Andy Roddick is hoping his gruelling off-season fitness regime will pay off as the Australian Open heads into the second week.
Roddick was given a stern workout by Robin Haase in the third round but the American eventually recovered to progress unscathed in four sets. This is the most physically testing of the Grand Slams with on-court temperatures regularly soaring to levels unheard of around the rest of the tennis circuit and the players who have put in the hard yards over the winter often reap the rewards.
Roddick is hoping that is the case. He felt last season that with a clean run of form he was capable of breaking back into the top five and as a result, was more determined than ever over the off season.
Many of the top players have already received serious tests with Roger Federer being taken the distance in round two and Roddick says he is physically prepared to go five sets.
"Not every match is going to go five hours, but every match has potential to go five hours," he said. "I think you need to prepare accordingly. Then if you have energy left in the tank, that's a good thing."
“You learn what an important part nutrition plays, sleep plays, hydration plays. As much as hitting balls on off days, I think it's more about making sure your body's right."
Roddick plays Stanislas Wawrinka next in a fascinating night match on Rod Laver. Wawrinka is in sublime form at the moment having won a title in Chennai at the start of the year.
