Roddick, Blake Just Say No to Davis Cup in 2010

Good decision by Roddick as usual, I hope he concentrates and gives his best at slams, I would support him 100% at this year’s Wimby! That said, in case Fed doesn’t win AO (God Forbid!), I’d throw all my support behind Roddick or Murray there to win it.

January 7th, 2010 at 4:42 pm

I agree with huh; this is a good decision by both Roddick and Blake. They have won a cup with their team; they have also paid their dues, both being stalwart Davis Cup players, playing for their country whenever they could. Now players like Querrey, maybe even Donald(!), can step up, and it’ll give them added practice and experience.

January 7th, 2010 at 5:21 pm

I will add that clearly both Roddick, but especially Blake, are in the second half of their careers so they may want to devote time to their individual results solely, and that seems like a totally fair (and wise) decision.

January 7th, 2010 at 5:23 pm

well, if the refs are making calls on both ends of the court, i guess there should be a line here about how andy is ducking novak, right??

January 7th, 2010 at 5:34 pm

what’s happened to gulbis? he was promising.

January 7th, 2010 at 5:53 pm

kudz, I am not sure if I catch your drift, but just wanted to say, Roddick wouldn’t have any need to duck Novak since he’s won their last few matches. So I wouldn’t think that has much to do with it, imo anyhow. I see it more in the light of Roddick wanting to focus on trying to get another slam, before he one day retires.

January 7th, 2010 at 6:17 pm

I think Roddick wouldn’t like playing Novak on clay in Serbia with fans who might not like what he said about Novak in NY. Might be revenge booing.

January 7th, 2010 at 6:22 pm

True sar – I hadn’t thought of “revenge booing” but I suppose you’re spot on there. Certainly, in Davis Cup too, crowds get, shall we say, “frisky”!?

But I still suspect Roddick is opting out – particularly if it’s for the entire year – so that he can focus on slams.

January 7th, 2010 at 6:44 pm

jane, i dont think roddick is ducking anyone, he made a good decision for his calendar and his career..but when roger does the same, then its called ducking

January 7th, 2010 at 7:11 pm

How selfish of Roddick!

He should step up and play for his country when it is down. Maybe he is afraid of Djokovic. After all, Djokovic is still a rising star and Roddick is in the twilight of his career and fading fast.

January 7th, 2010 at 7:12 pm

so is roddick done with davis cup for life or just for the first round? article doesnt say.

January 7th, 2010 at 7:58 pm

The season is just too long and the travel too much of a burden in today’s game – even without the Davis Cup.

Still, as much as the players complain (and I think they have a right to) they still pad their schedules with exhibition matches for the $$$. So I’m not yet shedding tears for these guys.

Perhaps his decision would be different if it weren’t on clay and in Europe?

I don’t fault any of the players for bowing out. But I have to admit, Johnny Mac’s commitment to Davis cup while rival Connors avoided it, is part of what endeared him to me early on.

January 7th, 2010 at 10:16 pm

Jane,

How about our boys (yours – CA and mine-USA) in Saskatoon!
What a game! Lots for all involved to be proud of!

puckbandit

January 7th, 2010 at 10:18 pm

Roddick did the right thing – this is a gift to younger players who need more experience. Roddick became much more of a big-time player through Davis Cup – he is letting other players have the same opportunity, to face big pressure situations and see what they’re made of. So what if the U.S. Davis Cup team sucks it up – it’s the exposure and if I’m Patrick McEnroe I’m calling the players right now and selling them on an opportunity. Because it is.

Davis Cup is where players turn into champions. Roddick is a champion and he doesnt have much time left out there – he’s already accomplished everything necessary in Davis Cup, there’s no need to do it again. Time for someone else to have a chance.

January 7th, 2010 at 10:32 pm

As for Blake, sorry I havent been a believer in James Blake for a while. So much game, so much less than Fernando Verdasco to show for it. Verdasco used to be the poster boy for wasted talent, but he’s making the most of it and for better or worse has swapped lives with James Blake. Blake, man you are one helluva tennis ball striker. But unfortunately you have not risen past that status for a long time. It will take a miracle to see Blake in a Grand Slam semifinal. And those are in short supply these days!

January 7th, 2010 at 10:34 pm

puckbandit – yes what a game! I posted that night to see if you were watching. Jordan Eberle is something else. Wow. And the USA did such a great job at shot-blocking. And that was the juniors. Lots to which to look forward in the NHL in year’s to come.

January 7th, 2010 at 10:48 pm

Jane,

I haven’t been to the boards for a few days so I missed your original posts.

