MELBOURNE, Jan 13: Andy Roddick notched only his second career victory over arch-nemesis Roger Federer by winning the Kooyong Classic 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 on Saturday. The victory in one hour, 20 minutes at the eight-man special event snapped an eight-match losing streak against the Swiss world number one going back to 2003.

Handing Federer his first defeat in 31 matches was the perfect tonic for Roddick, rejuvenated by coach Jimmy Connors, ahead of the Australian Open which starts on Monday.

Roddick struggled throughout against a swirling wind, but held together in the third set, firing over a pair of aces to claim victory after breaking Roger Federer for a 5-3 lead.—AFP