Roddick sets up Djokovic clash

LONDON - Andy Roddick set up an Olympic Games clash with world number two Novak Djokovic as the three-time Wimbledon runner-up defeated Martin Klizan 7-5, 6-4 in the first round of the Games on Monday.

Former world number one Roddick will meet 2011 Wimbledon winner Djokovic for a place in the last 16 following the American's gritty victory over Slovakia's Klizan in a match held over from Sunday due to rain.

Roddick, playing in his first Olympics since Athens in 2004 after missing Beijing four years ago, hasn't been past the third round in his three Grand Slam appearances this year after struggling with a series of injuries.

But the 29-year-old has always thrived at Wimbledon and he will relish the opportunity of taking on Serbian second seed Djokovic, who looked out of sorts during his first round win over Fabio Fognini.

"Situationally speaking I don't know that there's a lot that Novak and I haven't seen at this point," Roddick said.

"I think we pretty much know how to deal with different scenerios. I'm not sure (how the match will go), but we're both comfortable with this venue so it will produce a good match."

Roddick knows he has only himself to blame for having to face Djokovic at this early stage of the event after a series of poor results cost him the chance to be seeded.

"I missed out by one and that was my fault. It's tough and obviously not an ideal situation," he said.

"But for me it's just an honour to be asked to play at the Olympics. I was happy when London got chosen, it's a place that I know well and I know how to play here. All things combined it is a great opportunity for me.

"It's always a big deal to play in the Olympics. It doesn't happen often for us so it's definitely something we pay a little more attention to. I think it is special and something that is talked about."

(AFP)