Snarling Roddick Takes Down Nishikori in Obscenity-Laden Victory

**“He’s probably not that happy with me for doing that. But I don’t need any young friends.”**

Well, talk about a bully. where was the umpire during all that? And if Roddick thinks it increases his popularity , he is wrong. I have lost all respect for him.

February 22nd, 2008 at 12:39 pm

Good question — where was the umpire? I didn’t see the match, but I can imagine the umpire being stunned.

I have long since lost the respect I had for Roddick after winning his first major and his impressive showings at Wimbledon. A class act he is not.

If the thinks this is all just business, he’s wrong. If it was just business, he’d realize that being gracious will win more for him than being a jackass on the court.

February 22nd, 2008 at 12:44 pm

Roddick is such a disgrace. being almost a tour veteran behaving such nasty with a new-comer foregner is disgusting. And by the way Roddick can only win a tiny tournament in US when big wigs are not even playing. He is gone. And will go as one of the most overrated and haughty players of all time. Shame on you Roddick. if you can’t win slams..atleast learn to behave nicely on court.

February 22nd, 2008 at 12:59 pm

What a punk — no wonder he can’t touch Roger. He takes more pleasure out of beating up on some rookie than working on his game; in particular, fixing that serve Roger reads like Harry Potter.

February 22nd, 2008 at 1:14 pm

Come on, Roddick a bully? We’ve build an American Shrine to the King of Rudeness Johnny Mc. So much so that he feels compelled to chew out linesmen at an exhibition on the SR circuit. We love it, and according to him, he believes that the public demands that he act like an A–hole. Roddick gets in someone’s face and we’ve turned on him. Please people, have you never played for stakes that high and gotten a little emotional. I for most of you, your best forehand is on computer keys..

February 22nd, 2008 at 1:29 pm

Come on, Roddick a bully? We’ve build an American Shrine to the King of Rudeness Johnny Mc. So much so that he feels compelled to chew out linesmen at an exhibition on the SR circuit. We love it, and according to him, he believes that the public demands that he act like an A–hole. Roddick gets in someone’s face and we’ve turned on him. Please people, have you never played for stakes that high and gotten a little emotional. I for most of you, your best forehand is on computer keys..

February 22nd, 2008 at 1:30 pm

Actually, Jim, my forehand is better than my typing and I agree with your comments. Tennis could use some heat; it is better for the ratings. Look at the Jimmy/Mac eras. Let’s see if this is a new Connors Roddick strategy or just a one off incident. Pro wrestling on the tennis courts! Think of Nadal going into a bicep pose after a winning shot.

Must give the kid some credit also for trying to take some skin off Roddick with a volley. Wish we had tennis tv in Asia.

February 22nd, 2008 at 2:29 pm

what is it with the Andys being such jerks on the court? need rafa to pick that wedge out??

February 22nd, 2008 at 2:40 pm

Jim/Dr Death –

I’d be interested to see if Andy would dare to talk like this to Fed or Nadal or Djoko in a similar situation.

If he does, I’d have a bit more respect for him. But as of right now, he looks like a little thug flexing his muscle to a 5 year old.

L

February 22nd, 2008 at 2:46 pm

bullying will take the ratings up? what is this ? Jack-a** tennis version? welcome to R-rated tennis pioneered by no one but our own Andy Roddick!

Leo,

**I’d be interested to see if Andy would dare to talk like this to Fed or Nadal or Djoko in a similar situation. ***

me too.

February 22nd, 2008 at 3:05 pm

I am not going to condone Roddick’s behavior, I don’t like it. So, he’s a brat, a bully, whatever. At least he tells it like it is and he does not sugarcoat it. Does anyone remember Federer with Hawkeye at Wimbledon? He was hurling expletives, got into a scene with the umpire and requested that Hawkeye be turned off. He behaved like a brat, and behaves like that when he is in a tight match, but he is Federer and well, he is entitled. Not to mention his ungracious behavior when he lost at the AO. There are many who utter expletives in their own language, we don’t understand their language, so we ignore it. What about the AO final? I remember Tommy Haas at Bercy 2 years ago, he was losing and the expletives were flowing in German, even his mother blushed. Murray has a monologue continuously throughout his matches, and he is not saying,’I love you’. Agassi was not a saint either.

I am not saying that this behavior should be allowed, but it happens. Where was the umpire? I can only assume that he probably did not feel that Roddick’s behavior was anything out of the ordinary, he’s seen similar or worse. It’s all in a day’s work. Sometimes this behavior is reported and sometimes it’s overlooked, selectively, by the press. These are youngmen whose hormones are just going through the ceiling. they’re uptight and want to win. With regard to the “small wins” and “small tournaments”, take a look at Rotterdam and all of the seeds going down in a domino effect. Anyone want to hazard a guess as to what went wrong there?

February 22nd, 2008 at 3:10 pm

Leo:

“I’d be interested to see if Andy would dare to talk like this to Fed or Nadal or Djoko in a similar situation.”

I don’t think Roddick is selective in his outbursts.

February 22nd, 2008 at 3:26 pm

Von,

**There are many who utter expletives in their own language, we don’t understand their language, so we ignore it. **

I for one didn’t ignore it. I have commented on Fed’s language, Bjorkman’s and even Sampras’s comments, Djoko’s … But I think Roddick’s behavior tops them all. Never seen anything like that. My problem is that he has the nerve to come out and defend what he did in a bullying manner ( I don’t need young friends,…I wanted him to feel my presence!?) … I was stunned!

Those “young friends” will be just getting better while him at 26 ( or 27?) is going downwards. If I was him, I would have been more careful.

February 22nd, 2008 at 3:33 pm

Von
***I don’t think Roddick is selective in his outbursts. **
I don’t think it was an outburst. If you read this carefully, he says that he was nervous and he wanted Nishikori to feel his presence. I think that was his tactic to win the match.

***I was a little tight coming into the match…I was going to try to use everything to try to get a win out there,” Roddick said. “But I’m very impressed with him.”***

February 22nd, 2008 at 3:36 pm

Von…you obviously have a problem with Federer if you think he acted like a brat at Wimbledon. He hardly berrated the umpire or ‘hurled expletives’ – I think he said one curse when he sat down on the changeover. Did you actually watch it? And you say he acts like a brat when he’s in a tight match? Since when? Where was *this* brat against Tipsarevic? And he was ungracious when he lost to Djoker?? When? Seems to me that Djoker and his family were the ungracious ones. It’s bad enough to be a sore loser, but a sore winner?

