Well, not really. Apparently, Andy Roddick has a little more game than WFAN’s Chris “Mad Dog” Russo would like to admit.

The fifth seeded American might’ve fallen tonight to top seeded Roger Federer in straight sets but if you watched the match, you know it was far from routine for the three-time defending U.S. Open champ in improving to a ridiculous 14-1 against Roddick.

With popular former two-time champion Andre Agassi watching on from the broadcast booth where he was a guest analyst along with the dynamic duo of John McEnroe and Ted Robinson, the 11-time slam winner had to be at his absolute very best to squeak out the first couple of sets against a razor sharp Roddick who looked determined to reverse his luck in front of a packed Ashe Stadium.

Hitting serves as big as 146 MPH, the 25 year-old from Omaha, Nebraska was pumped up against his machine-like opponent. Going shot for shot with Federer, Roddick had that same look you’ve seen on his coach Jimmy Connors who was dressed up nicely for the occasion.

How often do you get a quarterfinal of this magnitude? They were following a great women’s quarter between Venus Williams and Jelena Jankovic which the 27 year-old American pulled out in a third set tiebreak to advance to a semifinal showdown against Justine Henin.

Just how high quality was the opening set between Feds and the A-Rod of tennis? Roddick had two more winners than Federer (22-20) but still lost the first set breaker after neither player could get crack each other’s serve.

Roddick had eight errors to Federer’s four. Roger did just enough though to claim the set 7-6 (5) in 45 entertaining minutes. He finished it with what else but an ace down the tee as Roddick could only shake his head in disbelief.

Unfortunately for the emotional former 2003 Open winner, it was just getting started. He played even better in a similar second set which saw him ratchet up his serve even more making it impossible for the best player on the planet to get even a break chance.

Roddick started to get some looks at Federer with a couple of 15-30’s and even his only break point of the match which would’ve meant the set on his racket. But he misfired a return just long and Federer snuck out of it with some clutch shotmaking including one of his 48 winners on a backhand crosscourt to setup game point.

The set would also eventually wind up in a tiebreak and similar to the first one, Federer took control early with a minibreak. But Roddick dug deep to get it back even with a huge forehand which produced a short Federer reply into the net pumping him up along with the crowd.

Problem was Federer easily won a big point on his serve thanks to a ridiculous backhand return off a Roddick 140 MPH first serve which went smack on the baseline into the big server drawing an error for another minibreak advantage.

It was all Federer needed this time to close out the set as he held his serve twice more including a service winner after a big serve down the tee to claim a commanding two set edge with a pump of the fist and a “Yeah.”

For two sets, Roddick was as close as it got to the best player. The problem was Federer was just a little better on this big points in the breakers. When he needed to win a point most, even as he admitted afterwards to USA’s courtside reporter Michael Barkan that he was “just hanging in there” on some of those points during the first two sets.

Why? Because even though he had dominated the head-to-head against his opponent, Roddick can hit the ball as big as anyone and was playing as aggressively as he did a few years ago at Wimbledon and last year’s Open. He was winning some of those long baseline rallies. His backhand wasn’t falling apart as maybe a Russo might’ve expected. It held up quite well.

The problem for Roddick was that he just couldn’t find a way to get that second set. Had he done so, they’d probably still be on the court in a fourth or maybe even heading to a final set in a raucous atmosphere.

Truth be told, the first two sets were every bit as dynamic as that epic all-American quarter six years ago between Agassi and Pete Sampras which had no service breaks and four tiebreakers before Pistol Pete prevailed. Even Agassi admitted as such during the telecast.

But I also felt he made a great point. Roddick had played two brilliant sets and had nothing to show for it. And Agassi a few times remarked how, “[Federer] just squeezes you.”

That’s how specially gifted the 26 year-old from Switzerland is.

He broke down Roddick finally and was able to break him twice including in the eighth game of the third set to finally claim victory, winning a long point on a Roddick shot into the net.

Federer converted two of his four break chances all in the third set.