I was really impressed with the speed of the game. The future of the NHL looks pretty bright.

As a Devils fan I was very pleased. All four of our prospects: Cormier, Henrique with CA and Josefson and Tedenby with Sweden, all had a good tourny.

Who is your NHL team?

January 7th, 2010 at 11:09 pm

@Andrew Miller

I agree with your sentiment about it being time for Roddick to pass the torch to the next generation.

Also agree with your assessment on Blake. I thought after he came back from his terrible year of illness and injury after his father’s death that he would work to develop a more complete game. He is a great ball striker — when his game is on. Unfortunately, he never really did develop a “plan b.” No bag a tricks to turn to, hence little ability to adjust his game when needed. It’s a shame really, because whenever he would string together a string of beautiful play and reveal his potential, I would get my hopes up. But he could never keep it up with any consistency.

January 7th, 2010 at 11:16 pm

puckbandit, I am torn between the Blackhawks and the Canucks mainly; I was happy for Pittsburgh last year but don’t really want them to win this year again; I like both the Rangers and Devils; and finally, I have a soft spot for the Leafs. Just like with tennis, I tend not to get too attached to one team (player), until playoffs of course. ; )

January 7th, 2010 at 11:25 pm

Jane,
I like the Hawks too, great story. And I’ve always admired Bobbie Lou on the nucks. If it has to be a western team, I wouldn’t mind either of those. Except the current media love affair with the Hawks is getting a bit obnoxious and I may hate them by the time we get to April. Would love another cup for Marty and a first for Parise, but it Devs would be a darkhorse this year.

May/June always has the possibility of being such a great sports for me with FO, Wimby and Stanely Cup.

January 7th, 2010 at 11:41 pm

Cindy_Brady better not call Roddick selfish! Cindy_Brady herself is the most selfish. And Roddick fears not even Federer and that’s why he always fights and has kept most of his matches with Roger close to very close. Roddick doesn’t run away from challenges, not even against Roger Federer, what to speak of guys like Novak! Heck! Cindy_Brady lives in her own selfish and delusional world only to take break to indulge in mud-slinging and make unwarranted criticism of the GREAT tennis players. It’s often laughable to see Cindy drawing her baseless conclusions against players.

January 8th, 2010 at 12:16 am

Sean Randall, thanks for clearing the air on the alleged selfishness of Roddick.

January 8th, 2010 at 12:39 am

Of course Roddick is afraid of Novak and he should!

January 8th, 2010 at 6:00 am

Roddick isn’t afraid of anyone. He’s earned the right to quite Davis Cup altogether and his love of the competition and the US team can never be questioned.

By the way – the US is baked – they’ll be lucky to win a set in Serbia no matter who they play.

January 8th, 2010 at 10:08 am

I think this is a good career move on both their parts; they’ll both still shine in other events and like Jane said, it’s gives others the chance to step up.

http://www.bumblebeetennis.com

January 8th, 2010 at 1:44 pm

Nina, may be you’re afraid of Roddick! ;)

Anyway, you’re a very enthusiastic Nole fan, I like it. It’s bad that Duro who’s apart from you one of the BIGGEST Nole fans on the planet, is not here to give you company. But I’d rather say that it’s good to love Nole as a fantastic player that he actually is, he deserves that, but it’s pretty useless to assume that Rod’s afraid of Nole, may be it gives you pleasure, but it doesn’t mean anything, it’s absolutely no basis. If anything, Rod’s shown throughout his career that he’s a respectful and decent guy and respects and admires pretty much everybody’s talent and worth, but he’s by no means a coward or afraid of anyone, let alone Nole! On the contrary, Nole has time and again exposed his nervousness against the top guys. That said, even Roger and Rafa find it tough when going through pressure cooker situations and have faltered. Roddick too has done that sometimes, I accept, but it doesn’t mean that it’s all about freaking out seeing the opponent! Hope I’m not too harsh on you. If I appear harsh, then I must add that I’ve nothing against you, just differed from your view a bit. I think that’s ok, no?

January 8th, 2010 at 2:36 pm

jane Says: “puckbandit, I am torn between the Blackhawks and the Canucks mainly” Woo hoo! Jane I am a Chicago girl and a Blackhawks fan. Puckbandit, didn’t know the media has been having a lovefest with the Blackhawks – what a switch! We all in Chicagoland are just grateful that ole man Wirtz finally bit the dust (isn’t that terrible?) & Rocky is a passionate, capable manager/owner. GO BLAKHAWKS!!

January 13th, 2010 at 5:22 pm