Andy Roddick after wining Sony Ericsson Open

Unflappable, poised, experienced and relentless, Andy Roddick went about his work on Sunday. His efficient dismissal of 24-year old Czech upset sensation Tomas Berdych was testimony to the hard-working American’s improved play and mature mindset that has characterized his 2009 – 2010 comeback.

Roddick has amassed a superlative 26-4 won-lost record this season and shows no signs of letting up on his newest rebirth. In post match interviews, Roddick said that what pleased him the most about the 2010 Sony Ericsson Miami Open, often dubbed the fifth major, was they way he altered his style of play against various opponents.

“I won in different ways. I changed it up against Rafa and today I was smart with chipping and mixing paces, which kept him guessing. I held onto my serve well throughout and played a pretty smart tournament.”

This is not the Andy Roddick who stormed out as a young player and expected to blast his way to the top. This is a very dangerous top ranked opponent with a high-powered accurate serve, new pace, diversity and newfound savvy. Perhaps, Larry Stefanki should get part of the credit, but Roddick has found his way since connecting with his new coach.

Against Berdych, Roddick found answers Roger Federer, Robin Soderling and Fernando Verdasco could not. He mixed the flat, piercing forehand used against Nadal with a high jumping spin drive that seemed to unnerve the confident Czech. Time after time, Berdych was forced deep to return rather than drive high spinning shots.

Mixing these strokes with an occasional rush to the net and a slicing one-hand backhand nullified the Czech’s big game. The Champion never faced a break point in the two set 7-5, 6-4 win. The title is Roddick’s first ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title since his win in Cincinnati in 2006, the year he earned a final berth in the U.S. Open. The win marks Andy’s fifth Masters title.

Although never facing a break point against Berdych, Roddick was forced to come back for 0/30 in his two early service games. Frustration seemed to set in as Berdych only won one of Roddick’s second serves in the initial set. Meanwhile, the Czech’s forehand became erratic as he committed 19 unforced errors. It is hard to catch up with those numbers when opposing Roddick.

When Berdych sprayed a forehand return to yield the break at 5-6, Roddick pounced on the opportunity. He served the set game at love.

Roddick broke twice in the second set; in the first and final games. The conclusion seemed inevitable as Roddick’s determination was only equaled by his fan support.

The Miami Open broke all previous records for attendance with eleven sold out days. Te new record for attendance is 312,386. All those fans would agree that in Miami this year, the Champion earned his popular title.

The tour players will now begin the migration to clay in anticipation of the European tour and second leg of the Grand Slam, The French Open. Whatever happens the rest of the year, Andy Roddick has already had a great year!

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