Roddick never gave up as evidenced by that final point. He just was in against the best. It’s unfortunate that he couldn’t hold steady and get at least to another tiebreak and see what happens.

But that’s how unreal Federer is. His court movement is what separates him from the pack. While Roddick was giving all out every swing grunting and chasing balls down, Federer was hardly breaking a sweat despite coming up with some awfully difficult shots to stay in rallies before pulling them out.

If you didn’t see the match and you’re down on Roddick, here are some final stats which suggest that you shouldn’t be:

Aces: Federer- 15

Roddick- 14

Winners: Federer- 48

Roddick- 42

Errors: Federer- 18

Roddick- 24

Those numbers are pretty close and tell you that the quality of the match was pretty good.

So what’s the difference? Federer is just better when he needs to be. He converted 64 percent at the net (14-for-22) while Roddick after some early success was 50 percent (18-for-36) for the match.

Each won a high percentage on their first serve with Federer coming in at 81 pct while Roddick countered with 77 pct. However, Roger still won 72 percent (28-of-39) on his second serve while Andy (15-of-30) dropped to 50 percent.

That’s despite the fact Andy was more aggressive in his return game looking to run around the backhand and rip forehands. One which had success with an Agassi-esque inside out crosscourt winner on a second serve to get to Deuce.

Roger is still the better returner. The fact Roddick had one less ace was progress because in other matches, he couldn’t even reach double digits despite possessing the biggest serve on the tour.

That it took Federer two sets to adjust and read his serve tells you how high a level Roddick was serving. He can take some positives out of this despite the end result.

Meanwhile, Roger marches on to another Super Saturday semifinal where he’ll next face fourth seeded Russian Nikolay Davydenko, who disposed of German Tommy Haas in straight sets.

And somewhere, American James Blake saw that result and probably put down his head knowing he could’ve given Davydenko a better match. Especially considering he was a perfect 5-0 against him for his career and would’ve been aiming for his first slam semifinal which would’ve meant oh so much.

The Agassi-like Davydenko is a product of hard work and is extremely quick. Despite having never beaten Federer in nine tries, he has pushed him before due to his hustle and rock solid ground game. He at least should be rested having not dropped a set the entire tournament.

But like Roddick faced tonight, it will be a tall order Saturday. Best of luck to the Russian who never seems to get any respect.

The other semi will be known later today when Carlos Moya takes on Novak Djokovic in one quarter while David Ferrer battles Juan Ignacio Chela in the other.

Considering that our pick Rafael Nadal was ousted by Ferrer in an ultracompetitive four setter the other night, we’ll take the speedy Spaniard who is a better hard courter than clay court to take out Chela and meet up against the rising Serb Djokovic in the other semifinal.

See ya all later!

By show of hands, how many actually watched today’s Labor Day U.S. Open coverage?

Alright. Maybe you’re not a tennis fan like myself. But if you think tennis is boring, sit down and watch a quality match which takes over three hours to complete between two evenly matched top 10 players like today’s 4th round battle at Ashe between 10th seeded German Tommy Haas and sixth seeded American James Blake.

The topsy turvy match finished up about half an hour prior with Haas coming back from a set down to prevail in five over Blake 4-6, 6-4, 3-6, 6-0, 7-6 (4) in front of a noisy packed house which included the J-Block who tried their best to get Blake over the top.

But the resilient Haas had just a little extra on the big points to pull this one out and advance to a possible quarterfinal rematch from last year against fourth seeded Russian Nikolay Davydenko.

Early on, Blake looked in control taking it to his opponent with thunderous groundstrokes and an aggressive net game which worked very well to give him the first set and a 2-0 break lead in the second.

But Haas stepped up his game and turned the tide with some sizzling backhands which produced many of his 69 winners. He would level the match.

Blake got a crucial break in the third game of the third set to retake the momentum. He’d also break Haas to capture the set pulling within a set of a third consecutive Open quarterfinal.

