Andy Roddick has been USA's top tennis players for 7 years now, with small period in between where James Blake took over. He's won a major and came close to winning a few others. His serve is the biggest in the game. No other players can consistently server in the 130s all the time. However, based on the way he's playing and the way other players are playing, this chance of winning another big tile (not just Major) is very slim. There are a few reasons for this:
1. The serve will win many points but once the other player gets the serve in play, Roddick has a 50% chance of winning the point. Against top 20 players, the percentage is alot lower.
2. This forehand is a big liability. Roddick has a loopy forehand that has a lot of spin but not much power. Also, he tends to push the forehand instead of striking at it. Therefore, the other players have alot of time to get to the ball.
3. The backhand is not a weapon. The backhand is consistent but not a weapon. He cannot blow people off the court with the backhand. He can stay in the rally and wait for a mistake but can't set up a finishing blow.
4. The top 4 players have gotten way better than the rest of the pack. In order to win a title, Roddick would have to beat 2 top 4 players. He will need luck to win one and winning two would be almost impossible.
Roddick has two ways of beating the above odds. One, he has to capitalize on his serve. He needs to win more free points and finish points early. Practice on serve and volley and come to the net more. Second, he has to play more aggressive and take more chances. Since he will hold his serve most of the time, he has to attack at the first opportunity. Hit a big flat forehand, come in after it and put the ball away with a volley. If he applies the above, he might have a second wind to his career.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
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