February 22nd, 2008 at 3:46 pm

One other thing. Roddick only really acts like this when he is beating younger players or lower-ranked players that he thinks he should beat easily (and he’s having trouble with). That’s what makes him a bully. Instead of being a bully, Roddick could have been the gracious experienced guy who taught Kei what that means. Thank goodness Kei’s favorite player is Roger Federer. I doubt that will change anytime soon after his experience with Roddick!

February 22nd, 2008 at 3:48 pm

Michelle – I was at Wimbledon for the match Von referred to and heard a lot more than one curse word. He also continued to complain to and berate the umpire for the next few changeovers.

February 22nd, 2008 at 3:51 pm

Michelle,
fed always acts like that when he is in a tight situation. But this post is about Roddick and I think what he did to this young kid was unacceptable.

February 22nd, 2008 at 3:58 pm

Thank goodness for fun players like Andy Roddick. They make tennis interesting again. There’s not a phony bone in him, unlike Roger “I’m a class act only when I win but not when I lose” Federer.

Congrats to Andy on his big win. Now he needs to back up his big mouth and win the title.

February 22nd, 2008 at 4:21 pm

I saw this match. The “outburst” at the net (after several reflexed, close range vollies) was no big deal–more of a “take that!” type celebration by Roddick. As for
“making his presence known” it was simply some loud “Come ons!” after breaking Nishikori’s serve, etc. Normal, typical behavior for Hewitt, Nadal, Djoko, Roddick….but , of course, not for robotic Fed Ex. Personally, I like players who play with emotion. I’m glad that they care at least as much as do!

February 22nd, 2008 at 5:00 pm

BTW, there were definitely some audible “F*ck!” from Nishikori, too–more at the situation he was in reather than at anyone….

February 22nd, 2008 at 5:03 pm

Michelle:

“deb Says:
Michelle – I was at Wimbledon for the match Von referred to and heard a lot more than one curse word. He also continued to complain to and berate the umpire for the next few changeovers.”

I am very fair-minded in my comparisons, and like Deb, I heard a lot more than one “curse” word from Federer. Fed’s tirade was not becoming of an incumbent champion. I only mentioned this comparison because Leo mentioned Roddick would not behave like this to Fed, etc., and someone else mentioned Fed.

Re your remarks about having a problem with Federer, yes, at times I do have a problem with his statements and behavior. His remarks to the press that he didn’t care to watch the AO final was an indication of a sore loser. I also found Djokovic’s behavior in poor taste too.

I am not condoning Andy’s behavior, but I felt that it was necessary to point out that these scenes do happen and distasteful behavior also emantes from the great ‘champions’. It’s part and parcel of sports. It been done before and will continue for years to come. That’s sports.

I disagree that Roddick only behaves in this manner with the younger players. As I stated before, he is not selective. I can’t say too much about his behavior because I have not seen the match. However, I am sorry that Kei was the recipient of Andy’s anger.

February 22nd, 2008 at 5:06 pm

“Denise Says:
BTW, there were definitely some audible “F*ck!” from Nishikori, too–more at the situation he was in reather than at anyone…..”

Well, there you go folks, it’s not just Roddick, it was the kid also. The press likes to blow up a situation and we can’t hang onto every word that’s reported. I like to see the match and the post-match interview before making a judgment call. Nishikori did not want to repeat the ‘word’ to the press. Which 18 year-old living in the USA is not cognizant of those words and probably does,or has used a few chosen words himself.

I would like to just throw out some food for thought — an hypothetical defense. Could the reason for Roddick’s nervousness in the match, which resulted in his supposed ‘bullying’ of Nishikori, related to the fact that he was aware that Federer practised with Nishikori and could have possibly given Nishikori some pointers on how to beat Roddick? This could account for Roddick being so uptight before the match. From what I’ve read Nishikori stated that Roddick was watching his previous match. I’ve never seen Andy do that before, and am just wondering if that is what’s been going through Andy’s mind, hence his behavior. His remarks that ‘he wanted his presence known’ somehow ties in with his mindset and was his way in transmitting to Nishikori that ‘I’m not that easy to beat’. Please bear in mind this is purely hypothetical on my part.

February 22nd, 2008 at 5:33 pm

Jim:

“So much so that he feels compelled to chew out linesmen at an exhibition on the SR circuit.”

Your reference to Johnny Mc is quite accurate in the seniors tour. At nearly 50, he is still bellicose and abusive as he was in his teens and early twenties. Talk about attitude with an ‘A’, he’s got it! Wow.

February 22nd, 2008 at 5:42 pm

“Thank goodness Kei’s favorite player is Roger Federer.”

Good for him. Can’t blame him for knowing who butters his bread. He’ll soon master the art of changing words around to suit his situation. He couldn’t repeat the ‘word’ to the press, but he had similar utterances. I speak from personal experience with teenagers. I have two (2).

February 22nd, 2008 at 5:54 pm

Like most of you, I agree that Roddicks behaviour was a disgrace, was never a fan of him or his average backhand. Can you imagine if he said stuff like that to Fed or Nadal. lmao. they wud just make him look like a fool on the court. Roddick thinks he is the man. Was so funny last year, referring to his losing streak agaisnt Federer “Nobody beats me 10 times in a row” yet Fed went ahead and did it. Classic moment! At the 2006 masters cup, roddick also said “I feel like im getting much closer to Federer” yet in the australian open a month later, Fed made roddick look like a complete twat (yet again).

February 22nd, 2008 at 6:00 pm

Joe: I think we’re 50-50 on this, not most. He had match points against Fed in that TMC match.

February 22nd, 2008 at 6:10 pm

“Roddick thinks he is the man.” Should he think he’s a woman? Criticize the guy all you want, but that statement is too lame.

February 22nd, 2008 at 6:36 pm

Von: Fair point, shud have read each individual post fully before coming to that conclusion.

And when i said he thought he was “the man”, you knew what I meant. Although I am sure your sarcasm was appreciated by all.

Difficult to argue with Roddick fanboys though. :)

February 22nd, 2008 at 6:59 pm

joe:

“Although I am sure your sarcasm was appreciated by all.”

I think you were sarcastic by saying ‘Roddick thinks he is a man.’

It’s OK to agree, disagree, etc., but your statement: “Difficult to argue with Roddick fanboys though,” is the pits. No need to pile sarcasm on top of sarcasm. Your use of the ‘smile face’ is sarcastic. Acknowledging a point that you were incorrect, followed by a sarcasm and then a ‘smile face’. Come on joe!

