Haas Hammers Roddick for Third Memphis Crown

Haas successfully defended an ATP title for the first time by capturing his 11th career crown in 20th final. Haas has won six straight ATP finals he's appeared in going back to his last final loss at ATP Masters Series Rome (l. to Agassi) in May 2002. He's also the first back-to-back champion in Memphis since Todd Martin in 1994-95.

Haas only lost seven points in nine service games and for the tournament he did not face a break point in 47 service games. The last player to win an ATP title without losing serve was Ivan Ljubicic in Vienna last October.

Haas jumped off to a quick start by breaking Roddick in the second game at 30-40 with a forehand winner. He only lost three points on his serve in the 32-minute opening set. In the second set, Haas broke in the third game at 15-40 and again in the fifth when Roddick netted a forehand volley. Haas fell behind 15-30 when serving for it but came back to hold, ending the match with his eighth ace.

Haas improved to 13-2 on the season and 26-6 in his career in Memphis while Roddick, who was looking to win his first title since ATP Masters Series Cincinnati last August, fell to 14-3 on the year and 21-5 in Memphis. Roddick won the title in Memphis in 2002 (d. Blake) and was runner-up the following year (l. to Dent).

It was the first No. 1 vs. 2 seed final in Memphis since 1987 when No. 1 Stefan Edberg defeated No. 2 Connors. (ATP)