Top seed Andy Roddick booked his place in the second round of the SAP Open, winning 6-0 7-6 against qualifier Michael Ryderstadt.
Top seed remains on course for fourth title
Top seed Andy Roddick booked his place in the second round of the SAP Open in San Jose, winning 6-0 7-6 against qualifier Michael Ryderstadt.
But the American, who is bidding to win the title for a fourth time, admitted it was a difficult encounter after sweeping the first set in just 19 minutes.
The Swede, who later admitted to suffering nerves, found his rhythm in the second set and held his serve to force the tie-break, which Roddick came through 7-3.
"There wasn't a whole lot of rhythm to be had in the match," Roddick said. "He pretty much made up his mind that he was going to take a rip at most shots and he started to go for a bunch of big second serves in the second set.
"I did what I had to do to win. I almost worked my way out of a feel for how he was playing. It was almost backwards. It was tough.
"I got on him early but I wasn't doing a whole lot. And when he stepped up his game it was tough to get in the moment again."
Ryderstadt, who won just five points in the first set, added: "I came through qualifying and the matches were held on a different surface and club.
"Also, it's not everyday a 368th ranked player plays a No.6 ranked player in such a big stadium every week. In the second set, I started to serve better and going for my shots more and it worked better."
Roddick's close friend Mardy Fish also came through a tough opening match, beating Lleyton Hewitt 7-6 6-3.
The fifth seed broke the veteran Aussie in the second game of the second set, and fired his 19th ace as he served out to love to clinch the win.
And there was delight for another American Todd Widom, who came through qualifying before putting out eighth seed Robby Ginepri 3-6 7-6 6-4.
It was the first success in an ATP-ranking event for the 26-year-old since 2006, since when he has overcome eye cancer, two knee surgeries and an elbow injury.
"It feels really good," Widom said. "This was a step in the right direction. I played the big points and tried to take the match to him and succeeded.
"This last year, I thought my career was over because of the various injuries I had suffered."
