Delray Beach Results Day 3: Andy Roddick Rumbles Into Quarterfinals

It may be American Andy Roddick’s first appearance in the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships since 2003, but that could be a good thing.

In 2003, Andy Roddick hit a No. 1 ranking.

In 2003, Andy Roddick won a Grand Slam.

Thursday, Andy Roddick defeated Uzbekistan’s Denis Istomin 6-4, 7-5 in Delray Beach. OK, so it’s a long way from a major title. And with the No. 27 ranking and a recent injury in the Australian Open, it isn’t the world No. 1 of late 2003. But it’s something.

The only other time the 29-year-old American reached a quarterfinal in 2012 was two weeks ago in San Jose. He lost to Istomin in that tournament. 6-2, 6-4.

At least the tournament No. 4 seed, who has been said to be struggling finding his range, was able to defeat Istomin this time.

The heavily-favored Amercian currently carries the world No. 30 ranking, his lowest ranking since August 2001. He is currently having problems with his right hamstring and right ankle.

The one-hour, 27-minute match featured six aces from Roddick. He made only 50 percent of his first serves, but he won the match on winning more second-service points and also converting on 80 percent of break points he was offered.

Roddick will face Russia’s Kevin Anderson in the quarterfinals.

Anderson defeated Xavier Malisse in three sets in the second round.

From the AP:

“I got it done in the end,” Roddick said. “You want to close. I thought the misses I had were positive misses because they were played on my terms.

“I think that was a big step.”

All that’s left to wonder is if it was a big step on the road back to a 2003 form.