Open semifinals. Roddick made quick work of Ferrero, defeating him 6—3, 7—6, 6—3. During his career, Roddick reached the finals in four other major events. He was in the Wimbledon finals in , , and , and he reached the finals of the U. Open in He lost to Roger Federer every time. I called my wife in a moment of panic — she was out running some errands. Roddick was known for a blazing fast serve that once clocked at miles per hour.
His aggressive serve was a big advantage early in his career, but as time went on, other players figured Roddick out, learning to deal with his speed and power more efficiently. Taking away a primary weapon, coupled with the well-known fact that Roddick had a weak backhand, put a serious dent in his armor, one that other players began actively exploiting. Players like Federer and Rafael Nadal. Federer may go down as the greatest to ever play the sport of tennis.
In fact, of the 24 times that Roddick met Federer, he would lose 21 of those matches. Roddick had talent and sheer drive, as Tennis World details, but he may have competed in the wrong era. Buoyed by a booming serve -- he used to hold the record of mph -- and big forehand, Roddick is a. He also helped the United States end a year Davis Cup drought by winning the title.
Do we love to have a guy like that out there? Was it great that he's American? Sure," said U. Roddick's announcement came one day after four-time major champion Kim Clijsters played the last singles match of her career, a second-round loss to Laura Robson at Flushing Meadows. I'm sure it'll be very emotional. I'm sure I'll still be nervous," Roddick said, looking ahead to facing Tomic. He's been dealing with a series of injuries over the past few seasons, and in February dropped out of the top 20, then slid to No.
A hurt right hamstring forced Roddick to retire during his second-round match at the Australian Open in January, and he lost in the first round at the French Open and third round at Wimbledon. I have a lot of interests and a lot of other things that excite me. I'm looking forward to those. He mentioned the youth tennis and learning center that his foundation is building in his hometown of Austin, Texas, and a radio show he appears on.
The latter would seem to be a natural second career for Roddick, known for a sharp, often sarcastic, wit. He's never been shy about showing his emotions on the court -- whether tossing a racket or insulting a chair umpire or line judge -- or sharing his opinions off it.
Roddick grew up in the spotlight and the world watched him morph from a brash, Gen-X kid with plenty of 'tude to something of an elder statesman in the game. He has spoken out about tennis players perhaps needing a union to fight for their rights the way athletes in U. Up-and-coming players such as Sam Querrey and Ryan Harrison have thanked Roddick publicly for his help, whether it's offering advice about dealing with life on tour or inviting them to come train with him in Austin.
That kind of lends itself to me being a really good bad player. And his unbridled temperament on the court? No excuses. In the heat of the moment, I've always played with passion.
If you took a poll, asking who would want to see someone go mental and hit a ball into the stands or something, I think people would probably vote for that. I mean, John McEnroe is still getting endorsements and he's 87 years old [laughter].
What does that tell you? Love it or hate it, but watch it. Roddick's friends and family always knew the flip side, the sense of compassion. He once saved a player's life by helping him flee a burning hotel. He's been known to personally reverse calls if they went unfairly his way. He wept when recounting the day he traveled from London to Paris to fire his longtime friend and coach, Tarik Benhabiles.
And there was a day at the Wimbledon when a cabdriver named Stephen Little picked up Roddick and Brad Gilbert for a ride to a London restaurant. The engaging Little became a regular for both men, and when Roddick found himself stuck in town seems he lost his passport , Gilbert asked Little to keep an eye on him.
The two struck a powerful friendship, to the point where, in ensuing years, Little stayed at Roddick's rented house during the tournament. It was at Wimbledon, this year, when Roddick dropped his first clear hint of the exit strategy.
He tends to get right off the court after a loss. That's when I got the feeling this was it. Roddick hasn't had a particularly bad year, winning two tournaments and scoring a rare victory over Federer in Miami, but he's been plagued with injuries for months.
Whatever my faults have been, I've always felt like I've never done anything halfway. I don't want to disrespect the game by coasting home. Roddick says he has "no idea" how he'll feel, or play, on Friday night against Tomic.
I haven't done this before. I'm sure it will be very emotional. Retirement can be a tricky thing in tennis. It's a game you can play for life, knees and shoulders willing, but there's that inevitable moment of closure, be it shockingly early or astoundingly late.
Connors and Gonzalez played forever, or so it seemed.
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