Eastbourne, England (Sports Network) - Andy Roddick made his final preparation
for Wimbledon a successful one, capturing the title at the Eastbourne tune-up
on Saturday with a straight-set win over Italy's Andreas Seppi.
Roddick has struggled mightily this year, with his best previous results being
quarterfinal appearances in San Jose and Delray Beach. The American star was
eliminated in the first round of the French Open and also lost his first match
last week at the Queen's Club before taking a wild card entry into this event
to get ready for Wimbledon, which starts next week.
A three-time runner-up at the All England Club, Roddick earned his 31st career
title and first since last year in Memphis with a 6-3, 6-2 triumph over Seppi
on Saturday. It also gave Roddick at least one title in 12 straight years to
match Roger Federer's active streak. He also became the first American to
reach the winner's circle in 2012.
Roddick blistered five aces, broke serve five times and had his serve broken
just once in the 72-minute thrashing. He improved to 2-0 lifetime against
Seppi, who was trying to win the Eastbourne crown for the second straight
year.
Now ranked 33rd, Roddick had lost six straight matches entering this week's
event and hadn't tasted victory since a surprising third-round win over
Federer in Miami back in March. He dropped only one set this week.
The 29-year-old Roddick improved to 31-20 all-time in finals. He'll start his
Wimbledon fortnight as the 30th seed against British wild card Jamie Baker.
Seppi, seeded third this week, was vying for his third career title. In
addition to last year's win at this event, he also claimed the Belgrade title
last month.
Seeded 23rd for Wimbledon, Seppi will face Uzbekistan's Denis Istomin in the
first round at the All England Club.
Roddick, who earned a first prize of $92,000, improved to 2-0 lifetime against
Seppi, with the previous win coming in the third round at the 2008 U.S. Open.
The Sports Network