Del Potro beats Roddick to take title

(GETTY IMAGES)

Juan Martin del Potro retained the ATP Legg Mason Tennis Classic title on Sunday with a three-set victory over top seed Andy Roddick.

The Argentinian second seed responded superbly after losing the first set and ran out a 3-6 7-5 7-6 (8/6) winner.

Del Potro's triumph saw him become the first man to claim back-to-back titles at the Washington event since Andre Agassi achieved the feat 10 years ago.

"I'm very happy to win another title and defend this championship," said the 20-year-old.

"[Roddick is in] much better condition this year. His game as improved a lot. I beat him, but the difference was so close."

The 26-year-old American, playing in his first tournament since taking a break after the Wimbledon final to recover from a hip injury, was pleased with his week's work despite Sunday's defeat.

"I'm not far off from where I was after Wimbledon," he said.

"This is the start of preparation leading up to the US Open. I feel better about my game now than when I got here. The serve will come around with matches."