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13 - 26 January 2003
Rainer Schuettler
Schuettler ends Roddick's run
by Scott SpitsJanuary 24, 2003
Rainer Schuettler has become the first German to reach a Grand Slam final in seven years after out-gunning young American Andy Roddick in an energy-sapping four-set semi-final on Centre Court at Rod Laver Arena tonight.
In humid conditions before a capacity crowd, the physical toll on Roddick - who won through to the semis after winning an epic five-hour quarter-final two nights ago - was apparent as he battled fatigue and an injured right wrist.
Schuettler, the No.31 seed, defeated Roddick, the No.9 seed, 7-5, 2-6, 6-3, 6-3.
"I'm speechless," the German told the crowd after the match as he looked ahead towards a match-up against world No.2 Andre Agassi in the final on Sunday. "It's unbelievable. Thanks for your support.
"It's a dream. Sometimes you have a chance to realise a dream."
The last German to reach a Grand Slam final was Michael Stich who was runner-up at the 1996 French Open. Compatriot Boris Becker won the Australian Open earlier that year.
Roddick, who was physically spent after the quarter-final defeat of Moroccan Younis El Ayanoui in an unforgettable clash on Wednesday night, was suffering from tendonitis in his right wrist - an injury occurred when he dived for a volley late in the marathon final set.
The 20-year-old American said the pain in his wrist was "pretty consistent" even though it barely hampered his power serve with him firing down numerous thunderbolts in excess of 200km/h.
"I wasn't going to pull out of another Grand Slam," Roddick said.
After Schuettler broke Roddick's serve in the opening game of the fourth set, the challenge before the American grew by the minute. He saved break points in his next service game but there was still a glimmer of hope.
When Roddick failed to convert break-back chances in the fourth game his chances were fast diminishing.
And when the German broke Roddick again in the ninth game of the final set to take it 6-3, the enormity of his achievement started to set in.
Schuettler has defeated the likes of young American James Blake, 1996 Wimbledon champion Richard Krajicek and now Roddick on the way to the final. He's had some luck, too, with No.3 seed Russian Marat Safin withdrawing from the tournament with an injured wrist just before their third-round match. No wonder Schuettler is talking about realising a dream, even though he now confronts three-time Australian Open champion Agassi.
The 26-year-old has been impressive in this tournament, with a well-rounded game highlighted by outstanding court coverage. He seemingly has the stamina to match it with the champion American.
As for Roddick's injury during tonight's match, Schuettler said it didn't alter his game plan.
"I didn't care if he was injured or not," he said. "I tried to play my aggressive game from the baseline."
Roddick suffered with 40 unforced errors, many caused by his willingness to end points early and seemingly reduce the length of the match.
Several times he had the initiative to approach the net at the right time but too often - particularly in the third and fourth sets - his volleys and half-volleys went missing.
And that's taking nothing away from Schuettler. He only had 19 unforced errors and produced 35 winners for the match.
An all-American final would have been a promoter's dream but Schuettler has the track record and the preparation to indicate it won't be a one-way affair come Sunday.
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