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Andy Roddick To Meet Novak Djokovic Tonight's Quarterfinals
The US Open 2008: Thursday, Day 11 Picks

By Tripp Mateschitz, Lawn Tennis Correspondent, Posted: Thursday, September 4, 2008 9:02am CST USA
Andy Roddick, The US Open 2008 Day 11 Picks, US Open 2008 NEW YORK--(lawntennismag.com) In men's quarterfinals today at the US Open, defending champion Roger Federer of Switzerland takes on the qualifier Gilles Muller of Luxembourg While Andy Roddick of the USA meets Novak Djokovic of Serbia tonight.

While former world number one Federer will be a heavy favorite to advance to the semifinals, Roddick could face a tough test from Djokovic.

Andy Roddick | Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images
Lawn Tennis Magazine, The US Open
Andy Roddick both reached the world number one ranking and won the US Open in 2003.

Gilles Muller (LUX) v Roger Federer (SUI)[2]
Federer leads the 130th ranked Muller head to head 2-0 and has never dropped a set to him. Twice in 2005 Federer won on hardcourts at Thailand and Indian Wells.

Muller would need to use his lefthanded forehand to hit the big crosscourt attacking groundstrokes to Federer's backhand in order to apply pressure for any chance of an upset. More likely to happen however is that Federer, seeking his fifth consecutive US Open title and first major title of 2008, will be the aggressor and close out a tough straight setter.
Prediction: Roger Federer

Andy Roddick (USA)[8] v Novak Djokovic (SRB)[3]
Since reaching the world number one ranking and winning his lone major title here at the US Open in 2003, Andy Roddick, the lone American male left in the men's singles draw, has seen his ranking drop to a current number eight. Novak Djokovic on the other hand won his first major title in January at the Australian Open and has risen to a career high world number three ranking.

Both players will attempt to control points from the baseline, but I give Roddick the advantage based on his superior serve and more aggresssive groundstrokes. Djokovic also has been treated courtside for a variety of injuries which will not be helpful.

Head to head Roddick is tied with Djokovic 1-1 last winning this year in Dubai 7-6(7-5), 6-3. Djokovic won last year in Canada by a similar score 7-6(7-4), 6-4.

If Roddick can serve as well as he can and keep points short, Djokovic will find it difficult to advance.
Prediction: Andy Roddick


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