Does Andy Roddick Have "It" Anymore?

It seems like it was such a long time ago when Roddick won the U.S. Open in 2003.  Andy had his breakthrough that year with his U.S Open and two Masters Series victories.  After winning his first career Grand Slam event and attaining the No. 1 ranking in the world, it seemed like the next logical question was "how many more Major titles would Roddick win?"  In hindsight, the more appropriate question is "will he win another Major title?"

Andy Roddick, despite possessing the most devastating serve in the history of tennis, has simply not been able to put it together to punctuate a two week run with another Major title.   Now, at the age of 26, questions and doubt from the media will begin to surface. 

With the dominance of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal over the past few years and the rise of Novak Djokovic, many feel that 2009 could be Andy's best chance to win any additional Slams.  Federer is facing the same type of questions as Roddick, but will most likely bounce back from the most disappointing year he's had in quite some time. 

With Djokovic still not as consistent as he will eventually become, the time is now for Roddick.  There are too many "young guns" on the rise on the ATP tour that will make their own respective leaps into tennis stardom sooner rather than later.  Roddick needs to cement his legacy in tennis' history before the competition leaves him in the dust.

In many ways, Roddick's career is quite similar to one of the great legends of boxing - Joe Frazier.  For Frazier, his brilliant career is somewhat overshadowed by Muhammad Ali and George Foreman.  Roddick has had a great career in his own right, but he has been trumped by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.  Hopefully that is where the comparisons will end for Andy, as Smokin' Joe lost the heavyweight title to Foreman and was never able to regain it.

Roddick will be able to start 2009 with a clean slate in terms of injuries, which will certainly enhance his chances to have a great year.  2008 saw Andy suffer through a gamut of injuries (back, shoulder, neck, and ankle) that quickly derailed the strong start he'd had to that year.

Andy Roddick will also be starting the year with new coach Larry Stefanki.  Stefanki has had a successful coaching career, helping players like Marcelo Rios and Yevgeny Kafelnikov reach No. 1 during their careers.

Under new tutelage, Roddick could have a resurgent year that sees him get closer to the top spot in the rankings.  With some continued good health and perhaps a bit of luck, there's a decent shot for Andy to set the tennis world on fire all over again.