2005 FRENCH OPEN
2nd Round
ANDY RODDICK v JOSE ACUSUSO
3-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 8-6
The quintessential clay-court marathon began in 86-degree heat and ended 3 hours, 21 minutes later on a cloudy, but muggy, evening. Both weary players required leg massages from a trainer during fifth-set changeovers, Acasuso to his left thigh and Roddick to both calves.
Roddick began the match by adeptly mixing up a
serve and volley attack with solid defense and big forehands. But by the fourth
set, the Argentine began to read his kick serve and actually out-aced Roddick in
the match.
Both men suffered from cramps in the fifth set, but Roddick appeared to have the
edge when he scalded a forehand at the on-rushing Acususo's feet that the
Argentine couldn't lift off the net for a 3-1 lead. Yet Roddick missed an easy
inside out forehand to be broken back to 2-3.
He then began to lose confidence, especially in his backhand, which he rarely
landed beyond the mid-court area. He also was confused as to when to rush the
net and rarely stuck his returns.
Acasuso finally broke him when Roddick hit a soft approach shot that the
Argentine whizzed past him with a brilliant crosscourt backhand.
USA ORDERS:
NON-USA ORDERS: $16.00