Viktor vanquished by Andy Roddick

Andy Roddick hit a shot not found in any how-to manual, and it came at a critical time to help him survive a scare in his opening match at the Sony Ericsson Open. The sixth-seeded Roddick beat qualifier Viktor Troicki 5-7, 6-2, 6-4.

With Troicki serving at 4-5 in the final game, Roddick8217;s creativity helped him win the first point. A rally forced him to the sideline near the net, and when Troicki sliced a volley to the other side, Roddick chased down the ball as it bounced away from him, then spun to yank a backhand crosscourt past the Serbian. The ball landed on the sideline, but Roddick was not sure the shot was good until the crowd erupted with a standing ovation.

Five points later Troicki pushed a backhand wide, and Roddick had his victory.

Top-ranked Roger Federer won with less drama. Still seeking his first title this year, he erased all seven break points he faced and beat Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-4.

Eight seeded men lost, including No 5 David Ferrer, No 13 Andy Murray and No 21 Lleyton Hewitt. Ferrer, a two-time semi-finalist, was beaten by Thomas Johansson 6-4, 7-5. Murray, a semi-finalist last year, lost to Mario Ancic 6-2, 2-6, 7-6 7. Hewitt was eliminated by Jose Acasuso 6-3, 7-6 4.

On the women8217;s side, Justine Henin became the first player to reach the fourth round of on Sunday when she beat Sara Errani 6-2, 6-1.