Tennis: Roddick through after epic battle with Ferrero

Andy Roddick

American Andy Roddick kept the crowd on their edge of their seats at the Cincinnati Masters tennis tournament after he fought back from a set down to overcome Spain's Juan Carlos Ferrero 6-7, 7-6, 6-2 to reach the third round.

Earlier, world No 1 Roger Federer, third seed Lleyton Hewitt and No 4 Marat Safin all advanced following three-set struggles, while Guillermo Coria, David Nalbandian and Tim Henman all tumbled out.

However, the real drama was fifth-seeded Roddick scrambling to a repeat of his win over Ferrero in the final of the 2003 US Open.

Now ranked 24 in the world, former No 1 Ferrero played some of his best tennis since that final almost two years ago, serving superbly and hammering winners from both sides to take the opening set.

Roddick saved two break points - one with a lucky net cord - in the fourth game of the second set.

Once he had taken the set in a tiebreak, thanks to some massive serving, he grew in confidence and cruised to victory.

- REUTERS