The last time we saw Andy Roddick step on a competitive tennis court was early July in World Group Quarterfinals Davis Cup match. Since then, Roddick has pulled out of some of his favorite tennis tournaments due to an abdominal (oblique) injury. His next match up was in Cincinnati, Ohio for a Masters 1000 tournament leading into the US Open; Roddick was matched against world’s #47 Philipp Kohlschreiber.
I thought for sure that the American would have plenty in the tennis tank to dominate the German, however; I was shocked at the end of the second set. After Roddick won the opening set and took an early break in the second, Roddick lost his train of thought and gave the break right back. As the second set continued, I saw that Andy was visibly frustrated; Justin Gimblestob repeated that Roddick was upset with some kids in the stands who were inching their way to court side to line up for an autograph from either of the players.
Roddick was pretty annoyed with his game he smashed his tennis racquet into a useless pile of Babolat PureDrive rubble, he received a warning for racquet abuse by the chair umpire. Things got worse after a back to back double fault which Roddick then angrily launched a tennis ball into the stands. The chair umpire obviously had enough with Roddick’s antics and awarded Andy a point violation, this wouldn’t have been so bad if the original double fault hadn’t put the score at 30-40 (break point to Philipp), the point violation gave Kohlschreiber the break and the game. Philipp closed out the second set 7-5.
Roddick continued to complain to the chair umpire about the point violation and the whole ordeal. That didn’t help Roddick as he went on to play some pretty bad tennis losing the 3rd and final set 1-6.
I don’t know about you, but I’m not sure what was going on in Roddick’s head as he acted like a spoiled little kid who’s parents didn’t get him the toy he wanted oh so badly. The reaction Andy displayed to a reasonable call was pretty bad, the chair umpire was doing his job and was following the rules – it was up to Andy to follow the rules and be punished accordingly when he broke the rules.
It’s really unfortunate that Roddick lost early in Cincy, it would have been good for him to get some matches under his belt just before going into the 2011 US Open. With this loss Roddick may not be seeded at the US Open for the first time since 2001. I have to give credit to Philipp Kohlschreiber for remaining in control of his tennis while Roddick had his temper tantrum and was able to close out a big win for himself.
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Right. Performance frustrating. But, no excuse for carping at the ump. I can’t believe he’d enjoy watching these vids. Certainly not when he has kids of his own and they are gathered around to see what dad was like.
garyk51188
More than a few of us would like to lose our tempers on the court when something isn’t going our way whether it be a bad call or an off day. It is hard to stay calm and composed, but we choose to stay in control and keep ourselves in check. A pro in my eyes is one who can weather the storm with head held high…not one who throws a temper tantrum and can’t move on!
Roddick’s stardom has changed colors from bright to dim. He just doesn’t have the “best” anymore… but maybe he has the best bratty behavior!
I have been a Roddick fan for 10 years, even traveling to Austin to see him lose in David Cup. This has been a horrible year for him. He should consider finding a new career and let American fans root for Mardy.
Roddick has disappointed his fans once again, in embarrassing fashion this time. Steve, I completely agree; let the American fans watch Mardy Fish play actual tennis. Roddick could ride the coattails of his wife since her career is doing extremely well.
Yeah, that was terrible… meanwhile, the folks on ESPN talked about whether this is the kind of stuff (pro personalities) that would get more Americans watching tennis, with references to the infamous McEnroe.
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