2012 Australian Open: Keys to Andy Roddick Winning Second Grand Slam Title

Andy Roddick Roddick is nearly a decade removed from his one and only Grand Slam title, yet he still possesses the necessary skill set to make a major run and perhaps walk away the champion at the 2012 Australian Open.

Over the years, Roddick has played a major role in keeping the United States relevant in the professional Tennis realm, but his career has been marked by a number of disappointments and squandered potential. To date, he remains his own worst enemy, especially against the likes of the declining Roger Federer.

All that being said, Roddick's massive serve and powerful forehands have become a worldwide staple. He has the tools to eliminate any player in the tournament, he just has to ensure he is utilizing all of them.

Roddick remains a near afterthought heading into the Australian Open, but if plays his game and keeps his weaknesses in check, he is a legitimate threat to walk away the victor of the entire tournament. 

Efficient Passing Shots

Even with his powerful forehand, Andy Roddick visibly struggles passing opponents when they approach the net, something he must be cognizant of heading into this year's Australian Open.

Roddick has a tendency to dump many would-be passing shots into the net. He seems to lose his composure in such situations, and has trouble getting his feet set. When it's hit to his backhand in these scenarios, more often than not, he sends the ball into the net or creates a nice angle for his opponent.

When Roddick has his mechanics down though, he is more than capable of capitalizing off of his opponent's aggressive moves. He must use the early rounds to perfect his in-match passing shots as an eventual meeting with Novak Djokovic seems more than likely.

Unforced Errors

Unforced errors are a part of tennis, but Andy Roddick's come in bunches and often can be the difference between a win and a loss.

Most of Roddick's unforced errors come from trying to do too much, like attempting to hit the ball down the line when a cross-court shot is open. When he doesn't get low enough before hitting his strokes, it becomes a tendency for the match and not a one- or two-time occurrence.

The winner isn't always going to be there and threading the needle isn't always necessary. Roddick needs to embrace the fact that there are plenty of times when simply keeping the ball in play will suffice.

If he can cut down on his unforced errors and keep the ball in play long enough, forehand winner opportunities will flock his way. 

Evolving His Strategy

Andy Roddick is a power player, but he isn't going to be able to overrun every opponent. He is most successful when he incorporates some finesse into his game.

Roddick's first serve is a monster, but every once in a while changing speeds on it to keep his opponents on their toes can prove to be a great approach. Additionally, and as previously noted, passing shots are not a forte of his, so sending an over-the-head lob—not an overhead lob—could go a long way. It keeps his opponents on the run, and may even force them to attempt a shot between the legs.

Lastly, when his opponent is back past the baseline, drops shots are a must every now and then, especially on his forehand when everyone is expecting him to try and kill the ball.

Power is a huge part of Roddick's game and a valuable attribute, but mixing it up with some finesse shots will prove to be an even more effective strategy.

Consistent Backhand

Andy Roddick's forehand is intimidating, but the knowledge that he boasts an inconsistent backhand is comforting to many of his opponents.

Every tennis player has a glaring weakness, but many are able to feign their way through it better. Most of his unforced errors come from his backhand side and when he finds himself in a rut, he turns to a slice far too often, making him vulnerable on the return.

In terms of his backhand, Roddick's best approach is his two-hander. He is able to keep the ball in play somewhat consistently and it doesn't put him on the wrong side of a winner quite as much.

At this stage of his career, it is unlikely a backhand ever becomes a strong suit of Roddick's, but if he is at least able get the ball back over the net consistently from that side, he'll give himself the opportunity to win a lot of points, and even games, he normally wouldn't. 

Keeping His Head

Andy Roddick plays with a lot of fire and heart and his emotion is important to his game, but it can also be self-destructive.

Roddick's game can fall apart if he doesn't keep his cool. Tennis is mental game and he is his own worst enemy in that regard. He gets inside his own head and is unable climb himself out of the holes he digs himself into.

If Roddick keeps his head, everything falls into place and his stable personality is more chilling to his opponents than his angry outbursts. 

Mechanics and strategizing helps win points; staying in control wins matches and titles.

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