Roddick snaps losing streak against Federer

Firing thunderbolt deliveries through a bellowing wind, Andy Roddick (picture) punctured Roger Federer's aura of invincibility to win the Kooyong Classic invitational yesterday.

The American swept to a 6-2 3-6 6-3 victory to record his first win over the world no.1 since August 2003, gaining a huge psychological boost before the Australian Open starts tomorrow.

Unfortunately Roddick will only be able to savour the memory of the rare victory over the Swiss master as the result will not count in the official records with the event only being an exhibition.

"It (a win over Federer) needs to be done on a big stage before you can put too much emphasis on it," Roddick told reporters.

"That said, it's nice. It's nice to get some good preparation before the Open."

The result will do little to dent Federer's confidence since he was also beaten in the tournament last year before securing a second Melbourne Park crown just two weeks later.

In fact, the last time the Swiss was beaten, in the second round of the 2006 Cincinnati Masters by Briton Andy Murray, he was spurred on to win his ninth grand slam title with a series of breathtaking victories at the US Open last September.

"Andy played well. I thought I would be out very quickly because of the start he had," Federer said. "But I feel ready for the Open."

Federer entered the match with a commanding 12-1 advantage over his American rival, who had lost eight successive matches to the Swiss.

For 31 minutes, Roddick must have wondered if he was dreaming as he barely put a foot wrong and grabbed the first set with two successive breaks.

It did not take Federer long to wake Roddick up from his blissful slumber.

An ace levelled the match after 61 minutes and Federer looked to have the upper hand in the third as he held three break points in the third game and two more in the seventh. He was unable to convert any and a missed smash in the first point of the eighth game swayed the momentum Roddick's way.

He grabbed his chance, breaking Federer with a dipping volley, and duly wrapped up the win in the next game after Federer punched a backhand wide.

Sydney International final: Blake (US) bt Moya (Spain) 6-3 5-7 6-1.

Auckland Open final: Ferrer (Spain) bt Robredo (Spain) 6-4 6-2.