I mentioned a simple misinterpretation to you. Reading your post gives the impression that ‘most’, meaning nearly all, and that’s not the case here. And, for your information, I am not a ‘fanboy’, I am a ‘fanlady’. :)

February 22nd, 2008 at 7:21 pm

Although he can occasionally be a jerk on the court, Roddick is a very nice guy in real life. But I know that he would never dare to bully someone on the court if he was playing a big guy. Three or four years ago, Ljubicic almost tried to kick his a@# at a hotel when he made a rude remark to him. He would never dare doing that to Ljubicic, Nadal, Tsonga, Moya or Safin (i.e., all a bunch of guys who could beat the living crap out of him). I have been watching the guy for several years now and I can say for a fact that he is a little bit of a coward as he always try to bully guys who are smaller than him but never dares to do so with bigger guys.

February 22nd, 2008 at 7:59 pm

Roddick is a punk. At least he admits he acts like a brat. There are times when he can be very entertaining on the court and times when it’s embarrassing. I never liked J. Mac’s or Connors’ behavior either, for the record.

Seeing great, intense tennis is ideal, but it’s nice to see guys have fun out there too. Roddick’s behavior in that match was a lot less about fun and more about trying to get respect. I’d rather see him earn that respect by playing well and treating his opponent better than like this.

February 22nd, 2008 at 9:23 pm

It’s about time we see a tour player show some passion for winning. So many times it seems like players don’t try to will to win. I like what Roddick did. I’d like to see more trash-talking and animosity. If poor little baby 18-year-old can’t take it, then go back to your sand-box. This is the pros, they’re playing for alot of money. If you can’t take it, you won’t make it. A good lesson for the young lad. Next time, he should turn around, stand up for himself, and fire back a volley of expletives right back at Roddick.

February 22nd, 2008 at 9:25 pm

Lubicic can beat the crap out of Roddick? Since when? LOL.

I’ll always remember how that crybaby Ljubicic trash talked Roddick to the media at the 2003 USO and Roddick was man enough to personally phone Ljubicic and ask him what his problem was. Ivan backed off and hasn’t said a peep since. ROTFL.

Attaboy Andy. Give ’em hell and give ’em more of the same.

February 22nd, 2008 at 9:37 pm

My problem with Andy is that this is somewhat common with him. Typically, it happens when he’s losing or in a tight match. He goes off on the umpire, his opponent, etc when things don’t go his way. Didn’t he have an outburst in his loss at the Aussie Open?

Don’t get me wrong. I completely understand he is nowhere near the only one guilty of such behavior. He just seems to do it more. And, from his comments, it sounds like he went out there with the idea of being a jerk/bully. Seriously, who does that on the pro level? It’s one thing to have an outburst/curse on court, but to go out there with that plan just doesn’t sit right with me.

February 22nd, 2008 at 9:44 pm

Kamret:

I agree with TD, Ljubicic trash-talked Andy and has backed off since Andy confronted him. Andreev complained after a match that Andy tried to get the crowd on his side, and Andy confronted him. Andreev has never uttered anything since. With regard to the following statement:

“He would never dare doing that to Ljubicic, Nadal, Tsonga, Moya or Safin (i.e., all a bunch of guys who could beat the living crap out of him)..”

What do you mean? A fist fight or on the tennis court? If it’s on the tennis court, here are the stats:

Moya 1 – 4 Roddick; Ljubicic 3 – 7 Roddick; Tsonga 0 – 2 Roddick,; Nadal 2 – 1 Roddick; and Safin 3 – 4 Roddick.

So, what’s your point? Andy is physically fit.

How many of you actually saw the match? From some who saw it, it seemed that it was somewhat of a fair exchange of expletives. If you’re just speaking from the reporter’s article, we all know that some statements by reporters are based on just their perception and sensationalism. I believe Andy went on court with James Blake’s match in mind, and wanted to set the precedent that he’s not going to let the same happen to him. Don’t you think that other players would have done somewhat similar? Also, this kid practises with Federer. Need I say more on that point. This kid is dubbed “The Japanese Federer.” I would even hazard a guess that Fed would also like to see what the kid’s got, so if they play agianst each other he won’t have any surprises. What better way to know than to practise with him. At least Roddick was honest about his mind set.

I disagree that Andy likes to beat-up on the younger kids. As a matter of fact, Andy has taken several of the younger kids under his wing. He likes the younger players. this situation was somewhat different for obvious reasons. Sorry it had to be this kid.

February 22nd, 2008 at 10:18 pm

I think that everyone that plays can understand alot. That goes unsaid. But as far as AR goes….it seems to be as late that he’s always bitching, whining and moaning. I’d much rather see him playing hard, smart and winning other than in Davis Cup. Time is fleeting Andy!!!

February 22nd, 2008 at 10:51 pm

It used to be Roddick’s predictable, one-dimensional game that kept me from rooting for him. Now, it’s just as much his obnoxious schoolyard bully schtick he pulls out as a matter of routine against lower ranked opponents. Disgraceful.

February 22nd, 2008 at 11:30 pm

PJ-
“Don’t get me wrong. I completely understand he is nowhere near the only one guilty of such behavior. He just seems to do it more.”

I would guess that the reason is seems that Roddick does it more than others is because the biased media and blogs like tennis-x often promote Roddick’s bad behavior in their headlines (“Snarling Roddick Takes Down Nishikori in Obscenity-Laden Victory.”)

Even though plenty of other players talk trash, curse, bully, etc. you’ll never see the media pick up on it and write a headline such as: “Federer snarls at Hawk-Eye in obscenity-laced victory over Nadal at Wimbledon.”

Federer always gets a free pass on his unsporting behavior, while Roddick gets singled out for his, and then the media make it out to be much worse than what it really was.

Maybe Roddick just makes a better story to sell. Who knows.

February 23rd, 2008 at 2:52 am

TD:

“Federer always gets a free pass on his unsporting behavior, while Roddick gets singled out for his, and then the media make it out to be much worse than what it really was.

Maybe Roddick just makes a better story to sell. Who knows.”

I mentioned previously that reporters write from their perception and some like to target sensationalism. Roddick has always been a target of the media. Roddick makes news. He’s the face of America.

The following is an article from Tennis.com, different reporter, better article, minus the drama. I don’t think Tennis.X would have gotten as many blogs with this article. It’s slow at the present time, what better way to liven things up. Hype always attracts attention and conflict.

