Roddick eliminated

[Redferrari350]

Roddick got cooked by Canas this morning. 7-6 6-2

[AndyC]

Yup.. he didn't play well and seemed to lose the plot losing the first set tiebreak. He did get the physio/medic out in the second set and he may be carrying an injury of some sort.

A pity he's out. I'm not a huge Roddick fan but I certainly would like to see him competing at his best against the best as this definitely makes for great viewing. Here's hoping he comes back strongly.

[Ariel]

A-Dick has no chance when it comes to true clay court players. There are certain things that a player has to grow up with, and while he can do well in the US playing the Houston Clay courts, when it comes to the real play, the Europe clay court season, he doesn't have a chance.

That being said, I believe it was wise for him to stay in Austin and miss Montecarlo & Barcelona. BTW, it was nice to see Canas get revenge from Miami, he's now 2-1 with a-dick.

[Roforot]

I'm no Roddick fan, but after the events of the fire, I think he's entitled to a let down. The real event to watch is French Open. I think Roddick's playing smarter now, and hopefully that will show.

[AndyC]

still think he's raw on clay though he's done well on US clay events.. dunno the events of the fire had anything do to with it.. the commentators were talking about tendonitis of some sort.

I think Roddick has a great coach in Gilbert and one who will probably evolve Roddick's game so that it's more complete.. will he ever win the french? maybe.. at least he appears to be taking it more seriously at this stage of his career than Sampras did.

[The Franchise]

So Ariel, by your definition then, does that mean Federer has no chance against the real clay courters either? If so, I agree.

Ha Ha! Good lesson for Roddick on his first day on clay in Europe!

[Metzler]

Will Gilbert get the ax after an early-round exit at the French? It would make as much sense as blaming Tarik for his own shortcomings on clay last year.

[PureCarlosMoyaDrive]

Roddick really just gave up in the second set. I mean, first set was good, 24 winners, 20 errors against a quick guy like Canas. Roddick just can't ball long enough in a rally to stand a huge chance. He loses it mentally, and can't keep the balls going. He'll get R32 at best at the French. Canas was too crafty, and he's only what I would consider a general clay courter really. There are so many argentinians and spaniards like him, Roddick is bound to come across them. Canas is actually better than average though, but still.

[Ariel]

So Ariel, by your definition then, does that mean Federer has no chance against the real clay courters either? If so, I agree.

Federer did grew up playing in clay courts. In Europe, specially Swiss, Austria, Germany and further north, they play in clay in the summer months and indoors during the winter. Does this clarify the issue. BTW, Safin also perfected his game in clay during his teenage years, but even when he claims that clay is his favorite surface, his best results are on hard courts. Is hard to explain but there's a factor on movement, anticipation and hitting the ball when you're sliding that comes naturally in guys like Coria or Ferrero. I've seen Roddick last year at the Houston Clay court and he usually slides AFTER the shot, what actually makes it difficult for him to recover on time for the next shot.

[johnkidd]

I'll cut Roddick some slack for his loss. Canas is playing on his best surface, and the article on ESPN.com stated Roddick lost all his gear including rackets (as did Safin and a couple other players) That had to throw off the whole routine not only playing with new rackets but it also mentioned it threw off or cancled practice sessions. Going through something like that has got to be tough.
FYI Federer lost today as well.

Originally Posted by lutut_itam

Ha Ha! Good lesson for Roddick on his first day on clay in Europe!

I noticed your sig 'HOP, ROGER'.....

With Roger crashing out in the second round, you sure you wanna be gloating over Roddick's loss right now?

Federer out too...

Another upset

[yee]

yes, both crashed out.

Though I must say Roger had every chance of winning the match today and again he showed he can play really well in clay. He was constructing the points well unfortunately mishitting a lot trying to end the points. Played some very good net game also. Can't say the same about Andy match though. However one common thing for both is that, they were both very passive while trailing. Andy was totally out in the 2nd set (btw, the score was 7-6, 6-1 and not 2), didn't seem like he was even interested to play there. Same for Roger while at the end of 3rd set. Very negative attitude.

A big boo for both the world top 2 players.

[PureCarlosMoyaDrive]

Andy didn't lose his gear, Safin and Mirnyi did. There was a picture of Roddick walking out of the hotel with a giant babolat 12 pack bag over his shoulder, I bet it wasn't burnt.....

[don knot]

PCMD, With the injuries sustained by coria and jcf it is looks like this might be moya's last real shot at another rg title. I really hope he can pull it off, but carlos keeps me in stiches watching him play. He can be the best dirt baller in the world on one day, but could easily get roddick in the quarters and lose in 4 it'll be fun to watch!

[VamosRafa]

But, hey, with Roger going out, Andy is in good company. None of you can argue with that.

And with all the injuries on the tour, we are going to see some more interesting results in the coming weeks. Another surprise win at RG, perhaps?

[PureCarlosMoyaDrive]

Aka, Moya comes back to regain the crown? And btw vamos, is that you susan with a new name?

I think Moya can do it if he doesn't face an in-form Coria. He'd beat Roddick, don't worry about that at all.....