Ivan Ljubicic of Croatia and Andy Roddick of US

Thirty-one year old Croatian Ivan Ljubicic did the unthinkable in silencing a heavy pro-Roddick crowd by out-serving America’s top gunslinger. Not that Roddick served poorly, he did not. It’s just that Ljubicic served spectacularly, which he did.

The 31-year old claimed his first ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title with a tense 7-6 (3), 7-6 (5) victory in which neither player lost their serve in the two hour fight. The difference was that Ljubicic rode his tiebreak formula against Nadal in the semis and played and served flawlessly when the money was on the line.

The 27-year old Roddick agreed. “I just ran into a guy who served great on the big points.”

The win over Roddick completed an amazing run by the 26th seed. Ljubicic knocked out hot playing two seed Novak Djokovic and three seed, defending champion, Rafa Nadal. The win was the Croatian’s 10th tour title. Ljubicic is expected to jump up to the 13th world ranking position.

The way the champion is serving, he cannot be overlooked in any match. Prior to this event, Roddick held a 14-2 career record against the Croatian.

The loss was disappointing for Roddick who has ha amazing success on North American soil, winning a Cincinnati in 2003 and 2006, in Montreal in 2003 and in Miami in 2004. This is the first year Roddick has reached the finals at Indian Wells.

Both players had break opportunities. Roddick had six opportunities and Ljubicic seven. In both tiebreakers, Roddick lost early mini-breaks to give the champion insurmountable leads. He managed to hold off three match points before finally succumbing.

Ljubicic was humble, though clearly elated with the victory, coming just two days after his 31st victory. “I want to fight in London and try to finish in the Top Ten another year. But, it’s not gonna be easy, that’s for sure. Just the fact that I won here does not make me a number 3 or number 5 player.”

Whatever number it does make the Croatian, it clearly marks him a serious threat in every future match.

Related Articles

Ljubicic Surprises Nadal To Meet Roddick

Rafa Nadal To Face Ivan Ljubicic In Semis

Djokovic, Tsonga Out, Murray, Roddick In