But the feisty Haas quickly turned it around bageling Blake to take the fourth set. What changed? The German’s game as he started hitting all out from the baseline and attacking the net to finish off points.

The change in strategy paid dividends as he converted 66 percent (42 for 64) at the net which put Blake on the defensive.

Haas would continue his momentum with a break of Blake in the opening game of the final set. But the American wouldn’t go down without a fight finally breaking the German to level the match at two sets apiece and four all with some great hustle.

Both players really gave it their all in the fifth set which took 63 minutes to play. So much so that as it reached the pinnacle, the level of play continued to go up as each player did all they could to stay in points. It really was extraordinary to watch and captivated the audience.

Blake held for 5-4 and then put himself in a winning position on Haas’ serve earning three match points. However, that’s when the 29 year-old veteran ratcheted it up with three huge first serves to stave off elimination.

Earlier, it had been Blake who had to save a couple of break points and would’ve been down two breaks at 2-5 before holding for 3-4. Now, it was Haas digging deep for every ounce of energy to stay in this seesaw contest which featured plenty of emotions from both sides.

Both players would hold again to finally push it to a tiebreak. In the deciding breaker, the key point was played at three all on Haas’ serve. It just might’ve been one of the best points you’ll see.

With each player trading lethal groundstrokes, Haas eventually tried a drop shot to draw Blake in who ran it down. The speedy American then was forced to chase after a great Haas backhand lob. He somehow got to it and kept it in deep to get back in the point. With the crowd buzzing, he went back into the net looking to finish off the point but Haas came up with another great backhand lob which Blake couldn’t reach leaving both players spent as a loud reception rained down.

Maybe it took something out of Blake who had just won his first career five set match a couple of rounds ago and also needed four sets to reach this round. He also had played a busy schedule winning back in hometown New Haven and finishing runner-up to Roger Federer at Cincinnati. Whatever the reason, he double faulted and misfired on a shot from the baseline which gave Haas three match points with a couple on his racket.

Ironically, two reviews were needed to find out if the match would continue. The first one saw Blake almost down and out but his top spin backhand caught the edge of the baseline to make it 6-4 Haas after he challenged it thinking he won. The German then served an ace out wide which also caught an edge. This time, Blake challenged but the end result was the same as the one which was in favor giving Haas a hard fought Round of 16 win.

In terms of the quality, Haas finished with 69 winners and 39 unforced errors while the downcast Blake had 75 winners and one less unforced error (38). Each player also finished with 18 aces.

But ultimately, Haas was just a little better on this day. It was the type of match that was ashame someone had to lose. But that’s the bottom line in any competitive sport between two evenly matched competitors.

Give Haas a lot of credit for coming up with the goods to offset a pro Blake crowd along with his very capable American foe.

For the 27 year-old Blake out of Yonkers, it was an extremely disappointing result. Sure, as he said, Haas played well on the big points. But he really needed to pull out this match and get to the quarters again. Maybe this was the year he could’ve taken that next step at a slam and made his first semi with no Roger Federer or Andre Agassi standing in the way.

Instead, it’s back to the drawing board for the very likeable American. He’s probably wondering when it’s going to happen. This wasn’t like some of the other five set losses. He was right there just like the Agassi epic match but his opponent came up with the shots to beat him.

One year soon, Blake is going to need to win a match such as this if he wants to take that quantum leap forward and possibly challenge for his first major.

Meanwhile, Andy Roddick had a relatively short day because his Czech opponent Tomas Berdych had something wrong with him. Yet the fifth seeded American had to dig out of a 3-5 first set hole and fight off a set point before pulling out the breaker. When he broke for 2-0 in the second set, that was all for Berdych who just looked very sluggish and could barely run out there.

It was very peculiar considering he felt fine earlier in the day. Maybe it was nerves? Whatever the reason, it was just another reason the 22 year-old from the Czech Republic remains an enigma. He’s got as much talent as anyone. Big serve. Bigger groundstrokes than probably Roddick. But no heart. This is a guy who upset Federer at the 2004 Olympics. So you know he’s got the ability.