“Roddick wins, Isner upsets Haas in San Jose

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Top seed Andy Roddick easily defeated Japanese teen star Kei Nishikori 6-2, 6-4 to advance to to the quaterfinals in SAP Open on Thursday.

Roddick needed only 63 minutes to defeat Nishikori, who saw his eight-match ATP winning streak snapped by the No. 6 player in the world.

Roddick opened the match by taking a commanding 3-0 lead and breaking Nishikori’s serve before the youngester won a game. Roddick, who has won twice at the SAP Open, came back after losing that game to win the next two, including breaking the teen’s serve again.

In the seventh game of the first set, the Roddick barked at the young player as they exchanged shots at the net. Nishikori held his cool, didn’t respond and just walked away.

“I didn’t understand a word he said,” Nishikori said. But when pressed, he acknowledged he did in fact understand what Roddick had shouted at him but just didn’t want to repeat it before the press.

But Roddick had no trouble repeating what he had said. “I told him to stick me with it the next time. I just let him know that he needs to finish it. I had no problem with it. But it was a monologue.”

Roddick, who has stated he wants to be more aggressive this season, proceeded to win the next game to win the first set.

In the second set, Roddick broke Nishikori’s service in the fourth game but Nishikori came to break Roddick in the next.

In their final game, Nishikori took Roddick to deuce before making two critical errors. He missed an easy slam shot that would have given him the advantage and then saw his saw his volley go wide, which gave Roddick the match.

“I made too many easy mistakes,” Nishikori said. “I didn’t take advantage of the many chances I had. But overall I was happy with the way I played.”

Nishikori seemed to defend well against Roddick’s overbearing serve. Roddick landed only seven aces.

“It was one the best matches I’ve played in some time,” Roddick said. “I was a little tight coming into the match. But I’m very impressed with him.”

Roddick wanted to make his presence known to the young player. He tried to distract him by not using his service as his big weapon and by trying to play between the lines.

“Things were happening for him without him thinking, so I wanted him to think about other stuff and not how well he’s playing,” he said. “There was nothing personal in it. He’s probably not that happy with me for doing that. But I don’t need any young friends.”

February 23rd, 2008 at 5:01 am

i agree with jim and dr. death…

i mean it isn’t like he is the first ever ATP circuit tennis player to behave like an A**. don’t be so closed minded and not think about what you’re actually complaining about. i mean honestly, have any of you been a former number 1 player, played at ATP top 10 level for just short of a decade?

if you followed roger (whom I absolutely adore) when he was a newbie, you would have seen him have tantrums and outbursts on court at tournaments. or what about andy murray… he also has a foul mouth.

February 23rd, 2008 at 6:27 am

Pathetic behaviour.

February 23rd, 2008 at 6:58 am

TD, some of it may have to do with the fact that most of Andy’s matches are shown on television (when tennis is on ESPN; I don’t watch the The Tennis Channel too often). I don’t necessarily think it’s fair to blame the bias media because I pretty much read about this stuff whenever it happens. I just think Andy’s personality is more explosive. I just read that he got a code violation in the second set of his match against Fish for slamming a ball into to the stands, and then fought with the umpire.

I’m all for players showing their personality, showing emotions, etc. I have no problems when a player starts to yell at himself or even at his box. I don’t see any reason to be disrespectful towards your opponent, though.

PJ

February 23rd, 2008 at 8:41 am

Absolutely disgraceful behaviour. And not for the first time. Trying to intimidate 18 year old. You know how it is with life the next time they play each other Roddick will get what he deserves. And tennis is supposed to be gentelman`s sport.

February 23rd, 2008 at 10:30 am

Love the heat on this one. 44 posts as of 5:04 am HK.

This stopped being a gentleman’s sport when money appeared. So for all of those who did not like Roddick’s behaviour, go buy a ticket to his next tournament and let him know what you think, BUT be sure to buy the ticket.

As for the rest of us, learn to curse in couple of different languages – generally not spoken in or near your country – and you will feel better when you have to vent on the tennis court. No one will be insulted or try to punch you in your nose.

February 23rd, 2008 at 4:13 pm

PJ-
“I don’t see any reason to be disrespectful towards your opponent, though.”

But that’s just it: Andy clearly has a lot of respect for Nishikori otherwise he wouldn’t have come out guns blazing. He knew the kid had game.

I don’t know why people get so upset about court behavior during the heat of a competitive match? This is sport and it’s nothing personal. It’s supposed to be full of emotions and passion. Roddick had nothing but good things to say about Nishikori both before and after the match, so I don’t think Roddick disrespects Nishikori at all.

February 23rd, 2008 at 4:24 pm

Von-
“I mentioned previously that reporters write from their perception and some like to target sensationalism. Roddick has always been a target of the media. Roddick makes news. He’s the face of America.”

Agreed. Everbody knows that tennis-x is notriously biased against Roddick anyway. They’ll sensationalize Roddick’s behavior any chance they can get in order to troll for comments from readers and especially non-readers.

February 23rd, 2008 at 4:29 pm

Dr. Death:

“Love the heat on this one. 44 posts as of 5:04 am HK.”

This one certainly livened up Tennis-X, everything was dead. The Roddick haters were just waiting for something such as this.

“As for the rest of us, learn to curse in couple of different languages …. No one will be insulted or try to punch you in your nose.”

So very true. The multi-linguists are adept in disguising their expletives. They could probably smile while saying to the umpire ‘you’re an idiot’ plus a few other well-chosen words, and the umpire and the crowd wouldn’t be any the wiser. Federer is extremely versatile in this department. He does however, at times use English obscenities but he’s privy — the reporters and the crowd have selective hearing when it comes to The Fed.

February 23rd, 2008 at 4:38 pm

TD:

“They’ll sensationalize Roddick’s behavior any chance they can get in order to troll for comments from readers and especially non-readers.”

They know that anything written about Roddick will engender heated posts, that’s why they do it. Sensationalism sells. Just take a visit to the supemarket and you’ll see how many shoppers buy ‘Enquirer’ or any other tabloid.

“Roddick had nothing but good things to say about Nishikori both before and after the match, so I don’t think Roddick disrespects Nishikori at all.”

That’s one of Roddick’s good traits. He always compliments his opponent. His tactics are not personal. He said so. As I stated previously, he wanted to make a statement that ‘he’s not a has-been or not that easy to beat’. What would any other player do if their opponent is a new-comer, has just beatan your DC team-mate, and says ‘he feels that he can beat anyone’? Federer has jumped the gun on this one, he’s practising with the kid. Stay tuned for more on ‘as the world turns’!

