Andy Roddick needs a new career

For those of you that follow Men’s tennis, it is pretty well known that Andy Roddick is the best American Born tennis player on the circuit today.  Currently ranked 6^th in the World, Andy has advanced to the 4^th round of the French Open, the longest he has ever lasted.  That sentence alone should be a slight indication of why I don’t like him but allow me to continue.

Andy Roddick became a force very early on in his career winning the 2003 US Open.  Perhaps he set the bar too high for himself but no matter, Roddick was primed as the next American superstar.  Since 2003, Andy has not won another Grand Slam title losing twice in the Wimbledon Final and once in the US Open Final (All to Roger Federer).  Since 2006, Roddick has not even been able to capture a Masters Series Final (No final appearances).  Now I root for plenty of losers (Mets, Jets, etc.) but year after year I continue to see the same poor play, the same mistakes and the same cocky attitude that gets in the way of his talent.

Just a decade ago, two American Players; Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi dominated Men’s Tennis.  Not only were they in and out of Slam Finals, they entertained all ages of Tennis with their play and their attitude.  Sadly, American Tennis continues to decline, as Roddick and others are not improving their game, simply sustaining it.  Point and case, Roddick has battled (not really) Roger Federer twenty times in his career, winning just two.  Even more embarrassing is the set record vs. Federer; 10 wins, 45 losses.  When you play an opponent that often and are ranked in the top 10 in the world, you should do a little better than 10%.

Most frustrating for me is Andy Roddick’s attitude.  Tirade after tirade on the court, perhaps he should focus more on his backhand, (or lack thereof) and less on the few bad calls that every Tennis player receives from time to time.  I can’t seem to get through just one of his matches without a broken racquet or his arms up in anger.  And so, I ask for all of you American Tennis fans out there to root Andy on in his match tomorrow against Frenchman Gael Monfils, so we can witness once again how unprepared Roddick is against Mr. Roger Federer.