Roddick starts clay-court season by beating Fish in all-American matchup at Rome Masters

Andy Roddick got his clay-court season off to a solid start Tuesday, beating Mardy Fish 6-1, 6-4 in an all-American matchup in the second round of the Rome Masters.

Roddick improved his record against his longtime friend to 8-1.

"It's tough playing against someone you're friends with, and unfortunately for Mardy I've played some good tennis throughout my career against him," Roddick said.

In the first round, 14th-seeded Tommy Robredo defeated Juan Ignacio Chela 6-4, 6-1.

Fish outlasted Michael Llodra in three sets Monday and appeared off his game at the start, losing the first set in 22 minutes with 14 unforced errors. The …