Fernando Verdasco Beats Andy Roddick in San Jose Final

"I know the top-10 guys are tough and last year I was really close in a lot of matches," said the Spaniard after clinching his fourth ATP Tour title.

"But of course this win will give me a lot of confdence. Beating Andy in his country, it's special."

Verdasco also broke a sevenmatch losing streak against the American.



World number seven Roddick was bidding for his fourth San Jose title on the back of winning in Brisbane and reaching the quarter-fnals of the Australian Open.

He started strongly, mixing up his attack to break the Spaniard twice and win the frst set.

But Roddick failed to carry his domination into the second and after being broken early on he received a code violation for hitting a ball into the stands when he missed a passing shot.

He fought off two set points at 5-4 but left-hander Verdasco sealed the second set with an ace.

Roddick failed to cope with Verdasco's powerful frst serves in the decider and the Spaniard broke to lead 5-4 after threading a low backhand pass, then served out the match with another ace.

"I served very well and I don't think Andy served his best," stated Verdasco, who notched 15 aces to Roddick's 10.

"I tried to be aggressive, change the rhythm and play with confidence."