World number five Andy Roddick said on Saturday that he has got good preparations heading into the upcoming Davis Cup final against Russia, playing four matches against the top players at the Masters Cup in Shanghai.

 

"There are some positives, not having played one match since the US Open to get to the semifinals and to get four matches under my belt before our Davis Cup final was needed," said Roddick, who has struggled with a heel injury since the disappointing result at Flushing Meadows.

 

"I kind of have to try to move on because this isn't the end of my year. We have a couple matches in 12 days or so. So that's where my focus goes now."

 

The 25-year-old American made a flying start at the year-ending tournament, becoming the first master to enter semifinals after two-match winning streak, but then lost to Roger Federer in the last group match before being knocked out by Spaniard David Ferrer in the semifinals on Saturday.

 

"I feel confident (about the Davis Cup). It was nice to get a win over Davydenko, and I've been able to beat Youzhny the last couple times we've played."

 

"And we have the best doubles team in the world in our corner.

 

"Getting that confidence to translate to the court and getting a win is a tall task, especially we lost to them last year. But you know, I like our team."

 

The American will meet his teammates in Portland next week and get in five or six days with each other before the tie.

 

(Xinhua News Agency November 18, 2007)