General / Editor / 12 June 2007 /

Number two seed Andy Roddick's big serve proved the difference as he booked his place in the third round of the Artois Championships with a 6-4 6-4 win over Czech Radek Stepanek.

The American suffered a first-round defeat at the French Open but seemed a lot happier with his return to grass, where of course his service can do so much damage.

The world number five sent one booming serve down at 149mph as his opponent consistently failed to come to terms with the raw power on show.

Roddick has made a concerted effort to get himself ready for the grass-court season and has praised the impact that Jimmy Connors has had in his corner.

The 24-year-old said: "I've put a lot of work in on the grass recently. Stepanek is a great player on grass so I'm really pleased with the win.

"You can't really explain what it's like having Jimmy Connors as coach.

"He understands the pressures of playing in Grand Slams finals. Anything I've been though he's been through before - and then some.

"It's great to have his voice in my corner. He doesn't shout during training but his competitiveness is still there.

"Queen's could be my favourite event. I love the club and the atmosphere. It's easy to go back to a place where you have great memories."

Roddick, who faces the winner of the all-British clash between Alex Bogdanovic and Jamie Baker in the next round, is now the 4.2 favourite to win his fourth title at Queen's Club, with four-time winner Lleyton Hewitt next best at 4.5 and clay court king Rafael Nadal on offer at 5.9.

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