Pete Sampras: Classic and distinguished throughout his career, he foiled my other favorite player, Andre Agassi, on numerous occasions. Until Roger Federer, the Swiss tennis player currently ranked No. 1, overtakes him, Sampras is the holder of the record for most majors won in men's singles with 14. It's only coincidental that this article is being written at the same time that Federer is attempting to win his 15th major...against Andy Roddick.
Finally there's Andy Roddick. Lean, muscular, American as can be and the owner of the most powerful first serve ever to be clocked in tennis, at around 155mph. He's not quite as old as my other favorite American players, nor has he won as many tournaments. He's currently ranked No. 6 on the ATP list and is the highest ranked American player (yay!). In the past, he has been ranked No. 1 in the world.
The reasons I have always rooted for the sometimes-underdog are pretty simple. He plays fast, aggressive and has a punishing serve. He was born and raised in the heartland of America (Omaha, Nebraska) so basically he bleeds red, white and blue. He is known as the "other A-Rod" and unlike a lot of other pro athletes: He doesn't splurge and go out to bars and clubs excessively. Also, he's married to the pretty ridiculous Sports Illustrated model, Brooklyn Decker.
Even though he has made it to 27 career finals matches, he is still often considered an underdog for one unfair and obvious reason: He has a career head-to-head record of 2-18 when facing Roger Federer.
Now personally, I don't think that's so bad in and of itself. Federer is not a typical professional tennis player. He is pretty much a lock to make it into the Tennis Hall of Fame and arguably THE BEST MALE TENNIS PLAYER OF ALL TIME. For Roddick to have even been ranked in the top three, during a time period that includes both Raphael Nadal AND Federer, is remarkable.
Luckily, this year's edition of Wimbledon did not feature Nadal—the Spanish defending champion who made a surprising withdraw due to a case of tendinitis in his knee, leaving the playing field at the All England Club a little easier then it typically would have been.
Early this morning, No. 2 Roger Federer defeated No. 24 Tommy Haas and No. 6 Andy Roddick defeated No. 3 Andy Murray in the semifinals.
So I guess what it comes down to is the 21st showdown between Roddick and Federer that is set to take place over the next couple days. This is the third time they will battle in the finals on the lush grass of Centre Court.
Andy is better coached, better versed, stronger and more versatile than he has been in years, and hopefully that and a good bit of luck will help swing things his way this time. Federer will always remain a dangerous opponent but this time I believe, I must believe, that Roddick has the confidence and stamina necessary to keep the sets close, jump the net and neutralize and respond to Federer's potent offense.
-Mikey, Wong_83@hotmail.com
Article has also been posted on Mikey's Webpage: http://kyarnboy.wordpress.com/
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