The American hard court season kicks off this week and few players will be feeling the heat more than the home town hero Andy Roddick. A poor showing during the grass court season has left the serving machine in a position he has not been in for some time – on the verge of falling out of the top 10 world rankings.
Roddick sits only 35 points in front of the 11th ranked Jo- Wilfred Tsonga, which is why it is no surprise he has jumped at a last minute wild card into the Atlanta Tennis Championships beginning Monday.
He is by far the biggest name stepping out for the first week of the new season, with Australian Lleyton Hewitt and fellow big serving American John Isner his only real competition.
But will this scrambling for points lead to burn out for the US number one?
At 29, Roddick is putting un-necessary pressure on his body. The same body that missed the end of the 2009 season with injury.
As well as Atlanta he is listed to play in Washington, Toronto and Cincinnati, which is an incredibly busy schedule before a grand slam.
Compare this with top players Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray, who have elected to only play two lead up tournaments for their US open preparations.
For Roddick to hold on to a long term top 10 spot he must consider going backwards for a brief period to remain a force in world tennis. He can no longer concern himself with small, lower class tournaments which, although provide a great opportunity to gain cheap rankings points, do not help with major tournament preparation.
The A-Rod must insure he is fit, healthy and fresh for the big four tournaments if he wants to have a chance of becoming a duel grand slam champion.
Whether it’s aces or races, try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp for great odds and a great punting experience. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
Former Wimbledon champion, double grand slam winner and Australian Open finalist Garbine Muguruza has announced her retirement from tennis at the age of 30.…
Rafael Nadal has hailed the brilliance of Alex de Minaur, calling him "a great player" after the Australian forced the Spanish legend to say…
The clay season promises to be one of high level and tight margins. With the Monte Carlo open just around the corner, it will…
In incredible scenes, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz's quarter-final clash with Alexander Zverev at Indian Wells was halted abruptly due to a "bee invasion." Less…
Marathon man Jordan Thompson has finally clinched his first ATP Tour title, with the Australian upsetting Norwegian Casper Ruud to lift the trophy in…
Alex de Minaur has earned the perfect 25th birthday present, booking a place in the final of the Rotterdam Open with an emphatic revenge…
