Will Maturity Benefit Andy Roddick's Game? Reasons He Should Consider It

With the U.S. Open quickly approaching, people are beginning to think just a little more about tennis.

That being the case, it should be pointed out that there has not been one male American singles winner on the hard courts since 2003. Mr. Federer has basically dominated the event with his streak of five straight victories, which only came to an end this past year at the hands of Juan Martin Del Potro. The American male player who happened to win that one particular title in 2003 was none other than Andy Roddick.

That one title has been Roddick's only Grand Slam feat; even with a blistering 140-plus mph serve and solid ground strokes. 

Even with Federer being the monster that he undoubtedly has been with his immense talent, Roddick could have been more successful.

From the time he won the Open in 2003, a lot has changed in Roddick's life. He got married, changed coaches, and almost won Wimbledon. However, there has been one facet of Roddick's game that has not changed. That one thing is his seemingly consistently negative/disrespectful on court attitude (outside of The All England Club). 

It was recently reported that Roddick "threw his racket to the ground after blowing a 5-2 lead in the tiebreaker and committing an unforced error on set point in the second set" at the Cincinnati Master's tournament (a tune-up for the U.S. Open). Roddick ended up "gathering himself," regaining momentum, and eventually going on to win the match.

While this may seem like something very minor, it is these tantrums that exemplify Roddick's on-court persona.

Many times he has been shown involved in angry verbal confrontations with the line judges and main chair official's. This article, will highlight the reasons why Roddick should stop his bashing of officials along with other on court immature/disrespectful actions, and consider maturing on the court.

No. 1: Lack of being reprimanded does not make it okay

Just because a tennis player can argue with the official, does not make it okay. Unlike baseball and basketball, the player does not get thrown out of the game after an argument ensues.

If that were the case, the match would end.

In drastic situations, a point will be given to the other player and a fine will be issued for unsportsmanlike conduct. An example of this type of conduct would be Serena's threatening comments during the '09 Open Semifinals. Specifically, in that particular scenario, she made comments revolving around "shoving a ball down" a line judges throat.

The player CAN basically say whatever he/she would like.

Andy Roddick does just that and more. 

Roddick vehemently insults line judges, often times mocking them and treating them inhumanely.

An example of a serious attack took place during the 2008 Australian Open. Even though Roddick's point was not correct, he still continued to scream at the chair umpire and insist he was right. That was not the case, and the call held.

Just because there is no automatic ejection rule in tennis (or there does not seem like there is one), it does not make it right for player to act in such a way.

Lastly, just because Roddick has won some of the matches where he has been involved in extensive arguments, that does not mean the negative energy is not catching up with him. With a change in attitude, he may be able to win more.

No. 2: He stops focusing on his play

As former tennis great, Arthur Ashe said, "The Ideal Attitude is to be physically loose and mentally tight."

To a degree, and especially when he starts arguing, Roddick seemingly gets this Arthur Ashe quote twisted around.

When Andy Roddick makes a choice to argue, he is also making a choice to stop focusing on his play. Therefore, his mental game is "not tight."

While some may dispute this point, and say that arguing could help a player out in couple of different ways, the way Roddick argues just does not seem like it would fit into any of those ways. While Roddick may produce a high 140s serve after an argument, it seems he is also placing stress upon himself and losing focus.

When playing against players like Federer, Nadal, and the new wave of talent (including Del Potro and others), Roddick can not afford to lose focus.

Similar to other sports, tennis does have a mental component. Roger Federer is the master of keeping his calm on the court. Skill-wise, not much differentiates Federer and Roddick. Granted, Federer's backhand is better and his volleys are more crisp; however, Roddick does have a stronger serve and forehand.

Point is, the results speak for themselves, and Federer has 15 more Grand Slam titles than Roddick. While court demeanor and Grand Slam titles may not directly correlate, there is a chance it could be playing some type of role.

If Roddick could accept using Federer as an example for him, it could help him realize how unproductive his on-court tactics are.

While Roddick does not have to emulate Federer's play, it may serve him well to emulate his on-court demeanor. With a little extra focus, Roddick's legacy could include more Grand Slam victories.

No. 3: Bad attitude is not good for image/endorsements/legacy

Just throwing this one out there: A bad on-court attitude could be reflective of larger interpersonal issues. 

In business, interpersonal relationships are key to success.

Many sports figures attempt business careers once their athletic careers have ended.

Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, and Steve Young are all examples.

In terms of business, Roddick's on-court antics could negatively affect the people hiring former athletes to endorse brands or advertisements for their companies. If Roddick is able to stop his disrespectful antics, it could lead to more endorsement deals and a more respected legacy.

p.s. (McEnroe has proven to be an exception to this point)

No. 4: The times have changed

During the days of Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe, and Boris Becker, they did not have a satellite system set-up to check calls during match play.

While that does not excuse some of things McEnroe said to chair umpires, it could make his arguments seem a little more understandable (especially if a bad call did take place).

Case and point, there used to be more opportunities for a judge to be incorrect on a call and the system almost intrinsically encouraged player's to argue.

Within the contemporary world of professional tennis there does exist a highly functional satellite system that DOES turn bad calls into good calls. Therefore, this should help a player like Roddick feel better/more confident in the process about the ruling system and argue less about line calls.

However, and as already pointed on within prior examples, the new satellite system has not stopped Roddick from harshly expressing his various points of view. 

No. 5: Questions determining success

As retired football coach Lou Holtz said, "The answer to three questions will determine your success or failure.

"1. Can people trust me to do my best?
 2. Am I committed to the task in hand?
 3. Do I care about other people and show it?

"If the answers to all three questions are yes, there is no way you can fail."

Based on his on-court actions, Andy Roddick would not be able to answer "yes" to No. 3. That being the case, and according to Holtz, he is/has been leaving himself exposed for failure.

Roddick has a lot to be grateful for. Not only does he get to play a professional sport for a living, which garners him millions of dollars, he also has a beautiful wife in Brooklyn Decker. 

Point is, the man has a lot going for him. 

There is no ostensible reason he should not act like a gentleman on the court. NOT throwing his racket, angrily opposing calls, and acting like an immature player will benefit Roddick. 

Roddick is nearing the end of his career. As 30 is around the age when many tennis professionals wind down their careers, the time is now to consider changing his on court antics and start adding to his slam collection.