Haas targets grand slam glory after third Memphis crown

MEMPHIS, Tennessee, Feb 26 (Reuters) Tommy Haas set his sights on winning his first grand slam crown after romping to his third Memphis International title with a stunning 6-3 6-2 victory over Andy Roddick.

The German, who did not face a single break point on serve all week, outplayed Roddick in every department to complete the successful defence of his title yesterday.

Haas is only the second man to win the Memphis title three times, joining former world number one Jimmy Connors, now the coach to Roddick.

''That is my dream, to win a grand slam title,'' the world number nine told reporters.

''Every once in a while you get to play some great tennis like that and continue winning.

''I think I served extremely well. I was holding my serve and being patient at the baseline and going for the right shots at the right time. Everything seems to be working really well.

''There are times when I've played some good tennis, at the Australian Open I was feeling really good too, so the beginning of the year has been going really well.

''I played Davis Cup against (Mario) Ancic and (Ivan) Ljubicic, winning both matches there in Germany, so I'm feeling pretty good about my game right now.

''If I can continue to play like that, I'll be a tough opponent.'' Haas was ranked number two in May 2002 but then missed all of the following year after having two operations on his right shoulder.

He returned in 2004 and ended 2006 just outside the top 1 before reaching the semi-finals at last month's Australian Open.

With two back-to-back Masters Series titles next month, on his favourite hard courts, Haas is likely to be a threat.

''If you look at Andy's statistics at the end of last year and the beginning of this year, beating him is obviously a great win for me,'' he said.

''I'm probably playing some of my best tennis right now but I find it tough to compare where I was four or five years ago, when I had my highest ranking.'' REUTERS PM ND0912