."
The world number six - who was beaten in the semi-finals of last year's Australian Open by eventual winner Roger Federer - also confirmed that coach Jimmy Connors would be working with him next week.
Face time
"Jimmy will stay for the Open," he confirmed.
"We've not gotten a lot of face time since I had some injuries in the autumn and then focused on the Davis Cup, spending a lot of time with the team."
Roddick will face a qualifier in the opening round of the Australian Open, which starts on Monday.
