Connors-Roddick link pays off

Tuesday, August 29, 2006 Andy Roddick snapped a 10-month title drought with coaching help from Jimmy Connors. NEW YORK (AP) — Jimmy Connors ambled past the U.S. Open practice courts and headed through the tournament's main piazza on Monday, back in the tennis world, back in his element. It was a day for celebrating three of the sport's most significant figures: At night, Andre Agassi was set to play the first match of his final tournament; the U.S. Tennis Association rededicated its facility, naming it the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center; and Connors was on the scene, coaching Andy Roddick and soaking in the adoration. Surrounded by four ample bodyguards and a gaggle of reporters, Connors strode with a purpose on his way to an autograph session after watching Roddick win. Fans scrambled to catch a glimpse, reach for a handshake or simply yell good wishes. If they were thrilled to see Connors again involved in this Grand Slam tournament, imagine how Roddick feels. Roddick enlisted Connors last month, after a third-round exit at Wimbledon, and the partnership appears to be paying off, so far. Roddick says his attitude can't help but be improved with the enthusiastic Connors in his corner, and the 2003 U.S. Open champion began this year's last major by beating Florent Serra of France 6-2, 6-1, 6-3. "I enjoyed watching it. It's been a long time since I've had those memories," said Connors, a five-time Open champion who retired in 1993 with a record 109 singles titles. "It's nice to see that he has his passion, his love for the game. He's in it for one reason — and that's to win." Four past champions win Roddick, who ended a 10-month title drought after teaming with Connors, was among four past Open champions who reached the second round with victories Monday afternoon. Lindsay Davenport, the 1998 Open champion, beat Klara Zakopalova of the Czech Republic 6-1, 6-4, showing no signs of the right shoulder injury that forced her to withdraw from a hard-court tune-up final Saturday. The woman she was playing when she quit, 2003 Open champion Justine Henin-Hardenne, also won in straight sets Monday, while 2004 winner Svetlana Kuznetsova got by Sandra Kloesel 6-2, 2-6, 6-3. The biggest upset of Day 1 — on paper, anyway — came when Ivan Ljubicic was bounced by Feliciano Lopez 6-3, 6-3, 6-3. Although seeded third, Ljubicic has never been past the third round at the U.S. Open and only once reached the semifinals at any major. A year ago, Roddick was knocked off in the first round here. T hat there would be no such shocker this time was clear from the sixth game, when Roddick smacked an overhead to break serve, then pumped his fist and shouted, "Yeahhhh! Let's get this Open started!" Reminiscent of past displays It was reminiscent of the sort of crowd-enlivening displays Connors put on from the 1970s through the early '90s, though Roddick said they haven't spoken at all about those sorts of displays. And, it's true, Roddick does come by his theatrics honestly, having done that sort of thing for years. Connors, wearing a green sweater vest, sat mostly impassively in the players' guest box at Arthur Ashe Stadium, his chin resting on his hand much of the match. "I just enjoy his presence. I'm excited every morning when I wake up to go try to learn new things," said Roddick, once ranked No. 1 but seeded ninth at the Open. "His passion for the game and for this process is huge. It's contagious." Roddick returned well, breaking Serra in seven of his 12 service games. He served well, hitting 10 aces. And he made only 10 unforced errors, compared with 25 winners. Neither Roddick nor Connors would talk about specific changes they've worked on. "Let's set things straight: Andy Roddick knows how to play tennis, and he has for a long time now," Connors said. "It's not rocket science." Nor, exactly, is the technology behind instant replay, which was used on tour for the first time this year and is making its Grand Slam debut. Mardy Fish, a former top 20 player working his way back from wrist surgery, goes down in the books as the first player to use the system to challenge a call at a major, doing so during his 6-4, 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 victory over Simon Greul of Germany. Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.