Andy Roddick Earns Respect, Pride of Tennis Nation Despite Wimbledon Loss to Roger Federer
Roger Federer might have won the match but Andy Roddick won the heart of the people.
Roddick put his heart and soul into Sunday’s Wimbledon final only to come so close. The 30 game 5th set was the longest in Wimbledon history, and one of the greatest sets ever played in tennis.
The 4-and-a-half hour match might have beaten last year’s Nadal and Federer final match as the greatest tennis match ever played. Even though the match was long, both players did not look at all tired near the end. Roddick was still hitting his serve in the 130s, and Federer was still moving around the court with ease.
While it’s nice to see Federer win and break Sampras’s record for most grand slam wins, Roddick is the real winner. After thinking of leaving tennis after last year’s Wimbledon, Roddick hired a new coach, went on a new diet, and it all paid off. He is in the greatest shape of his life, and it has led him to play his greatest tennis. You could see how much he really wanted it. It was heartbreaking to see him lose after his greatest service game. The only time he was broken was in the 30 game in the 5th set, which was also the match-winning break.
While Roddick did have a chance to go up two sets to none, he shouldn’t kill himself over that. He has earned so much respect from tennis fans and observers everywhere. He can now be said to be a top contender in any Grand Slam. A lot of people questioned whether he could win another Grand Slam, and he has proven he can. The match that went on yesterday will not be forgotten soon, and even though Federer holds the actual trophy, Roddick holds the real trophy: the feeling that he can win another one and play with the best.
Roddick always leaves his heart on the court. The standing oviation was a very nice award, and showed that the spectators highly respected Roddick. Roddick lost to Federer three times now in the WImbledon final, but this year he won more than he lost. Even though it didn’t end up like he wanted it to, Roddick still holds his head high, waiting for the next time.
He said one day his name will be on the wall that shows all the players who won the tournament, and that he will be back. Roddick might have lost but to me he won. He showed his heart today, and that’s all fans can ask for. Sure, I would have loved to see him win, but he won in a different way. Roddick should be happy to be able to play tennis in front of people that love him. We will love him no matter what the outcome. Let this be a lesson to all athletes: people respect you when you put your whole soul into a match.
Andy Roddick, you should be glad. You have our respect and pride.
[Editor's Note: This article was originally published by MSF contributor Tyler Juranovich at PlayerPress.com and has been republished here at the author's request.]
* Andy Roddick photo credit: AndyRoddick.com
Tags: Andy Roddick, Roger Federer, tennis, wimbledon
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Andy,
Great job! Keep up the good fight and get ‘em next year!
Phil
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I personally think you won at Wimbledon against Roger. Sort of robbed, I think, by questionable calls/equipment. It seemed like it was predetermined by the powers-that-be that he would win it due to publicity/marketing/etc.
You did an outstanding job and I was so proud of you out there, playing with all your might and all your heart. You were a sight to behold.
Keep it up!
Ramona
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Andy should be so proud. I didn’t know him well before this season but he deserves the respect of every person that has ever picked up a tennis raquet or watched a match. He stood toe to toe with one of tennis’ greats and he came so close to beating him. I love Andy for fighting so hard and being so gracious at the awards ceremony. He is a true gentleman and I am sure will win many Wibelton titles in the future. Federer is the past, Roddick is the future. I was proud to be an American (as cliche as that sounds) when he accepted his runner-up trophy. I wish all young athletes had his poise, confidence and sense of humor. You did us all proud Andy. Thank you!!!
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Robert Bernhard, Jr. Reply:
July 7th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
@Deb L,
My thoughts almost to the letter, but you expressed it as well as could be done! We should all love Andy for his courage, perseverance and gentlemanly response to the way he won the hearts of all of us. Thanks, Andy for representing America as a true hero!
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We all knew Federer was going to win. So congrats to Federer…as usual.
only Federer himself can personally say if his own skills are deteriorating or if Roddick is that much better over a year’s time. They are both getting up there in age so I don’t think “Roddick is the future” unless he’s found the fountain of youth. likely both will be riding into the sunset in the next 2-3 years. I truly think it’ll be Nadal or Murray’s era of domination despite some injury time.
I feel for Roddick’s loss especially for him to endure it over 4+ hours of tennis. (Federer seems to do that to a lot of players: extinguish their desire and passion to play tennis in future years…is he that good to play mind games?). However Roddick’s skills are definitely unbelievable on grass; his wonderful performance and achievements thus far should have “bought” him the Wimbledon championship in 2009. CONGRATS RODDICK…YOU DESERVE ANY AND ALL THE RECOGNITION YOU CAN IN 2009.
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I have followed Andy since 2003 and have always admired him as a class act even in defeat. He always gives 100% and is gracious to his opponent. I was disappointed in the loss but proud of the Andy played and was gracious in his comments. Roger has difficulty in giving his opponents any credit at all. Andy played the best match of his career and here’s hoping he will be 100% for the U.S. OPen! GO ANDY and thank you for representing the USA so well all these years!
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