Tennis Soldier
It appears that last year’s off-season was more like military boot camp for Andy Roddick than a holiday break. He rang in the New Year with a fresh crew cut, chiseled physique and poised to destroy. Despite the obvious changes to his physical appearance, there was something curiously different with Andy. It was understood later at Wimbledon 2009: Roddick had morphed into a mature, purpose-driven man.
“I’m just trying to stay the course, to go about my business,” said Roddick.
One-by-one Roddick’s rivals fell – Jeremy Chardy, Igor Kunitsyn, Jurgen Melzer, Tomas Berdych, Lleyton Hewitt, and Andy Murray.
“That’s the most complete, intelligent match I’ve ever seen Andy Roddick play,” said television commentator Mary Carillo following his semifinal’s encounter with Murray.
England was stunned. Murray’s loss ended their dream of a British Wimbledon champion. But then, as Roddick fell to one knee on Centre Court and fought back tears, their applause grew louder and louder. At that moment, the crowd experienced closure with Murray and adopted the Andy from America.
Roddick then turned his focus to his toughest Tour opponent: Roger Federer. “You don't go back to a Wimbledon final by accident,” said Roddick. “It certainly is a process. And it's probably been a longer process than I would have liked.”
His renewed commitment to tennis had led him to hire a different coach, train harder and improve his fitness. Still, after 4 hours and 16 minutes and the longest fifth set in major final history, Federer edged Roddick, 5-7, 7-6(6), 7-6(5), 3-6, 16-14
“I’ve had a lot of short comings throughout my career, trying hard is not one of them,” said Roddick.
He has upset Federer twice in his career – both victories were on a hard court surface. Expect Roddick in combat zone come September in New York.
Fan’s cheered for Federer’s record 15 Grand Slam title win and supported Roddick for making the accomplishment difficult.
