Andy Roddick, the newest addition to tennis' Hall of Fame, spoke with the ATP recently about his career. One question that Roddick has often faced in his interviews over the years has had to do with his playing relationship with Roger Federer. Roddick is perhaps one of the most unluckiest players when it comes to the all-time greats. The American is very similarly aged to Federer and, while the younger generation still has plenty of trouble with the Swiss Maestro at the age of 35, Roddick had to deal with Federer during all of his in-prime years.
Roddick's missed chance at Wimbledon 2009
Andy Roddick had dipped in the ATP rankings a bit in 2009. However, entering the French Open that year the American had committed to a fitness and nutrition regime that saw him lose a little bit of weight. He was never a good clay courter, but at the French Open that year he made his career-best appearance in making the fourth round. A few weeks later, he made the Wimbledon 2009 final through Andy Murray in the semifinals. That set up a clash against Federer in the championship match.
That match is remembered for the 16-14 finish in the 5th set and for the fact that Roddick held his serve until the final game of the match. Furthermore, it's remembered for the easy volley that Roddick missed on a set point in the second set.
Had he executed it then he would have had a two-sets-to-love lead and perhaps the Wimbledon title on his racket. That match is the only one between Roddick and Federer that nearly saw the American win. Accordingly, it's this match that the ATP referenced in their question for Roddick regarding Wimbledon and playing the Swiss Maestro there:
"You came so close to beating Roger Federer at Wimbledon," ATPWorldTour.com asked Roddick.
"Do those matches look even more impressive now that Federer is still dominating?"
Roddick answered that he is "amazed" at what Federer has been doing, no doubt a reference to the Swiss Maestro's victories at Wimbledon, the Australian Open, and other events throughout the season. Roddick also stated that he knows "more than most" about Federer's capabilities.
That makes sense given that their head-to-head series extended from 2001 to 2012. "To come back and be dominant at 35," Roddick concluded, "is another conversation. I'm awed by that. I'm surprised by that."
Roddick's Hall of Fame credentials
Roddick, who went 3-21 against Federer, retired following the 2012 US Open, just days after the American turned 30 years old. The biggest title of his career came at the 2003 US Open, but he claimed 32 total titles in his distinguished career, including multiple Masters Series titles. Roddick also spent 13 weeks as the top-ranked player on tour and he was a force to be reckoned with during his final year in 2012. Where many players fizzle out just ahead of retirement, Roddick won two titles in 2012 and the American had a victory over Federer at Indian Wells that season as well.
