78 Winners

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I haven't been impressed with Andy Roddick since he made the semifinals in Roma last year where he succumbed to injury. But today, he prevailed in a spectacular match of all court tennis 7-6(1). 3-6, 6-3 over Gael Monfils.

Of those 78 winners in the match, Andy hit 31. But he only struck 13 unforced errors. At the end of the day, he played the big points more soundly. And who woulda thunk that his shot selection and execution was a bit better in the forecourt than it was from the baseline?

Gael did his thing again, playing astounding defense, offense, hitting dropshot winners and drive winners at will, but he seemed to tire out in the third set and got a bit too casual on a bit too many big points.

Whatever the final outcome tomorrow, here's hoping Andy can build a bulwark of confidence on this form and head into Melbourne on a mission.