Into Rnd 3 at USO

28 August, 2008 | 21:08

Andy is through to the third round of the US Open after beating Michael Llodra 6-4 1-6 7-5 7-6 (7) in a tense and hugely competitive encounter.

It sets up a meeting with Jurgen Melzer after the Austrian came through in straight sets against Jiri Vanek.

The Frenchman came with a game plan and executed brilliantly at times; his high quality serve gave him ample opportunity to kill points off at the net on his own delivery, and he moved in forcefully on Andy's serve too.

But whilst Llodra had the momentum for long periods, he couldn't convert key 'clutch' points.

He had three break points for the early lead in the third, and fluffed an easy volley to give Andy two match points in the breaker.

Andy takes the 'W' and the 6,000 or so fans on Grandstand got a real treat.

Match Stats

Andy's View

On what was key to his win...

"I started to return better in the third and fourth sets.

"It was a tense final set tie-break, I'm just glad to have come through it.

"He's such a tricky guy to play against, he's one of the best in the world at the net."

On the physical effects of playing four sets...

"I feel fine. There were a lot of quick games, not many long points."