Verdasco triumphant in San Jose
Fernando Verdasco upset Andy Roddick’s bid for a fourth SAP Open title with a come-from-behind victory in San Jose.
Second seed Verdasco claimed a 3-6 6-4 6-4 win over top seed and former world number one Roddick, who had won the tournament on three previous occasions – in 2004, 2005 and 2008.
It was the 26-year-old’s fourth ATP Tour title, denying Roddick a 29th win.
Roddick had suffered a scare in the semi-final, losing the opening set before defeating fellow American Sam Querrey in three sets.
Verdasco was also pushed to a decider before defeating Uzbekistan’s Denis Istomin.
Against Roddick, the Spaniard made just 54% of first serves in the opening set and was broken twice, but he bounced back.
Verdasco secured the only break of the second set, despite his first serve still faltering.
There was again only one break in the third set, with Verdasco taking it to clinch the tournament.
