Tennis: Andy Roddick has a Grand Slam win on his mind

Andy Roddick

NEW YORK - Andy Roddick is not happy playing second fiddle to anyone, especially at his home Grand Slam.

So it is no surprise the American bristles at the suggestion that the runner's-up cheque is the best he can aim for with Roger Federer in the US Open singles at Flushing Meadows.

"No, you can't think like that," said Roddick, the 2003 champion and fourth seed who takes on Luxembourg's Gilles Muller in the first round.

"He's lost in two out of three slams this year. So it's possible.

"I want to win, that's what I want to do. That's what I'm here for, that's what I'm shooting for."

Roddick was well beaten in the Wimbledon final and the Cincinnati Masters final in the past two months by world No 1 Federer and at times appears almost in awe of his Swiss rival.

"I don't know if it's [that I am] psyched out," Roddick said.

"Obviously he deserves a lot of respect. I'm not scared to lose to Roger. But if I do get a victory, it will be a sweet one.

"I feel like I can do it. I don't feel like I've served well against him when I've played him. That's put the momentum in his court."

Roddick is hoping his world record serve and the backing of the noisy Flushing Meadows crowd can help him emulate his 2003 triumph in New York, his only Grand Slam title.

"I love the energy that surrounds this tournament," the 22-year-old said.

"There's nothing like playing a night session here, Obviously I've got amazing crowd support here over the years.

"I have great memories, so it all bodes well for a good experience."

The 22-year-old has an added incentive to win the final Grand Slam of the season, having won the US Open Series by performing best in the lead-up events.

That means Roddick will double any prize money he earns at the US Open and will pocket US$2.2 million ($3.19 million) if he wins the tournament.

Top seed Federer tackles Ivo Minar, of the Czech Republic, in the first round, while Roddick, seeded four, faces Gilles Muller, of Luxembourg.

Third-seeded Lleyton Hewitt, of Australia, faces a tricky opener against Spain's Albert Costa.

French Open champion Rafael Nadal is seeded two and has been drawn to play Bobby Reynolds, of the United States, first up.

* Fifth-seed Marat Safin yesterday withdrew from the Open because a knee injury which sidelined him for seven weeks is still troubling him.

The Russian admitted two weeks ago that he had returned to the circuit against doctors' advice to try to prepare for the US Open.

He won his first Grand Slam title here in 2000.

- REUTERS