Will His Latest Loss to Roger Federer Crush Andy Roddick?
Monday, July 6th, 2009If he were like the majority of us, it would. But these guys, the truly great ones, simply have more inner strength to deal with setbacks like the one he did - losing 14-16 in the fifth set at center court Wimbledon. That is, losing 14-16 in the fifth and final set of the finals at Wimbledon, by getting broken once all match!
Why would this particular match hurt so much? It’s not like it was his only chance for a major (he won the 2003 U.S. Open), but against a player the magnitude of Roger Federer, seldom do you go up 1-0 in sets, get to the second set tie breaker and have FOUR set points, which, in fact, Roddick did as he pulled ahead 6-2. Unfortunately, not only did Andy Boy not capitalize on any of those, he allowed (probably a poor choice of words, since Federer had, as he always does, a great deal to say about who the winner was going to be) six straight points, losing each of his set point opportunites and succumbing to Roger’s continuation of the blitzkrieg.
But, with the match tied at 1-1 in sets, Roddick dropped the next set (also a tie breaker). Every couch psychologist was counting the American out, saying he had his chance, but after giving away such a golden opportunity, would have nothing left in his emotional tank. Well, young Mr. Roddick must be a hybrid, because he, after losing two straight breakers and being down 1-2 in sets (despite never having his service broken), rallied to win the fourth set!
Mental toughness? Check. In abundance. Most tennis enthusiasts are aware of Wimbledon’s two rules of yesteryear: players must wear white and there is no tie breaker in the fifth set. So why not play . . . another 30 games! If the old cliche that in such close, intense, well-played matches as this one, there is no loser, I’m certain Roddick wants to know where his big trophy is and why is he holding this serving dish?
So, in answer to the title question, it will (doesn’t it have to hurt if Roddick’s human?) definitely bother him and give him some sleepless nights - or worse, those nightmares where he wakes up screaming, “That ball was out!” - but knowing, even if it was, he still came in second place. So, is there a bright side?
You’re kidding, right? Trying to play a mind game with him? Not at all. Sure, he’ll replay those four second set tie break points and realize any one of them would have given him a commanding 2-0 lead in the best of 5, placing a whole lot of pressure on RF. But he will also realize that if his mind and talent are strong enough to do what he did, all he’ll have to do is go out, repeat the effort, and come away with the feeling, “Who will be able to beat me? Federer? He did it once, but he’s really flirting with disaster if he thinks he’ll be able to pull that off again.
“I could dwell on the past (yesterday), but I’d rather use the philosophy:
‘The best time to plant a tree is 25 years ago. The second best time is right now.’ “
No one has any idea how many majors Roger Federer will win (the count stands at 15 right now), but as safe a bet that Roger exceeds that number, is the one that says Roddick won’t be stuck on one for too long.