BRISBANE, Australia(AP) Top-seeded Andy Roddick won a serving duel against Carsten Ball and advanced to the quarterfinals of the Brisbane International, 7-6 (0), 6-3 on Wednesday.
Roddick broke in the eighth game of the second set - the only service break in the match - and clinched it next game over the 22-year-old Ball, a big-serving left hander who was born and raised in California but plays for Australia.
Roddick is playing his first tournament since withdrawing at Shanghai in October with an injured knee and said he was happy with his preparation for the season's first major at the Australian Open, which begins Jan. 18 in Melbourne.
Brisbane International defending champion Radek Stepanek came from a set and break down to beat Ukraine qualifier Oleksandr Dolgopolov Jr. 5-7, 7-6 (4), 6-2.