Roddick seeks new start with Connors

Los Angeles: Andy Roddick, armed with a new coach, plans to put behind him the nightmare of last year's US Open when he returns to Flushing Meadows next month.

The American, who won his maiden grand slam singles title at the 2003 US Open, was the local favourite last year when knocked out in the first round by little-known Gilles Muller of Luxembourg.

Reeling after his shock 7-6 7-6 7-6 exit, the big-serving Roddick said he had never felt as bad.

Eleven months on, however, he is determined to bury the memory. "I'm not going to play this year for last year," the former world number one said after beating South African Rik de Voest 6-4 6-4 in the Los Angeles Open first round on Wednesday.

"It's done. We're talking about where I've had my greatest success as well. I'm really excited about this part of the year."

Roddick rallied from a two-set deficit and match point down in his 2003 US Open semi-final against David Nalbandian before beating Juan Carlos Ferrero in straight sets in the final.

Yet to win a title this season, the 23-year-old appointed Jimmy Connors as his new coach on Monday in a bid to resurrect his career and return to the top of the world rankings.

Connors, winner of eight grand slam singles titles, believes he can give Roddick "a little bit of what made me what I was".

His pupil is hungry for such lessons. "I'd love to take a little bit of what he had," said Roddick, the world number 10.

Asked if he had felt at all nervous with Connors watching from the stands, he replied: "I'm excited, I don't think nervous is the right word.

"I was eager to get out there and play because I'm eager to work on stuff. I'm feeling a lot better with the way I'm hitting the ball and with my level of intensity and focus on the court. But I don't think I'm halfway there yet. There's still a long way to go."

Wimbledon runner-up in 2004 and 2005, Roddick dropped out of the top 10 in the rankings this month for the first time since 2002.

He and Connors first discussed the possibility of joining forces after the French Open in early June.

In the build-up to last week's RCA Championships in Indianapolis, Roddick trained with Connors and he reached the tournament final before losing 4-6 6-4 7-6 to Davis Cup team mate James Blake.