World number five Andy Roddick said yesterday that he has got good
preparations heading into the upcoming Davis Cup final against Russia, playing
four matches against the top players at the Masters Cup in Shanghai.
"There are some positives, not having played one match since the US Open to
get to the semifinals and to get four matches under my belt before our Davis Cup
final was needed," said Roddick, who has struggled with a heel injury since the
disappointing result at Flushing Meadows.
"I kind of have to try to move on because this isn't the end of my year. We
have a couple matches in 12 days or so. So that's where my focus goes now."
The 25-year-old American made a flying start at the year-ending tournament,
becoming the first master to enter semifinals after two-match winning streak,
but then lost to Roger Federer in the last group match before being knocked out
by Spaniard David Ferrer in the semifinals on Saturday.
"I feel confident (about the Davis Cup). It was nice to get a win over
Davydenko, and I've been able to beat Youzhny the last couple times we've
played."
"And we have the best doubles team in the world in our corner.
"Getting that confidence to translate to the court and getting a win is a
tall task, especially we lost to them last year. But you know, I like our team."
The American will meet his teammates in Portland next week and get in five or
six days with each other before the tie.