Roddick keeps U.S flag flying with Verdasco win

LONDON, June 30 (Reuters) Third seed Andy Roddick kept the flag flying for the United States at Wimbledon with a 6-3 6-4 7-6 third round victory over Spain's Fernando Verdasco.

Roddick's compatriot James Blake fared less well at the hands of another Spaniard, losing 3-6 6-3-6-3 7-6 to former French Open champion Juan Carlos Ferrero.

The pair were the only Americans to make it through to the third round in the men's competition, equalling the lowest number in the Open Era.

Big-serving Roddick did not look under any pressure against left-hander Verdasco in the first two sets, rattling them off in 58 minutes, with a single break in each.

However, the world number 41 then upped his game and the third set was a totally different proposition.

Verdasco broke Roddick for the first time when the American put a forehand into the net and he went on to take a 4-1 lead.

Roddick, who won the title at Queen's earlier this month, had to rely on his serve to get him out of trouble on a number of occasions.

He broke back for 5-4 when Verdasco put a forehand volley out. The Spaniard then squandered two set points and crumpled in the tiebreak, which Roddick won 7-2 when Verdasco's backhand slice hit the net.

Roddick, the 2003 US Open champion, told reporters he had relished the fight.

''I like getting in there and making it a fight, bringing something else to the table besides just forehands and backhands,'' the 24-year-old said after yesterday's match.

''That's kind of what I'm focusing on right now. To be honest, that's what got me through today. If you look at the guy's stats, it was absurd. I think he served 78 percent, had more aces than me.

''Somehow I got through in three. Those are the kind of matches that you want to get through. To get through in straight sets, it's a good confidence boost.'' Roddick, coached by twice Wimbledon champion Jimmy Connors, will next face France's Paul-Henri Matthieu, who beat him as a junior and on their only previous meeting on the Tour, in Montreal two years ago.

''But, you know, this is different territory,'' said Roddick, twice a runner-up at Wimbledon.

''It's the fourth round of a Grand Slam. I don't think he's ever been to the quarters. Mentally I feel like I have a bit of an edge going in.'' Reuters DH VP0414