Roddick refreshed and ready

A revitalised Andy Roddick [Images] says he is in the best shape of his life after recovering from a back injury and a disappointing end to last season.

The big-serving American was a shock first round loser at last year's US Open then missed the season-ending Masters Cup after injuring his back.

But the world number three says the extended break proved a blessing in disguise because it enabled him to freshen up for the Australian Open.

"I feel good, I feel fit, I'm excited to get it going," he told a news conference on Sunday.

"I definitely feel like I did more due diligence this year, was a little more ready to go and had a little bit more time to prepare on my terms."

Roddick said he spent the off-season tinkering with his game after the bitter disappointment of his straight sets loss to rank outsider Gilles Muller at the US Open.

The 23-year-old won the US Open in 2003 but has not won a Grand Slam title since but said the defeat to Muller had forced him to reassess his game.

"It put a little bit of a chip on my shoulder. I don't know if it will end up being a blessing in disguise or not," he said.

"It's probably the most disappointing loss I've had... but it's how you bounce back from something like that.

"You can either kind of lay down or try to turn it around. I've chosen the latter."

Roddick's new approach immediately paid off when he won last week's Kooyong Classic and he said he is feeling quietly confident about his chances of winning the Australian Open.

He plays Switzerland's [Images] Michael Lammer on the Rod Laver centre court in his opening match on Monday.

"I feel probably more excited to start this year than I ever have before," he said.

"I'm more prepared now than I have been in the past. But that doesn't always translate into instant success.

"All you can do is kind of put yourself in position and try to give yourself every advantage.

"I feel like I've done that in the last couple of months. I'm really excited to get out there and start this year."

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