February 23rd, 2008 at 4:54 pm

Andy Roddick is a stone cold punk who gets away with being a jerk on court because he’s funny, good looking and the american #1. Comparing Federer to Roddick is comical and a clear attempt to exonerate a big jerk and a bully. I’m sure he’s a nice guy in general, but he behaves poorly, and the (american) press (in particular) give him a pass because he makes their job easier.

February 23rd, 2008 at 5:19 pm

Von,
I don’t think it is fair to compare criticicm of Roddick’s behavior with reading the Enquirer. I think bullying your way to win a match is wrong. Showing personality is different.

I rather a play win with his racquet than with intimidation.

I wrote this before. This might work for Roddick once. But he is going to meet this kid and many other who will be aware of his behavior in Grand slams and master series. Roddick is aging while Nishikori and young guns are just starting . In a couple of years I bet Nishikori will make a big fool out of Roddick, Federer style, in a big event and no one will be to blame for that but Roddick.

February 23rd, 2008 at 6:00 pm

btw,
I am not a Roddick hater. I thought I liked him. I am just very disappointed at his behavior.

February 23rd, 2008 at 6:01 pm

Still, I’d love to see Roddick one day try to bully a big guy like Safin, Tsonga, Ljubicic, Ancic, or Nadal. I’ll bet everything I have that he won’t ever dare to mess with those big guys. He only picks on smaller guys. At least Jimmy Connors didn’t care how big his opponent was when he wanted to be a jerk (back in the 70s and early 80s). He bullied anyone, including guys who were bigger/taller than him (like Lendl). Roddick is a freaking coward as I have never seen him try to bully a big guy.

February 23rd, 2008 at 6:11 pm

Wow, I don’t know where you all play and/or watch tennis–but in my world, trash talking (even if it is just a stare down after a good shot) is the norm. I have seen ALL of the current pros do it. Yes, it is a “gentleman’s game”, but even John Newcombe readily states that you can’t let an opponent “piss on your turf”. Cheating on line calls, etc is ungentlemanly–a fair (albeit, intense) fight is sporting!

February 23rd, 2008 at 6:20 pm

kamret Says:
Still, I’d love to see Roddick one day try to bully a big guy like Safin, Tsonga, Ljubicic, Ancic, or Nadal. I’ll bet everything I have that he won’t ever dare to mess with those big guys. He only picks on smaller guys. At least Jimmy Connors didn’t care how big his opponent was when he wanted to be a jerk (back in the 70s and early 80s). He bullied anyone, including guys who were bigger/taller than him (like Lendl). Roddick is a freaking coward as I have never seen him try to bully a big guy.

Roddick really took it to Tsonga in the first round of AO 07. At one point (after a close range volley exchange) calling him a “f*cking prick”. Tsonga afterwards said he didn’t take ot personal, just the heat of the battle.

February 23rd, 2008 at 6:24 pm

Zola:

“In a couple of years I bet Nishikori will make a big fool out of Roddick, Federer style, in a big event and no one will be to blame for that but Roddick.”

I agree. Aging is a reality check. I know that you don’t ‘hate’ Roddick. As a matter of fact, i don’t look upon anyone’s criticism as ‘hate’, more of dislike for the person’s behavior than anything else. However, I have come to realize that some people actually ‘hate’, which is a very potent, self-destructing emotion. Hate, is likened to what that Graf fan did to Seles. I would hope that no one who is a Roddick ‘critic’, actually hates him.

February 23rd, 2008 at 7:11 pm

Kamret:

“kamret Says:
Still, I’d love to see Roddick one day try to bully a big guy like Safin, Tsonga, Ljubicic, Ancic, or Nadal. I’ll bet everything I have that he won’t ever dare to mess with those big guys.”

Aren’t you repeating yourself? I asked you yesterday to clarify your post, you didn’t, instead you have repeated yourself. My question: What do you mean, in a fist fight, or on the tennis court? If it was the tennis court, I gave you stats. If it’s a fist fight, I’m sure he’ll do fine, he’s strong. I would hope you don’t mean street fighting. That would be a tennis first. Let’s not get into the theatrics.

Roddick has had his share of bullying from older players. Even though I like Safin, he used to bully Roddick big time, when Andy initially turned pro. One of the commentators mentioned that also. I won’t go into the details because I don’t want a Safin war. Ljubicic tried to do so, bu Andy put him in his place. Ljubicic is a drama queen. It’s a known fact, Roddick was bullied a lot by the ‘champions’ in those years. However, it was conveniently overlooked by the media.

Ancic, again, even though I like him, he’s had his share of ‘bullying’, e.g., the match with the Argentine at a US Open, and he can have some ‘attitude’ when he wants to.

MMT: “.. and the (american) press (in particular) give him a pass because he makes their job easier.”

Wrong. Who do you think wrote this ‘overly’ dramatic article, the ‘American’ press. I posted another article written by another ‘American press’ reporter who was not biased, hence, no eye-catching headline.

What Roddick did, is referred to as ‘disarming’ your opponent. Set a precedent — sort of ‘nip the bud’ before it blossoms. He said he was going to be more agressive this year — get ready. I’m sure the press and Tennis.X will have a jolly good time writing about it.

I am wondering how many of you actually saw the match, or are you just going by one reporter’s perception and his desire to write an eye-catching headline of sensationalism.

February 23rd, 2008 at 7:50 pm

Zola:

Btw, I should not have stated Roddick ‘haters’. I meant Roddick ‘critics. Wrong word — apology to all.

February 23rd, 2008 at 8:04 pm

Von-
“I am wondering how many of you actually saw the match, or are you just going by one reporter’s perception and his desire to write an eye-catching headline of sensationalism.”

I don’t think anybody saw the match it was not televised anywhere that I know of. It makes me wonder what everybody is so outraged about if we don’t even know what was said exactly.

February 23rd, 2008 at 9:04 pm

TD:

“I don’t think anybody saw the match it was not televised anywhere that I know of. It makes me wonder what everybody is so outraged about if we don’t even know what was said exactly.”