But there’s something missing. No fire? Who knows?

For Roddick, he used another hour to practice and prepare for what should be a quarter against Federer- a rematch of last year’s final which was very tight for three sets before Roger cruised to a four set win and third consecutive Open.

Unless the unthinkable happens and Spaniard Feliciano Lopez upsets the world No.1 tonight, it will be another opportunity for the 25 year-old 2003 Open winner to reverse the trend against Federer was has seen him only win one match in 14 tries. That came four years ago in Montreal when Roddick was the No.1 player in the world.

Roger holds a 4-0 edge in slams. We’ll see what happens.

Once a year for two weeks spanning the final days of August as schools open back up with Fall approaching, America’s grand slam event takes center stage in the city that never sleeps.

It all got started today as the 2007 U.S. Open kicked off at Arthur Ashe Stadium with opening round matches on a nice Day One at Flushing Meadows.

The biggest question is who will be holding the trophies at the end?

Last year, Russian Maria Sharapova fulfilled part of her legacy by winning her first Open in straight sets over Justine Henin- adding her second major to legitimize her career after having not won any slams since she was 17 when she kissed the Wimbledon crown in 2004.

Meanwhile on the men’s side, a familiar champion once again held the trophy for the third consecutive year as the best player in the world Roger Federer bested American Andy Roddick in four sets for his ninth career slam.

So what’s in store for this year’s event? Well, already there was a big upset on the men’s side as 18th seeded Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis fell to “The Beast” Max Mirnyi in four sets. The 30 year-old veteran serve and volley specialist got the better of his younger foe besting him 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (6) at Louis Armstrong Stadium advancing to the second round.

Mirnyi came into net 173 times converting 57 percent of his volleys. He also outaced Baghdatis 16-2. The match was very close as he won just four more points than the Cypriot 147-143.

For Baghdatis, it was a disappointment. The former 2006 Australian Open runner-up didn’t play badly making only 27 unforced errors and hitting 62 winners. But he didn’t do enough on the big points. Though he fought off a match point on a crosscourt backhand winner pushing the match into a fourth set tiebreak, the 22 year-old blew a 5-1 lead in the breaker allowing Mirnyi to comeback from a set point down to take the match when his backhand sailed into the net.

This was not the result he had in mind. Especially after what’s been a disappointing season with his best slam result the Wimbledon quarters where he fell to Novak Djokovic.

Once ranked as high as eighth, he’ll drop out of the top 20.

It’s back to the drawing board for the Cypriot who has as much talent as anyone but hasn’t been able to duplicate his Aussie run where he fell to Federer in four sets.

Meanwhile, the three-time defending Open champ was up a couple of sets on 21 year-old American Scoville Jenkins leading 6-3, 6-2, 2-3.

He came out with not much energy but it didn’t seem to matter. Once he got his teeth into the match, he took control. Figure Federer to wrap this up soon.

So, can the magnificent 26 year-old Swiss world No.1 become the first men’s player to win four straight in over 110 years?

For starters, it’s tough to bet against the man chasing Pete Sampras. After matching Bjorn Borg with his fifth consecutive Wimbledon in which he showed the mettle of a champion to beat archrival Rafael Nadal in five sets, Federer is just three slams shy of Pistol Pete’s record 14.

If he wins again in New York City, you have to believe he’ll at least match the record next year.

His chief competition should come from Roddick who he could see in the quarters, Nadal if he overcomes his recent Open struggles and a sore shoulder to conquer a winnable section.

There’s also rising Serbian Djokovic, who is just 20 and all the way up to three in the world. He recently got the better of Federer a couple of weeks ago in a final beating him in three sets, even winning two breakers to do it.

With opening round opponent Mario Ancic pulling out due to injury, Djokovic’s draw doesn’t look all too difficult but could see either Lleyton Hewitt in the Round of 16 and 2006 semifinalist Mikhail Youzhny in the quarters.

