Fernando Verdasco defeated Andy Roddick 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 to win the SAP Open in San Jose, his first title in the United States and his four career ATP title.
Roddick, ranked No. 7 in the world, was looking to win fourth San Jose title, following his win earlier this year Brisbane and reaching the quarter-finals of the Australian Open.
He started strongly, mixing up his attack to break the Spaniard twice and win the first set. But Roddick failed to carry his domination into the second and after being broken early on he received a code violation for hitting a ball into the stands when he missed a passing shot. He fought off two set points at 5-4 but left-hander Verdasco sealed the second set with an ace. Roddick failed to cope with Verdasco’s powerful first serves in the decider and the Spaniard broke to lead 5-4 after threading a low backhand pass, then served out the match with another ace.
“I served very well and I don’t think Andy served his best,” stated Verdasco, who notched 15 aces to Roddick’s 10. “I tried to be aggressive, change the rhythm and play with confidence.”
Verdasco’s wins ended 15-match losing streak for the Spaniard against top 10-ranked players.
“I know the top-10 guys are tough and last year I was really close in a lot of matches,” said Verdasco. “But of course this win will give me a lot of confidence. Beating Andy in his country, it’s special.”
Deadpanned Roddick when asked about Verdasco’s 15-match losing streak to top 10 players, “The top 10 players are good.”