One has to feel sorry for Andy Roddick. Four semifinal appearances at the Australian Open, all of which have ended in defeat. Another tilt at Roger Federer, and another loss – 16 in 18 matches, to be precise.
It’s not like the American is cutting corners, failing to do everything he can to get the best out of himself as a professional tennis player. In December 2008, Roddick hired the esteemed Larry Stefanki – former coach of John McEnroe, Marcelo Rios, Yvegeny Kafelnikov and Tim Henman – to reinvigorate his game. In a punishing off-season, he shed several kilograms and has returned to the court fitter, faster and stronger.
Even Federer, who on Thursday night defeated Roddick 6-2 7-5 7-5 in the semifinals of Australian Open 2009, noticed positive changes in the American’s game.
“I thought he played a bit more aggressive with his backhand … Played a bit more flat, so the ball goes through [the court] a little bit more,” he said.
“I really think he improved [his] returns. The second serves he takes more easily. I have the feeling he's improved at the net. He's a bit better mover. Before, he didn't run a whole lot for drop shots. Today I didn't play 25 dropshots, but I still felt he was running for every ball. He wasn't always doing that. That's also a big key to his game.”
But despite the advances, Roddick has always struggled against the Swiss. There is something about the American’s game that Federer seems to relish, and for Roddick, it is a difficult match-up. Not only does Federer seem to read his serve better than any player on tour – a shot critical to Roddick’s fortunes on court – he seems to lift his own game when the two step out on court.
“He served great. For some reason he seems to serve pretty well [against me]. I think it was up around maybe over 70 per cent first serves, which is just high for him. He's not really up in that area a lot. So when he does that, it makes it pretty tough,” Roddick said.
The loss was made particularly frustrating given that Roddick played impressive tennis against the world No. 2. His statistics – 64 per cent of first serves in, eight aces, only two double faults, 38 winners to 18 unforced errors – would normally be enough to beat almost anybody on tour.
Roddick was philosophical when discussing the match.
“I hit the ball pretty well. If you look at his stats for the match, both of us had pretty good stats. You know, he just came up with shots when he needed to. That's what he does,” he said.
Roddick has been a model of consistency since he first came to prominence in 2001. He has finished in the top 10 for the last seven years, has won at least one title each year since 2001, and regularly progresses to the business end of major tournaments.
One player who tends to stop him adding to his tally of one major title is, no surprise, Federer. The Swiss has defeated Roddick in two Wimbledon and one US Open final, and twice in the semifinals at Melbourne Park.
Surely the American’s sustained good form over several years deserves to be rewarded with another major title?
Roddick is certainly not asking for sympathy. He simply remains committed to doing everything he can to improve his game, continually stays positive, and can only hope that an opportunity opens up for him.
“[During this tournament] I did a lot of good things. Hit the ball pretty well and, you know, there's a whole laundry list of positives [to take out of it]. Overall, I think it was a good event,” he said.
“Hopefully I can build on this a little bit. If I can keep my form through the first couple weeks here and from Doha [earlier in the year], you know, [I] should have a better year than the last couple.
“As long as I decide to play this game, I'm going to do what I can to try to improve out there. There's no reason for me not to.”
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