I didn’t see the match. I’m going by several articles that I have read and compared. Tennis.X’s article being the most exaggerated one of the lot. However, Denise mentioned that she saw the match and the following is her post:

“Denise Says:
I saw this match. The “outburst” at the net (after several reflexed, close range vollies) was no big deal–more of a “take that!” type celebration by Roddick. As for “making his presence known” it was simply some loud “Come ons!” after breaking Nishikori’s serve, etc. Normal, typical behavior for Hewitt, Nadal, Djoko, Roddick….but , of course, not for robotic Fed Ex. Personally, I like players who play with emotion. I’m glad that they care at least as much as do!”
Posted February 22nd, 2008 at 5:00 pm

“Denise Says:
BTW, there were definitely some audible “F*ck!” from Nishikori, too–more at the situation he was in reather than at anyone….”
Posted February 22nd, 2008 at 5:03 pm

After, I read Denise’s post it piqued my curiosity as to who actually saw the match. I like to make statements based on my actual viewing of the match and the post-match interview, hence, my statement about Federer’s Wimbledon match. I saw the match and the post-match interview.

I know that Andy really gets angry if his opponent constantly indulges in tht net exchange, and I guess that’s why he told Nishikor to “stick it to me.” This much I know he is a very honest competitor.

What I have learnt from posting is the fact that some posters just read an article and then voice their opinions. And some only need to get a hearsay and just take off with the criticism. People are mainly lavish on critism and stingy on praise, if they dislike someone. I give Roddick the bebefit of the doubt here based on my comparison of 3 articles and Denise’s posts. That’s the reason i asked this question.

I have followed Andy’s career since his junior years and I think by now I know what he is capable of doing. He’s very honest and outspoken. He does not sugarcoat nything — he tells it like it is, and I believe Denise. From her description, and the two other articles I read, that’s exactly how Andy behaves. As I stated, it’s just one reporter’s perception of what he/she saw. AND, THIS TOO, SHALL PASS!

February 23rd, 2008 at 10:45 pm

Von

I don’t post here a lot but I like reading the posts. Sometimes I see something that I like or dislike and then make a comment. I think that you sound a little bit inconsistent when a few days ago you had a huge problem with Djokovic behavior during AO final, which cost you several problems with some bloggers here, and this time it didn’t bother you that much. Not that I found both Djoko and Andy behavior acceptable!

In the end all that matters is the guys we like the most. It’s easier to let go things we disagree than with others we dislike, and this is basically what has being done here in this blog. As emotional beings everybody have their preferences, so we get ourselves attached with the players we like the most. Period!

February 23rd, 2008 at 11:03 pm

Daniel:

I spoke about Djokovic’s behavior from actually seeing the match, and watcing the post-match interview. That match was seen by several posters whose comments were similar to mine, and which offended the Djokovic fans. I was not the only poster who offended the Djokovic fans. The Djokovic AO final was a far different scenario from the San Jose Roddick match. Djokovic dissed the crowd, etc., I am sure you know the whole scene.

In Roddick’s case, only one person has seen the match, and that person stated that Andy’s behavior in that match was not the same as was described in the article. Also, Roddick’s problem concerned his opponent, not a crowd of 15,000 people, and his opponents’s fans, as in the AO final. I also read 3 additional articles and from what I read, I based my comments, and so did everyone else, except for one (1) poster, who actually saw the match. It was very clear to me that the article from Tennis.X was somewhat of an exaggeration, as is evidenced by the posts of several other posters. There isn’t a double-standard here and the situations are incomparable.

“Not that I found both Djoko and Andy behavior acceptable!” Did you see the Roddick match? I would hazard a guess that you didn’t, and your statement is based on the Tennis.X article.

February 24th, 2008 at 12:08 am

Btw Daniel, you find Djokovic’s and Roddick’s behavior unacceptable, but only Federer’s behavior is the best where you are concerned.

February 24th, 2008 at 12:42 am

Von
**I know that you don’t ‘hate’ Roddick. As a matter of fact, i don’t look upon anyone’s criticism as ‘hate’, more of dislike for the person’s behavior than anything else. **

quite true and I am glad you said that.

Well, Rotterdam final is between LLorda and Soderling that I really really really don’t like and Nalby is in a final with chela….I guess he woke up and decided he needs some titles…Can’t help it. I like this guy!

February 24th, 2008 at 1:25 am

Zola:

“..quite true and I am glad you said that.” You’re welcome.

“Well, Rotterdam final is between LLorda and Soderling that I really really really don’t like and Nalby is in a final with chela….I guess he woke up and decided he needs some titles…Can’t help it. I like this guy!”

I guess Karlovic got knocked out by Llodra, or was it Soderling. Can’t remember – I’ve lost track. I like Nalby, but I got creamed when I first began to post after he beat Federer, that’s why I don’t mention him. Anyway, he’s getting older and probably is taking his tennis more seriously, if this is true, we’re in for quite a year with upsets. We’ll just have to wait and see what he does.

February 24th, 2008 at 2:39 am

It’s always easier to create a story over something you think will anger some people. Bad news is just easier to write than good news.

So this is very boring but Roddick’s taken a wildcard into Memphis – not ideal scheduling when he’s playing Dubai next week – and will be making his annual visit to St Jude’s Hospital where a little boy he and his foundation have been helping overcome very serious illness for the past 4 years or so is regularly treated.

February 24th, 2008 at 8:41 am

Sorry hit the submit button too early!!!

This doesn’t mean any bad behaviour from him on-court has to be condoned but let’s keep things in perspective. Playing with a lot of passion that occasionally boils over doesn’t make him a bad person. In fact he does a lot of good with the fame that tennis has brought him.

February 24th, 2008 at 8:49 am

I don`t think anybody can say about someone else that he is a bad person without even having met the person before. However,it is one thing to play with passion and get angry but there is a feeling that Roddick wanted to intimidate his young opponent and that should be condoned. He should be setting an example. He is 27 and should behave as an adult.
It is great that he is helping this boy but deeds of charity should not be advertised publicly.

February 24th, 2008 at 9:57 am

Mia – just a couple of points Roddick is 25 and how do you raise funds for charity without publicising the cause?

February 24th, 2008 at 10:08 am

deb,
I agree with Mia. He should use his charity just bevause he eants to help people. Not to cover-up his less than mature act on court.

Passion is different to arrogance. Passionate players use their brain and their racquets to win. Arrogant players use unpleasant words or behavior just because their brain or their racquet can’t help them at that moment! You don’t want Roddick as a model behavior for young adults. I don’t believe that!

February 24th, 2008 at 10:32 am

Von,
it was LLorda. and he just won the final against Soderling. Great result for him. I think he lost one set only in the final.

