By Chris Soderstrom
Andy Roddick and Jelena Jankovic emerged victorious from their respective draws at the Chinese Open over the weekend, defeating their less fancied opponents.
The big serving American absorbed the pressure from Israel underdog Dudi Sela, taking out his third title of the year 6-4, 6-7(6), 6-3.
As usual Roddick’s serve was crucial, monstering his opponent with 17 aces. However, by the end of the match the 26-year-old had nothing but praise for Sela who was an unlikely title contender.
“I think he was definitely playing well this week and I thought he played well today also,” Roddick said.
Sela, ranked No. 92, was unable to seal the deal but took much heart from a spirited tournament where he toppled top seeded Spaniard David Ferrer and sixth seed Tommy Robredo en route to the final.
Afterwards, top seed and 2007 runner-up Jankovic routed Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-3, 6-2. The title is only Jankovic’s second of the year despite holding an astonishingly consistent 55-16 record.