Roddick one of few Americans still in Open

After three days play at the Australian Open only five Americans remain in either
men's or women's singles.
Fortunately, for a variety of reasons, one of them is Andy Roddick.
A player whose solitary grand slam title is a result of unfortunate timing rather
than lack of ability, Roddick moved into the third round of his 10th successive
Australian championship on Wednesday with a 7-6 (9-7) 6-2 6-3 defeat of Russia's
Igor Kunitsyn.
"I get to play again, that's all you want," Roddick said.
In truth, he is entitled to want a bit more.
Roddick is the eighth seed, a ranking which entitles him to at least a quarter-final
berth, a result he has achieved six times in his nine appearances at Melbourne Park.
The 28-year-old has also made four Australian semi-finals since first playing here
in 2002.
Roddick won what many believed would be the first of many grand slam titles at the
2003 US Open.
He was 21 and had made the quarters of the same event the previous two years, he was
big and he was good.
But just as Roddick was hitting his stride, Roger Federer came bounding along and
ran straight past him.
The year after he won at Flushing Meadow, Roddick was runner up at Wimbledon.
The next year he again made the Wimbledon final and the following year he played off
for a second US title.
Federer beat him every time, completing the set with a defining defeat of the
American in the 2009 Wimbledon final in which he brought Roddick to his knees,
winning 16-14 in the fifth.
Throughout the journey, Roddick has squeezed from his body just about every bead of
sweat available - and he's been consoled by almost $20 million in prizemoney.
After Wednesday's second round success he revealed a commendable appreciation of his
sporting life and a refreshing decency.
"I have a tough time remembering what my excitement level was in 2002 but I'm
certainly still motivated," Roddick said.
"I love what I do, I don't know that I take what I do for granted.
"I certainly realise that I'm one of the lucky ones that gets to do this.
"It's about treating (tennis) with respect, being prepared and not short-changing
yourself.
"I feel like I do that."
For now, Roddick has three other Americans for company in men's singles.
In the women's draw, Venus Williams is on her own.