FLUSHING MEADOWS, N.Y. — Andy Roddick wi
ll have time for some soul searching following his earlier-than-anticipated second-round exit at the U.S. Open. The Texan, who turned 28 on Aug. 30, had hoped to make the most of the Slams this year, which is much of the reason why he opted out of Davis Cup play. Seven years removed from his one U.S. Open title, he knows the clock is ticking. But the American surely had more in mind than a quarterfinal finish at the Australian Open.
In his upset loss to Janko Tipsarevic, Roddick, who may still be suffering the lingering effects of mono, appeared to lack gusto, and was unable to overpower the Serb. His shots simply lacked penetration. Afterward, some, including Tipsarevic, seem to question his tactics.
“He needs to be more aggressive,” said Tipsarevic. “He needs to change his game style a little bit, in my opinion, going for a little bit more, especially from his forehand…If he recuperates and starts being a little more aggressive — I’m not here to give tips – but definitely he needs to change something to win a Grand Slam.”
“He played well in Indian Wells and Miami. You figure he knows what he’s doing,” said Roger Fededer. “If he keeps that up, he’s going have a shot at another title. Obviously, it’s a big surprise for me to see him go out, even though Tipsarevic is a good player. I beat [Tipsarevic] at the Australian once 9-7 in the fifth. That was the phase I had mono, and so it’s kind of somewhat of a similar situation, I guess. Andy had signs of it now, as well. Him and his coach need to know what’s best for him.”
While his old roomie Mardy Fish noted Roddick’s lack of aggressiveness, the suddenly svelte Floridian pointed to Roddick’s considerable work ethic and said he still believes the former No. 1 can win another Slam or two.
“I’ve watched some tape of him when he won the U.S. Open in 2003. He’s certainly played a more aggressive style,” he said. “But I think he’s fitter now than he was back then, so he can rely on his legs a little bit more now. He’s no dummy. He’s going to play how he feels best suits him. He’s got a great team behind him that Larry [Stefanki]. They put together a game plan, and I guarantee you that’s how he’s going to play. That’s how they think that he can best play.”
Don’t hold your breath if you’re waiting for Roddick/Stefanki to completely retool their approach. A decade into his pro career, the ’03 USO champ will more likely take a good, hard look at the schedule the next two years, choosing his spots carefully in order to peak at the two Slams he desires most – Wimbledon and the U.S. Open.
