Refreshed American tennis player Andy Roddick has declared himself in his best shape for seven months as he attempts to defend his Brisbane International title next week.
The world No.8 has had his first hit at Pat Rafter Arena and says he's excited about starting 2011 in far better condition than he finished last season.
Roddick battled illness from May which drained him of the form that saw him win two ATP titles in the first part of 2010.
He failed to reach the quarter-finals at the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open, but a break followed by a strong pre-season has him confident of returning to his best.
Roddick is one of three top-10 players in the Brisbane draw, with Swedish top seed Robin Soderling and Spaniard Fernando Verdasco also appearing.
