Andy Roddick has, once again, had a forgettable season. The catch is that Roddick is so tough, that even with an "off" season, he still makes it to Shanghai. He has struggled all year with matches, and injuries...yet has grinded his way to a spot in the top 8. How does he do it? It always seems like he doesn't really do anything that BIG, yet is still always in the top of the rankings. Well...some of Roddick's tricks are, defending titles, winning some small tournaments, and trying to always beat the players that he should be beating.
For the first time, age is finally starting to come into the picture for Roddick, he's not getting any younger at 26, and had some injury troubles, really, for the first time in his career this year. I think we all wondered when he would get some kind of a twinge somewhere from serving 140 in his trademark jerky motion a billion times a match. Luckily his work ethic is almost unmatched on the tour, and he is just as fit as anyone. He will continue to be a factor for a while if he keeps up his hard work.
So now Shanghai comes along...I expect, if Roddick gets in a favorable group(you'll see later on in this post that he didn't), to play really well. I think he sees that his opportunities are getting more and more precious, and as always, if he serves well, he can beat anyone. I'd love to see him make a run, and get to the semis...you have to feel for the guy more than you feel for anyone. Watching him choke away a chance at a 5Th set against Djokovic at the US Open this year, was hard to watch...and I hope he can avenge that loss.
An underrated key to Roddick's game is his backhand, if he is feeling it, he becomes very dangerous, and can hit some nice down the line shots, and bully his opponents around. If he he tentative on the backhand, he slices too much, and good players step in and push him around the baseline.
NOW FOR THE 2008 SHANGHAI ROUND ROBIN GROUPS.
FIRST HERE IS THE LINK TO THE MAIN SITE...
RED GROUP:
FED
MURRAY
RODDICK
SIMON
ABSOLUTELY LOADED.
GOLD GROUP:
NOVAK
DEL POTRO
TSONGA
DAVYDENKO
The Red Group, as you can see is loaded. Fed is going to have his hands full to get to the semis.
The Gold Group is a bit more wide-open. I could realistically see any of those four guys makes it to the semis.
See you soon.
Posts
5 comments:
I'm waiting with bated breath for your extensive review on Del Potro. He is quietly working his way through the ranks to the top of the pack. Personally, I think he will reach the level of an Andy Murray just in time for the Australian....What are your thoughts?
I don't know why Roddick never gets any praises He does always end up high in the rankings. He is talked about like a failure. Great article about wind, so true.
I DON'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT TENNIS. A FRIEND OF MINE TOLD ME ABOUT YOUR BLOG. IT HAS REALLY PEAKED MY INTEREST IN THE SPORT. THANKS FOR YOUR WORDS OF WISDOM....NEWBY TENNIS FAN
I like the personal details about the players and your own thoughts you add to the articles.
Post a Comment