Roger Federer Heaps Praise On The Career Of Andy Roddick

Written by: Staff on 31st August 2012

Roger Federer Heaps Praise On The Career Of Andy Roddick

epa03376335 Roger Federer of Switzerland hits a return to Björn Phau of Germany during their match on the fourth day of the 2012 US Open Tennis Championship at the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York, USA, 30 August 2012. The US Open runs through 09 September 2012. EPA/JASON SZENES |

World no.1 Roger Federer led to a succession of compliments for Andy Roddick, the Swiss nemesis who denied his American rival of glory in the 2006 U.S. Open final and three more times at Wimbledon in 2004, 2005 and 2009.

Federer described Roddick as a “great man” and admitted he had “some great battles” with the American, notably that 2009 Wimbledon final when the scoreline read 57, 76, 76, 36, 16.

Although Roddick lost this match, he set a record for number of games won in a Wimbledon final at 39 and the match set records for the longest men’s Grand Slam final in history at 77 games and the longest fifth set in a men’s Grand Slam final.

“Andy was a great competitor and a great champion. We had some epic battles over the years,” said Federer. “He truly deserves a great ovation and a great atmosphere on Friday. He’s going to need it because Tomic is a great player.”

Fellow American and fourteen-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams revealed she had known for a while that her friend Roddick was contemplating retirement.

“I was hoping he would change his mind. I love him. He’s been so amazing for American men’s tennis so I’m sad to see another face gone,” said the Wimbledon and Olympic champion.

U.S. Fed Cup captain Mary Joe Fernandez, a member of the ESPN commentary team at the U.S. Open who helped break the news nationwide, succumbed to a few tears at the emotion of the announcement.

“I’m still choked about it,” said Fernandez whose husband Tony Godsick works as Federer’s manager. “I didn’t see it coming this quickly. I mean, it’s hard, two of my favorite champions going out with Kim Clijsters also retiring. So it’s hard to process.

“I’m a baby like Doug Spreen, Roddick’s trainer, who was called out by Roddick in the press conference for crying]. Andy’s dreams came true, he became no.1, he won the Davis Cup, he won the US Open. I’m going to miss him.”

James Blake, Roddick’s close friend and long-time Davis Cup team-mate, said: “We’ll miss Andy a ton. He’s been great. His career has been incredible. He’s been such a stalwart in Davis Cup.

“I can never repay him for winning me a Davis Cup, for being the anchor on that team, clinching every match that year, just about. It’s a great friendship. That will continue, but we’ll miss his career, his charisma on the court, his excitement, what he brought to the game.”

Blake admitted he was surprised by Roddick’s timing, making the announcement before losing at the US Open. “But I’m happy for Andy because he’s doing it on his terms, said the Davis Cup tem-mate He didn’t go out with an injury. He didn’t do it really for anyone else.”

ATP World Tour executive chairman and president Brad Drewett congratulated Roddick on an outstanding career and thanked him for 13 years of fantastic memories. “Andy is one of the greatest competitors this game has ever seen, and his presence at the top of the men’s game for more than a decade is a testament to his talent and determination, said Drewett of the former world no.1.

Perhaps even more important than his accomplishments on the court, Andy has dedicated himself to raising millions of dollars to help children in need through the Andy Roddick Foundation .¨Andy will be sorely missed by his fellow players, tournaments and not least his millions of fans around the world .Everyone at the ATP wishes Andy and his family all the very best in the future.

United States Tennis Association Chairman of the Board, Jon Vegosen joined in the praise. Andy has been an outstanding ambassador for our sport and our country, always carrying himself with the character and class that define a champion, said Vegosen.

In addition to representing the U.S. on the world stage, he was a Davis Cup stalwart and standout. We could not be more proud of Andy and all that he has accomplished in his brilliant career, and we wish him every success and happiness in his retirement from the pro game.

©Daily Tennis News Wire

Topics: American tennis news, Andy Roddick, Davis Cup 2012, Roger Federer, Sports, Tennis News, US Open 2012