Rested Roddick Rocks Grosjean for Another ATP Houston Title

Andy Roddick has yet to find success on the European red clay during his career, but that didn't stop him this week at the U.S. Clay Court Championships in Houston where Sunday he defeated Sebastien Grosjean 6-2, 6-2 for his third Houston title in five consecutive finals.

"I'm probably as confident as I've ever felt making that (European) trip," Roddick said. "I'm excited."

Roddick's success in Houston over the last five years is in stark contrast to his clay record in Europe. Roddick first win Houston in 2001-2002, but his lone highlights on the European red since then have been a semifinal at the Masters Series-Rome in 2002, and a win at the small St. Poelten event in 2003. Last year the American former No. 1 played one European pre-French event, losing first round at Rome, before bowing out in the second round at Roland Garros.

"One of the reasons I've struggled on clay the last couple of years is because I was a little heavy for the surface," said a slimmed-down Roddick. "That doesn't bode well when you're having to move and slide and get back. It takes a toll. So I definitely made a conscious effort to fix that this year."

This year Roddick will take a bit more confidence into Roland Garros along with his trademark fierce forehand and serve after overwhelming Grosjean for another Houston trophy, with little going wrong during Sunday's final.

"That was better than normal," Roddick said. "I controlled the match with my forehand. I was putting constant pressure on him. Sebastien's the kind of guy you don't want him to get his feet in the trenches, because he starts getting real tricky. You don't want him to get confidence."

It was the second title of the year for Roddick after San Jose.

In the doubles final, top seeds Mark Knowles/Daniel Nestor stopped Martin Garcia/Luis Horna 6-3, 6-4 for their second title of the year.

"There aren't many events where the doubles are as popular as they are here," Knowles said. "We have a huge following (in Houston). It's awesome the way the McIngvales care about the doubles. We're treated well. We'll be back."