It wouldn’t be surprising if a resurgent Hewitt uses his guile and experience to pull the upset and get through this section. He’s had some recent solid form taking Federer to three sets before losing a close match.

American James Blake is another player to watch. The Yonkers native is a fan favorite who always gets plenty of support and has been playing better lately, losing to Federer in Cincinnati and also winning in New Haven the next week over buddy Mardy Fish.

He already caught a break with Baghdatis getting bounced but could still see German Tommy Haas in the fourth round if the 10th seed prevails on Day One. He was tied a set apiece with Steve Darcis.

If Blake doesn’t get tricked by veteran magician Fabrice Santoro in the second round, he should be able to reach the quarters where he could see Nikolay Davydenko. The fourth seeded Russian has been to the slam semis before and has better slam results but has never beaten the American in six tries.

If Davydenko doesn’t run into trouble against veteran German Nicklas Kiefer, he could meet Brit Andy Murray in the Round of 16. Fitness could become an issue for Murray who’s just back from a nagging injury which caused him to miss Wimbledon.

A Blake/Davydenko quarter would be entertaining. No doubt, Blake would have the crowd with a chance to finally make a slam semi. It would be an ultracompetitive match.

Nadal’s section isn’t too bad. Though the fiery second ranked Spaniard has never been a strong hard court performer, his draw isn’t bad. If he’s in form, Nadal should have enough to get by big server Janko Tipsarevic. He could see Russian Dmitry Tursunov in the third round.

There’s also former Open semifinalist David Nalbandian or fellow Spaniard David Ferrer in the Round of 16 lurking. So Nadal should get tested.

The other side of the draw could have some upsets. Since making the Australian final, Fernando Gonzalez has struggled. It wouldn’t be shocking if he lost to American Robby Ginepri in Round 2, assuming the former ‘05 Open semifinalist gets through Olivier Rochus.

Croat Ivan Ljubicic is always a threat with his big serve but has never fared well in slams. The top half is so wide open that if a motivated Marat Safin is in form, he could reach the quarters. The problem is the former 2000 Open winner might be reaching the end. You just never know.

If Nadal plays well, he should reach the Final Four.

Picking a winner is always a difficult task. Of course, Federer is the favorite here but his draw which also features Richard Gasquet in the Round of 16 along with Roddick in the quarters could prove very tough.

One potential spoiler in this section is Czech Tomas Berdych who boasts a huge serve and bigger groundstrokes. If he’s consistent, he could give Roddick all he wants in the Round of 16.

If Roddick/Federer happens, the winner could get either Davydenko or Blake in the semis. We’re taking Federer to best Roddick in a tight match and then beat either future foe to make the final.

On the other side, Djokovic and Nadal would meet in the semifinals if they both get there. Djokovic has a huge game and a lot of confidence but Hewitt could prove tough in the quarters. This might be the former 2001 champ’s best chance to go deep into a major again. He’ll take it where Nadal should be waiting.

Most aren’t picking Nadal in this slam because the faster courts usually work against his game but his draw isn’t top heavy and could give him an advantage. If he’s playing well, this could be his breakthrough major away from the clay.

If Nadal could seriously challenge Federer on his best surface, why can’t he do the unthinkable and win his first Open? It’s a risky pick but that’s who we’re taking.

The women’s draw should come down to four or five competitors. The Williams sisters, Henin, defending champion Sharapova along with former winner Svetlana Kuznetsova appear to be the favorites. Don’t also rule out rising Serbs Jelena Jankovic and Ana Ivanovic. Both have the game to reach the semis.

So, how do we see it going?

The first section looks like a potential quarter showdown between Henin and Serena Williams. The Belgian got the better of her at the last two slams. If it happens, it would be another fierce battle probably going three sets and lasting two hours.

Who could get in the way of that match? There aren’t many serious threats but Frenchwoman Marion Bartoli is playing the best tennis of her career. She upset Henin at Wimbledon to reach her first final before falling to Venus Williams in straights.

