The Biggest Disappointments of Andy Roddick's Career

Andy Roddick was considered to be the future of American tennis after Pete Sampras retired, and for a moment he lived up to that billing. He became the youngest American to become world number one and won his first grand slam title in the early stages of his career. Everyone thought he had a bright future ahead of him.

He certainly did not end up having a bad one, but it was not near what we hoped. 

Here are the biggest disappointments of Roddick's career.

1. Never Winning Wimbledon

Roddick was a finalist three times in England but was stopped by the same man on every occasion. 

Andy was a great grass court player; his record against every other opponent showed that. But against Federer, he never had the weapons to dethrone arguably the most deft and skillful player to ever grace centre court.

2. Never Winning Another US Open

Roddick saw success after his lone US Open title in New York, but was never able to take the title again. He made deep runs in the years to follow but was stopped by Federer, Djokovic, and lost some matches he really should have won (Gilles Muller in 2005?). 

His best chance came in the final against Federer in 2006.  Andy played two great sets, winning one of them. The other two were no contest, though, and Federer went on to win one more of his many titles while Roddick remained stuck with one.

3. Never Beating Federer in a Grand Slam

Roddick faced the same opponent in every final he lost, and never won a Grand Slam match against him. 

Federer owned Roddick when it mattered most, and had Roddick figured out a way to give Roger more difficulty he could have had more slam titles to his name.

4. Only Winning One Grand Slam Title

Roddick should have won another Grand Slam. He should have won Wimbledon in 2009. 

The fact that he only won one Grand Slam title will always be the asterisk by his name if he makes it into the Hall of Fame. With the talent and drive Roddick had, he should have been able to amass more major titles than the one he earned against less formidable opposition.

5. The Second Half of His Career

Roddick's best play and best opportunities came in the early stages of his career. He won the US Open in 2003 and made the final in 2006, and made the finals of Wimbledon in 2004 and 2005. 

After that, though, he only made one major final and did not have enough deep runs in the majors. If Roddick wanted to earn more Grand Slam titles he needed to give himself more chances.

6. Weaker Play After Losing Wimbledon in 2009

After a great run to the final and an excellent match against an opponent he could never figure out, Roddick has not done anything of note since thenaside from on court explosions. 

Roddick needs to find a way to remove that match from his memory and try to make more deep runs in the slams as his career reaches its conclusion.

7. Unsure Hall of Fame Candidacy

Roddick has had stellar Davis Cup play, top ten consistency for the past several years, and a solid career as America's number one player.

The lone Grand Slam title may prevent him from being considered among the greatest, however, and it is yet to be seen whether or not his admission is probable.