Roitman up first in NYC

24 August, 2008 | 10:08

The final Grand Slam of the year gets underway on Monday, and Andy should have justifiably high hopes for the US Open after getting a decent draw.

Further down the line, he might have to face the likes of David Ferrer and Rafa Nadal before the final, but his first task is to beat clay-courter Sergio Roitman.

The match is scheduled third on Louis Armstrong, Monday. Expect play to get underway sometime around 8pm UK time.

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Pic: Arthur Ashe stadium.

Andy should play his match with the world No. 102 on Monday, and Sky Sports are covering the entire tournament.

He's also entered the doubles with Ross Hutchins. They play Ratiwatana/Ratiwatana in round one for a chance to take on the No. 1 seeds, Nestor/Zimonjic.

Easy stuff...

The Opponent

Andy has never played Roitman, but a quick scan of his ATP stats tells you he's not a bad opponent to get in the first round.

For starters, he just doesn't do hardcourts: he's 2-14 on the surface for his career; and of the five tournaments he's played on the surface in 2008, he's gone out in the first round in four of them.

He plays on clay. A lot.

The stats indicate he has a solid serve - 62% on his first delivery, converting 65% - but that's blown out of the water by Andy who posts 74% of points won on his 'first.'

There's a big gulf in class, and it's one player who loves the surface against another who can't stand it.

It should be a simple route into the second round.

Andy's View

"I don't know exactly why it is but I always feel comfortable here.

"I love New York as a city. When I missed Wimbledon last year I realised how much it meant to me. I always want to play great at Wimbledon and do well there but just for my personality, I think the US Open and New York suits me better.

"I just think for me, this is my best surface. I've said it all along: I think I play my best tennis here, I feel most comfortable on the courts, my results have shown that – I've always played well in America. So, yeah, I think this is my best chance for winning a slam."

Catch the Match

The match is scheduled third on Louis Armstrong, Monday. Expect play to get underway around 8pm UK time.

Sky Sports are covering the tournament.

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