Roddick’s consistency paved path to pantheon of greats
Andy Roddick won the US Open, reached the Wimbledon final three times and was a fixture in the top 10 for much of his career.
Still, the American didn’t think his induction in the International Tennis Hall of Fame was a sure thing.
“It’s not something I thought I was entitled to,” Roddick said on Tuesday at the Australian Open. “I’m not a shoo-in like Roger (Federer) or Serena (Williams) or anyone like that, so I certainly appreciate it.”
Roddick will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island on July 22, alongside four-time major winner Kim Clijsters, wheelchair player Monique Kalkman-van den Bosch, tennis historian and journalist Steve Flink and the late coach Vic Braden.
Roddick might not have collected as many Grand Slam trophies as Federer or other players of his generation, but he takes pride in the fact he reached No 1 — along with his longevity at the top of the game.
“I never really went away,” the 34-year-old said.
“I was in the top 10 for a decade. That took a lot of time and a lot of effort, and to stay there mentally that long is a tough thing, especially when the guys you’re trying to go through to win big tournaments, they were and are very good and (have) since become the most decorated generation.”
Roddick came up short in all of his Wimbledon finals against Federer in 2004, ’05 and ’09. He also lost to the Swiss great, his biggest rival on the court, in the 2006 US Open decider.
Overall, he had a 3-21 record against Federer, but he’s quick to point out that he won their last match in Miami in 2012.
“He’s lucky I retired,” Roddick quipped.
Roddick may have had morethanhisfairshareofdisappointing losses to Federer, but his respect for the 17-time major winner runs deep and he’s honored to have played in the same generation.
“It’s weird because you share history with someone. It becomes a part of your definition for a long time,” he said.
“I’m happy that a part of my definition is as respectful, as classy and as good a human being as Roger is.”
Roddick was also under tremendous pressure throughout his career as the player expected to extend US dominance in the sport following the retirement of Pete Sampras, Jim Courier, Andre Agassi and Michael Chang.
While Roddick captured the 2003 US Open and helped the US end a 12-year drought with a Davis Cup victory in 2007, he never replicated the success the previous generation enjoyed.
“It was a responsibility I took very seriously,” he said of his role as the No 1 American.
“I don’t know that I was ever going to fill the gap that was left by the generation before; it’s probably the greatest generation ever from one place and the lineage is certainly impressive.”
He looks at the next batch of Americans now emerging and is excited about the future.
Seven US men between the ages of 18 and 20 made the main draw at the Aussie Open, including Reilly Opelka, Jared Donaldson, Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe. Three advanced round two.
Roddick called it the “best crop of talent we’ve had in 15 years, maybe 20 years”.
“I like that they have company, too,” he said.
“I like that it’s not just one guy dominating. I like that they’re going to have the opportunity to create a bit of a healthy jealousy.”
As for his own playing days, Roddick, who has been married to American model and actress Brooklyn Decker for eight years, doesn’t miss the grind of the tour.
“I miss my son (Hank) at home right now on the other side of the world more,” he said.