When Andy Roddick won the U.S. Open in 2003 at the age of 21, it appeared he would be the next great American star, following the likes of Andre Agassi. But as Agassi concluded his illustrious career with a third round loss to Benjamin Becker at this year’s edition of the American slam, a question had to be posed: What happened to his heir apparent?
Since he won the Open and vaulted to No. 1 in the world rankings, a position he held for all of 12 weeks, Roddick has reached the Australian Open semis and lost to Roger Federer in the 2004 and 2005 Wimbledon finals. Then the master plan for American tennis fell apart.
An utterly embarrassing first round loss at the U.S. Open in 2005 was followed by a fourth-round defeat at the 2006 Australian Open, a first-round exit at the French Open and a third-round debacle at Wimbledon. From winning a Grand Slam tournament to being bounced out of that same tournament in the first round two years later; this has been the underachieving and overrated nature of Roddick’s career. He’s now ranked No. 10 in the world, one of only three Americans in the top-35.
Roddick’s problems have been manifold: his separation from coach Brad Gilbert, his lack of intensity, his inability to find a consistent backhand and the seeming absence of any desire to at least give the perception that he wants to be the best. But now, with Jimmy Connors as his new mentor, Roddick bounced Becker and advanced to the quarterfinals at this year’s Open this past Labor Day in straight sets. He looked invigorated in a match that only took him an hour and a half to put away and gave the New York crowd a glimmer of hope that a turnaround is in motion, that the Andy Roddick who was predicted to carry the American men’s tennis throne will return to form and climb up the world rankings. These good feelings continued with an impressive victory over Lleyton Hewitt in three straight sets last night to advance to the semifinals.
In a 2003 interview with Deuce magazine Roddick said, “American tennis fans have been spoiled in the best possible way. It’s not all roses, but you have rookies come into the NBA and they have no jumper, and then four years later they’re hitting fadeaways. That’s what I’m hoping for, that’s what I’m working towards. (https://www.bottomlineequipment.com) ”
Whether or not Roddick correctly predicted his future as the next Josh Howard of men’s tennis is beside the point. It’s time for Roddick to realize his full potential and use his 153-m.p.h. serve to put away opponents, not Mandy Moore. When he’s No. 10 in the world while he should be sitting at No. 2, a fire needs to be lit inside the young man that lets the world know he means business.
There is an important difference between being over, like Agassi, and being overrated, like Roddick. One can change while the other cannot. Now that American tennis is finally without its leader, Roddick needs to realize this, assume his role and earn the respect that he received earlier at such a young age. If his recent play at the U.S. Open continues and provides any hope for a resuscitation of his career, then the hope for American tennis might not be lost after all.
