Andy Roddick: American Star Must Sever Ties with Coach Larry Stefanki

Andy Roddick has just finished his best performance at a Grand Slam event since reaching the quarterfinals way back at the 2010 Australian Open. Considering how the year had gone, it can't be viewed as anything but a positive development.

Roddick has a great shot at making his 2012 season better than 2011, but his chances would be even better if he parted ways with coach Larry Stefanki.

I'll be the first to admit that Stefanki has done great things with Roddick. Immediately after he took over as Roddick's coach, Roddick went on one of his best runs at Grand Slam events.

Roddick was a semifinalist at the Australian Open, made a career-best fourth-round run at the French Open and was a finalist at Wimbledon, losing in an epic five-set match against Roger Federer.

At Stefanki's urging, Roddick began to play with more of a game plan, rather than just trying to slam serves and forehands past his opponents. His all-court play has improved greatly under Stefanki's tutelage as well.

Those types of lessons aren't what Roddick needs anymore. Roddick needs to adjust his playing style back to the way it was before Stefanki.

He is still winning matches against the players he should beat, but when he faces an opponent on his plane or higher, he is too often blown off the court. His defensive, grinding style of play allows his opponents to run him ragged all over the court.

That style keeps him competitive in most matches, but it will also keep him from winning some matches that he should win. Roddick is at the point now where he has to take chances on the court and go for broke.

Let me be clear. I am not blaming Stefanki for all of Roddick's issues. Stefanki can't play the matches for Andy and injuries have played a big role in Roddick's struggles.

I just think that Roddick needs to hear a different voice. Sometimes, that's all it takes to get someone turned around.

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again while expecting different results. Bringing back Larry Stefanki and a grinding style of play would qualify.