February 24th, 2008 at 10:36 am

“It is great that he is helping this boy but deeds of charity should not be advertised publicly.”

Then we’ll just have to delete every athlete’s good deeds and their donation to charities, from the very inception of sports, and instruct the media to refrain from publicising the athletes’ good deeds. Some athletes contribute their time and money toward helping others less privileged than they are, and for the good of humanity, unselfishly. Roddick made a deal with several of his sponsors that a part of his bonus should be given to his foundation. The ‘media’ advertises these good deeds, not the ‘athlete’ themselves. The media wrote this exaggerated article on Roddick’s outburst at San Jose. The media will build you up one day and tear you down the next. News sells. St. Jude most probably advertised Roddick’s visit to the Hospital. Hospitals usually put a blog in the newspapaers when someone famous is visiting.

“Arrogant players use unpleasant words or behavior just because their brain or their racquet can’t help them at that moment!”

Then we have to start with our No. 1 player and go down the ranking. Passion for anything means that you are caught up in a wave of emotions focused on a particular event or cause. Arrogance goes hand in hand with passion.

“…but there is a feeling that Roddick wanted to intimidate his young opponent and that should be condoned.”

I think we can say the same about Djokovic at the AO semi-final and final. He stated that he pressured Federer. Also, don’t you think he had a plan to intimidate Tsonga? Pressure is akin to intimidation. Federer stated that he studies his opponent’s game in-depth before his match. Every athlete goes into his/her match with a game plan. If they didn’t, then they’ll be like a ship adrift. Roddick was honest to state his game plan to the media, however, there are those who just silently execute theirs and never divulge anything to the media.

All of the players are guilty of the use of intimidation ploys, be it their fist pumps, their growls, their come-ons, their monologues, whatever — it’s part of their game plan. When they win a point and pump up their fists, their overhead smashies and use their come-ons, what do you call that? Arrogance — they’re saying to their opponent, by their action, I got you there, I won that, or take that, you –, I’ll show you, you’re not going to get away with that –, anymore. Arrogance does not have to be just words — body language can convey a lot more than words.

As I stated previously we are just basing our statements on one exaggerated article. I posted another article, by another reporter that was not exaggerated, but the critics are holding on to the article that’s sensationalized. Further, except for one poster, no one else saw the match. How can we justify our criticism without seeing the match?

As Deb stated,”..so this is very boring..”. In fact, it’s old. Today, Roddick is playing in the final. I suppose tomorrow we’ll see another article which will probably give us a point by point, in-depth analysis on some more of his alleged intimidation and arrogance.

Let’s move onto Dubai and Memphis next week and give this a rest. We’ll be treated to some more arrogance and intimidation by Roddick and the other players. However, before criticizing any athlete let’s ensure that we see the match or post-match interview first and not base our criticisms on a reporter’s perception of what actually happened.

Zola: Thank you for the results of the Rotterdam final. I had a hunch that Llodra would win — he was my pick.

Deb: Roddick is not playing in Dubai, he chose Memphis instead for the purpose of visiting the kid and because Memphis tournament held a wildcard for Roddick because they like him and he’s a crowd favorite. This information is based on an article I read.

February 24th, 2008 at 3:18 pm

just because we criticize someone it doesn`t mean that we don`t love them, quite the opposite.we all make mistakes and people who love us should help us and a bad behaviour should be condoned. we tend to bash people we don`t love at lenghts and when it comes to people we love we tend to make excuses for them. human nature i guess.

February 24th, 2008 at 5:04 pm

Von – You articulated what I was trying to say better than I did, thank you.

There are so many positives to take out of tennis and it makes me sad when only the negative creates discussion.

But on the Dubai front I think he is playing there and has fitting Memphis in at the last minute:-
http://www.dubaitennischampionships.com/3/news/2008/lacoste.asp

February 24th, 2008 at 5:19 pm

“Intimidation should not be condoned.”

Intimidation is a big part of sports. How can you not condone it? Everybody does it in their own way. Do you think Federer and Nadal do not use intimidation tactics? Of course they do, they just do it differently and in such a way that’s not as in your face as Roddick’s.

Regarding charities I will admit that I did not know that Roddick sponsored a child/children at the St Jude’s hopsital. That is very admirable of him.

February 24th, 2008 at 5:41 pm

“deb Says:
Von – You articulated what I was trying to say better than I did, thank you.”

You’re welcome. I am very self-conscious about being wordy. Truth of the matter is, in my field of work I have to write everything clearly that any lay person could understand and not misconstrue the meaning of the documents’ contents. A simple word such as ‘can’ or ‘cannot’ can make an argument invalid. I apologize for the lengthy explanation. Wordy again. Do you think I could in some distant way be related to Wordsworth. :) Oh my, perish the thought!

February 24th, 2008 at 7:04 pm

deb:

“But on the Dubai front I think he is playing there and has fitting Memphis in at the last minute:-”

When is Dubai? I thought it was next week. I think I am becoming somewhat overloaded with so many tournaments happening at one time.

TD:

“… they just do it differently and in such a way that’s not as in your face as Roddick’s.”

If I were an opponent, I would prefer for someone to do it openly than disguise it. This way, I will know what to expect the next time we meet, and can anticipate it. For example, playing against Karlovic, an opponent would expect a ton of aces and tie-breaks.

“Regarding charities I will admit that I did not know that Roddick sponsored a child/children at the St Jude’s hopsital. That is very admirable of him.”

He started his foundation at 17. Elton John always remarks about this whenever he plays exhibition matches with Andy. In his own way, he’s a very charitable little guy. I once saw him agree with his opponent, before hawkeye, that the opponent’s ball was in, even though it was the point that made Andy lose the match. That’s why I like him so much, for his honesty and generosity.

February 24th, 2008 at 7:16 pm

“Mia Says:
just because we criticize someone it doesn`t mean that we don`t love them, quite the opposite.we all make mistakes and people who love us should help us and a bad behaviour should be condoned.”

I understand what you are saying, but this is more applicable to our loved ones, e.g., children/family, and we should let them know, because we love them, that bad behaviour is wrong. However, this cannot be applied to athletes. Sports is a different situation. I know you are a Djokovic fan, and that I offended you by my criticism of his behavior. I apologize. I did so because I saw the match and heard his post-match interview. However, now that I know his style, I won’t be shocked in the future. I’ll know what to expect.

