The 2002 U.S. Open Final was certainly one for the ages as two living legends stepped toe-to-toe one final time as 31 year old Pete Sampras battled 32 year old Andre Agassi in what ended up being an absolute classic. Ultimately, Sampras triumphed and won his 14th career Grand Slam in what was the final match of his career. Agassi himself went on to win the next grand slam event, the 2003 Australian Open, but his game slowly declined and he eventually retired from the game of tennis following a memorable run at the 2006 U.S. Open.
It was over. Many critics came to the conclusion that the golden age of American tennis that saw the likes of Sampras, Agassi, Jim Courier, and Michael Chang all win majors, had finally ended. There was nobody left to carry the American torch. They – Andy Roddick became America’s tennis golden boy.
Just one year after this legendary final, the upstart 21 year old Roddick broke through when he won the 2003 U.S. Open, upending the favored Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero. For the next decade, Roddick truly put the nation on his back and did everything he could to carry on the legacy of these greats. Roddick soon after became one of the most consistent and talented players on the ATP Tour. He went on to spend nine consecutive years in the top 10, won 30 more titles, earned over $20 million in career prize money, and even become the number one ranked player in the world. He made four semi-final appearances at the Australian Open, three Wimbledon finals, and another US Open final.
However, he never ended up winning another major in large part due to the sheer presence of the greatest player of all time — Roger Federer. In each of Roddick’s next four grand slam final appearances he was confronted by Roger. Fed may have embarrassed Roddick at times, but these competitors only made each other better in their wonderfully played encounters. Over the later stages of Roddick’s career, as the game became much quicker and saw the incorporation of even more finesse and craftiness, Roddick was unable to shift his arsenal, but that didn’t mean he did not continue to give it his all every time he stepped foot on the court.
Despite the emergence of superstars such as Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray, Roddick made one last appearance at a major final at the 2009 Wimbledon Championships. He ultimately lost a heart-breaking five setter to the GOAT with a score of 16-14 in the final set. Even though the scorecard may have shown Roddick as the runner-up, it was the greatest match he had ever played. Unlike the 2003 U.S. Open Final where Roddick simply overpowered his opponent Ferrero, this American hero left his heart and soul out on the court – an epitome of the way he played throughout his career.
Off the court Roddick’s personality was displayed even further. He’ll forever be known for his brutally honest answers in press conferences and his remarkable line of charitable work. For example, following his defeat in the 2007 Australian Open semifinals, to none other than Roger Federer, he was asked how it felt and responded, “It was miserable. It sucked. It was terrible. Besides that, it was fine.” Andy always provided a truthful, straight-up response. Furthermore, his philanthropic work speaks for itself as he established the Andy Roddick Foundation, which has raised well over $10 million dollars to “provide all children a support system that gives them hope for a brighter future.”
On his thirtieth birthday this year, Roddick announced that he would retire from professional tennis following the 2012 U.S. Open. His announcement took place during the tournament itself, which quickly became an Andy Roddick appreciation event of sorts. Andy once again carried his nation and was the last American defeated following a four-set loss to another former champion in Flushing, Argentinian Juan Martin del Potro. It was only fitting that Roddick’s final moments as a pro took place at the same venue where his most notable accomplishment occurred – Arthur Ashe Stadium. Unlike older players on tour today who stick around despite the fact that they are far from being at the top of their game any longer, Roddick acknowledged that his time was finally up. He retired at the right time and at the right event – America’s tennis championship.
For over a decade, Roddick embodied what it means to be a great American athlete. From his unbelievable performances for his nation at various Davis Cup events, to his mentoring of up and coming American players, Roddick has always prioritized work for his country. Andy will forever be missed by the tennis world and it is only appropriate that his red-white-and-blue Babolat sneakers are headed for the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
