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The Serbian showed absolutely no signs of any ailments throughout the opening set as he shockingly upset Andy three times to take the lead 6-2. Djokovic wasn’t intimidated by Andy’s huge serve and was able to block back the massive weapon to get into the baseline rallies. It was clearly frustrating for Andy as the rallies continued and it was his shot that sailed slightly long or clipped the net. Andy tried to rally mentally and change the pace of play but Djokovic seemed to have an answer for every shot. One set down, the American hopeful looked to change the momentum and make it a longer night on Arthur Ashe.

In the second set, Djokovic held his opening serve and Andy found himself 0-30 down but rallied behind the support of the crowd to battle for 1-1. The two traded holds as the second set marched on, 2-2. In the cool night conditions, the ball speed is noticeably slower, favoring the Serb’s chance against Andy’s power. But never one for excuses Andy kept the firepower strong as the pair traded holds for 3-3. At 3-4, Andy again found himself down two break points an unfortunate groundstroke into the net gave Djokovic the chance to serve out the second set an hour into the match. At 30-30, Andy battled for a break point but Djokovic pushed the American farther back in the court and served out the second set 6-2, 6-3.

Never down and out, Andy channeled his frustrations on the court and fought resiliently in the third set, breaking the Serb in his second service game. Adding a few needed miles per hour on his already blistering serve, Andy brought the crowd to their feet as he catapulted to a 4-1 lead. At 5-2, Roddick rallied for another break point to clinch the second set but Djokovic stormed the net to stay in the game. Andy’s opportunity game moments later when he convincingly served out the third set 6-3.

The packed house at Arthur Ashe Stadium cheered on their 2003 Champion as the match headed into the fourth. Andy hung tough and at 3 all made his move to earn three break points with some very impressive backhands down the line. Djokovic saved the first by rushing the net, and the second with a forehand winner and the third on Andy’s unforced error. Roddick battled to earn another and a perfect backhand winner down the line gave him the break and the lead in the fourth set 4-3. With a proud fist pump Andy walked backwards to the chair as he stared into his player’s box. At 5-4 with the opportunity to serve out the set, Andy hit two consecutive double faults to give Djokovic the break point and the Serb sealed it with a flawless return to level the set 5-5. The two stubbornly battled to a tiebreaker.

The crowd roared as the tiebreaker started. The two fought brilliantly at the baseline but Djokovic secured the first mini break. Andy fought brilliantly and a well placed backhand earned him the break back for 4-5. And fired a 142 mph serve to level the tie-break at 5-5. In the moments which make professional athletes professional athletes, Andy found himself facing a match point when his slice shot landed short into the net. Djokovic fired a blistering serve down the line and with a return that sailed long, Andy left Arthur Ashe stadium to cheers of 20 thousand strong that know he will be back again next year!

Recap Source: AndyRoddick.com