Fortunately for Henin, she’s on Serena’s side of the draw and could be looming in the Round of 16. Dinara Safina has a big game like her older brother and could pose a threat if she sees Henin in the same round.

Tatiana Golovin has a lot of talent on and off the court but she’s never been consistent and is better known for her red knickers which matched her dynamite outfit in London. Not familiar with it? We suggest you check it out here: http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2007290588,00.html
If Henin/Williams doesn’t happen, it would be a big upset. It would be a toss up. I like Henin.
The second section features both Serbs and could pit Jankovic against Ivanovic for a spot in the semis. That’s if Venus doesn’t ruin it. She’s coming off her Wimbledon win and should be in form.

At the top half, Jankovic shouldn’t be challenged until the fourth round where she could run into former finalist Elena Dementieva. The lanky Russian has huge groundstrokes which are made for this surface. The question is always her serve which could go off at any moment. If she was more consistent, she could be a champion. She hasn’t had the best year. So who knows if she’ll even get to that point.

As for Ivanovic, she projects to play Venus in the Round of 16 which would be a great match. Venus beat her in the Wimbledon semis but she could exact some revenge this time to meet her fellow countrywoman in the quarterfinals.

Some are picking Venus to come out of this bracket but we’ll take Ivanovic who I still maintain is better than Jankovic.

The third bracket features Kuznetsova and Russian Nadia Petrova on the other side. Something will happen to prevent that quarter from taking place. Whether it’s Petrova’s nerves getting the best of her or an unexpected upset, it won’t happen.

Though this section doesn’t pose many threats, it does have some big hitters in Daniela Hantuchova and Michaella Krajicek on Petrova’s side. Hantuchova has never had great slam results but the nice looking Slovak with the big game has had a pretty good year and gotten back into the top 10. If she’s playing well, it wouldn’t be surprising if she beat Petrova to reach the quarters. It also wouldn’t be shocking if she lost early because she has a tendency to play to her opponents.

On Kuznetsova’s side, there’s Martina Hingis who hasn’t had a good season and is only seeded 16th. Hingis’ portion of the draw isn’t bad. So if she is motivated after calling off her engagement to male player Radek Stepanek, she should get to the Round of 16 and be waiting for Kuznetsova.

Kuznetsova’s only real challenge in the first week should come from Spaniard Anabel Medina-Garrigues in the third round.

The former 2004 champ is rounding into shape with a recent win at The Pilot in New Haven for her first title of the year. She really looks like the favorite to come out of this section and reach the semis. We don’t see Hingis, Petrova or even Hantuchova having enough to beat her. And out of the three, Petrova has the best chance but she’s never proven she can take that next step in a slam.

Sharapova got a great draw. The defending champ is expected to reach the semis without breaking a sweat. Who could potentially get in the way?

The 20 year-old Russian could see either Israeli Shahar Peer or Nicole Vaidisova in a competitive fourth round match. Both can slug the ball from the baseline and push her. Three sets wouldn’t be surprising but Sharapova is tougher and more experienced than either which should carry her through to the quarters.

The top half includes Russian Anna Chakvetadze, Patty Schnyder and Francesca Schiavone. Any of them could come out of this portion and meet Sharapova for a chance at the semis.

We’ll take Chakvetadze who’s climbed to sixth in the world. Sharapova never plays great against her but should have enough to prevail in straights to make the Final Four.

On one side, a Henin/Ivanovic semi would be fun to watch. The experience would be with the Belgian but the younger Serb on this surface could have the edge. We’re going to take her in an upset to reach her first second flam final of the season and get a measure of revenge on Henin for Roland Garros.

Kuznetsova and Sharapova know each other well having split six matches with Maria taking three of the last four. Both are formidable on this surface but Sharapova hits bigger and should come out victorious to reach her second consecutive Open final against Ivanovic.

On this big stage, it’s hard to go against Sharapova. It wouldn’t be surprising if this match goes the distance because you got two heavy hitters but when push comes to shove, we’ll take the elegant Russian to repeat in New York and win her further cement her reputation with a third grand slam title.