February 24th, 2008 at 8:03 pm

Von – I like your ‘wordyness’!! It’s one of the reasons I come and read the comments here. My field is mathematics and I’m aware that with words I’m not always as precise.

The Dubai tournament is the week after Memphis so Roddick’s going to have a tough time with the travel if he does well next week.

February 24th, 2008 at 8:30 pm

Von,

just a last word on this because I saw this line in your comment above,

** Arrogance goes hand in hand with passion. **

I think we have to be careful not to give a green light to arrogance and bad behavior just because we like a player. There is nothing wrong in admitting that what Roddick said in his interview was wrong and expecting a better behavior from him next time.

February 24th, 2008 at 9:47 pm

Zola:

“There is nothing wrong in admitting that what Roddick said in his interview was wrong and expecting a better behavior from him next time.”

Correct.

“deb Says:
Von – I like your ‘wordyness’!! It’s one of the reasons I come and read the comments here. My field is mathematics and I’m aware that with words I’m not always as precise.

“The Dubai tournament is the week after Memphis so Roddick’s going to have a tough time with the travel if he does well next week.”

Mathematics, God bless you and my compliments! Even though it was one of my best, I got lazy when I found out it was easier to write than figure out problems. Statistics was a brain breaker and that did it for me.

Yes, if Roddick does well in Memphis, he’ll have a tough time with the travel to Dubai and then soon after Indian Wells and Miami. He had better do well in Memphis. He has final points to defend. Well, this is surely a hectic season. Enjoy reading the posts. If I survive this subject matter, I look forward to exchanging posts with you again.

February 24th, 2008 at 10:50 pm

Von,

Your guess was wrong, I saw the match here in Brazil (vacation) in my cabo, especially Roddick’s match because I like seeing him play. In fact all three tourneys were television here in different sports channels.
I thought what he did was reprehensible (something I would never do), but in the heat of a match and by his historical and court behavior really wasn’t that big of a deal, we can always expect something like this from him.

I posted to you and comment on our players preferences because when this started the thought that came to my mind was: if it was Djokovic would you defend him the same way? I couldn’t help thinking that!

The same goes for Federer, but with him I know he would never do something like that, and if he one day does it, you can be sure I will be very disappointed. He can curse a little bit like in Wimbledon final, when even I wanted to kill Nadal for asking hawk eye every time, but it won’t pass that.

February 25th, 2008 at 8:54 am

Roddick may be a nice guy, but he was an a-hole to Nishikori. Being a nice guy, and having a charitable foundation does not give you a pass for behaving like a jerk. Furthermore, to compare tactical pressure on your opponent (like chipping and charging, or taking a big swing at the second serve) to screaming at him like some mad man, is ridiculous. One is sporting, and one is not.

Finally, I didn’t see the whole match, but I saw the youtube clip from Roddick’s own diary which showed (among others) the point in question. If I were to advise Nishikori, I’d tell him this: the next time Roddick comes to net and flubs a volley mid court, don’t try to pass him. Hit it as hard as you can right at his chest and see if he can get out of the way. It’s a perfectly legal play that happens 50 times a match in doubles. And if Roddick has something to say about it, the next time he comes to the net, chip an angled pass, wait for the flub and do it again, only this time make sure not to miss him.

February 25th, 2008 at 1:44 pm

[…] Last week Roddick drew the ire of many for his apparent bullying of 18-year-old Kei Nishikori in his second round win in San Jose. (I should add that thankfully Andy won San Jose preventing Radek Stepanek from breaking out that freaky worm dance again.) I didn’t watch the match, and maybe the reports were indeed exaggerated, but broke out some of his on-court intimidation tactics en route to victory. […]

February 25th, 2008 at 3:20 pm

Daniel:

Do us both a favor, don’t address any posts to me. You have made me a target of your comparisons and comments and I have been a bigger person in replying, and, if I might add, have volunteered information to you, when you questioned events that no one else could not or bothered to answer. So all things considered, I have been a decent and polite poster to you. This has been the fifth (5th) occasion of your delight in your poor attempts to embarass me. There won’t be a sixth (6th), because it will be a monologue on your part. Federer is the very best!! Enjoy your Federer bliss in dreamland, and obtain your enjoyment and indulgence via embarassment throughh another poster.

February 25th, 2008 at 3:50 pm

“And if Roddick has something to say about it, the next time he comes to the net, chip an angled pass, wait for the flub and do it again, only this time make sure not to miss him.”

And, I hope if this happens and God forbid that Roddick should suffer a very serious injury that you’ll pat yourself on the back and compliment his opponent for a ‘job well done’. Words are wind, blows are unkind!

February 25th, 2008 at 3:54 pm

“..and maybe the reports were indeed exaggerated…”

Roddick critics, remember this statement on ‘exaggeration’ the next time you post on Roddick’s alleged intimidation.

February 25th, 2008 at 3:58 pm

I’m sorry if you think I was trying to embarrass you. I just pointed something I thought was inconsistent since your disapprove of Djoko’s behavior. Maybe I use the wrong words.

I disagree with you in the past and if I remember you attacked me, just see the post if you are “counting”. I didn’t bother than because you were kind of in a fight with other posters (the anti-American), and wanted to avoid arguing.

Relax; I am not going to post anything directly to you, since you have become a person who sees a lot of animosity in simple posts. But as I mentioned before, anytime I read something that I really disagree I will post a comment, you liking or not.

You seem to have a problem if a person doesn’t agree 100% with you. No wonder why I never see Jane here anymore! Someone who worth posting to.

P.S. I know you are going to replay and I won’t replay back because you always want to post last in any discussions here.

February 25th, 2008 at 9:53 pm

Hi, American tennis fans,

I wrote an article about Andy Roddick’s attitude on my website (sorry it’s in Japanese). I guess my point represents Japanese majority. Roddick acted as a bully to 18 yr old kid but gave him a good lesson. Roddick made Nishikori a mentally strong player. In that sense we thank AD. What AD did is to help shorten the distance between him and Nishikori.

March 2nd, 2008 at 2:45 am

[…] Kjeftesmelle Mye snakk om Andy Roddick for tiden. Han fikk mye tyn da han skjelte ut Kei Nishikori i japanerens første kamp etter seieren i Delray Beach. Roddick om hendelsen: Things were happening for him without him thinking so I wanted him to think about other stuff and not how well he’s playing. There was nothing personal in it. He’s probably not that happy with me for doing that. But I don’t need any young friends. […]

March 2nd, 2008 at 4:46 pm