ATP Shanghai Masters: Andy Roddick vs. Nicolas Almagro

Former World No.1 Andy Roddick takes on Spaniard Nicolas Almagro for a place in the quarterfinals of the 2011 Shanghai ATP Masters, an ATP World Tour 1000 event, being played here in Shanghai, China.

Andy Roddick came into limelight about ten years ago when he pulled some big wins over top players to prove that he was indeed, the true heir to Sampras-Agassi legacy. Roddick did make a solid point by clinching the 2003 US Open title to become American tennis' blue-eyed boy. However, what followed was termed by many as a mere under-achievement by a sheer talent, that somehow found himself in the shadow of Swiss maestro Roger Federer, over and over again. Roddick, however, made sure he picked up a title or two in the years that followed to become one of the most consistent players of the decade. This year, Roddick made two finals and won a title in Memphis.

Roddick's opponent, Spaniard Nicolas Almagro is enjoying one of the most successful seasons of his career with 3 titles already in his kitty. Currently ranked No.11 in the world, Almagro picked up silverware in Nice, Buenos Aires and Costa Do Sauipe to strengthen his chances of making the final 8 cut in London at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

Both players have contested only one match before in Miami (2010) where Roddick recorded an easy win in thequarterfinals to eventually lift the winner's trophy.

Roddick is getting back to top form with every passing match and is surely a better player on hardcourts. Almagro, who is a force to be reckoned with on the sizzling red clay, might push the American to three sets, but isn't likely to clinch victory.