The USTA didn't hurt Pete or Agassi. Roddick's BH wasn't developed along the way and that is his main problemm That and his return of serve. But if just one of these areas were developed further, he would be very difficult to beat. Give him a average or slightly above average BH and he would be an entirely different player.
Roddick needs to bring back Gilbert or get a new coach...
Muller played unbelieveably tonight but this is a low point for Andy now. He needs to do something to shake things up. I don't think his current team is going to get him where he wants to go. No coach might be able to make up for his lack of return instincts and stiff left arm on the BH but he is definitely regressing. I am not a Roddick fan nor am I a basher/hater but to see Roddick out in the 1st round of the USO just doesn't seem right.
41 - 60 of 71 Posts
Gosh, you were ruthless but sadly it's appears to be true.K-Dog said:He wasn't patient enough to wait until Brad had fully developed his game. He wanted results right now, instead of trying to just get better and staying the course. The thing is Andy is dumb as a rock on and off the court. He doesn't understand the game of tennis like the players ranked around him. He has relied on his first serve his whole career and now people have figured him out. Expect Goldfine gone within the week.
guess who's having the last laugh? wasn't it the defeat to Johansson that set in motion his firing?
When Brad Gilbert Departed, He May Have Taken Roddick's Mojo
SOMETIMES, reality is more twisted than an ad campaign.
In the commercial, Andy Roddick drifts off to sleep while his alter-ego - a dude in a cowboy hat with Billy Ray Cyrus's line-dancing skills - eats, drinks and shops at Barney's with the tennis superstar's American Express card.
All the while, Roddick, feeling bewildered, feeling as if a part of him is missing, has lost his groove - or mojo - on the court. So the ad man asks, "Have you seen Andy's mojo?"
In reality, the dude rising up from Roddick's body doesn't wear a cowboy hat but a Raiders' cap. Brad Gilbert doesn't spend Roddick's money anymore, but likes delivering lines to any camera crew within his area code - or into any mirror in his hotel room, for that matter - breathlessly talking about the superstar he once coached to fame.
All the while, Roddick, feeling stunned, feeling unglued, has his high-octane serve dismantled by the passing shots of Gilles Muller, the lefty from Luxembourg, under the Arthur Ashe Stadium lights last night.
With a frustrated backhand into the pit of the net, Roddick was upset, 7-6 (4), 7-6 (8), 7-6 (1), on his 23rd birthday. No wishes on candles could save him from an unfathomable first-round exit on the biggest stage in tennis. No one saw it coming.
"I'm in a bit of a shocked state right now," said John McEnroe, the TV analyst, as the night of tennis ended abruptly on USA Network. "I don't believe this."
Every disquieted fan who had been sitting in the stands had to ask, "Have you seen Andy's mojo?"
Roddick had no answer. He was as dumbfounded as anyone else. At one point, during the heartache of a third-set tie breaker, after yet another contorted winner by Muller, Roddick muttered to himself, "This is unbelievable."
It shouldn't be so impossible to comprehend. Roddick is among the elite, but it may just be that Gilbert took a little of his edge with him when he was fired last December. Gilbert was pushed out after he had helped guide Roddick to the 2003 United States Open title. Suddenly, Roddick wasn't just another young somebody chasing the American aura of Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi.
He arrived, and in tears, immediately embraced Gilbert that day of the Open trophy ceremony. Then Gilbert was dumped. There was very little explanation at the time, but Roddick seemed to have lost patience for Gilbert's high-maintenance, diva ways. There was a lot of diplomacy, but Gilbert's grating personality at every meal, every practice and every plane flight home seemed to rub on Roddick.
That's what Gilbert - in all of his neurotic glory - does to people. So it was out with the overbearing Gilbert, ex-coach of Agassi, and in with the understated Dean Goldfine, ex-Davis Cup coach.
For an instant, the breakup appeared civilized, until the Australian Open, when Gilbert made a dubious remark on ESPN. Using a college football analogy, Gilbert categorized Roger Federer as the University of Southern California - the national champion - and referenced Roddick as Oklahoma, the No. 2 that was humiliated by the Trojans.
"There's no question it's a diss," Roddick said of Gilbert's comment. "But I'm not going to play that game. You know, I've been in the title game."
He has been there only to find Federer's perfection in his way. It has been easy to dismiss Roddick's streak without a major as a product of Federer's uncanny ability to win without a visible weapon.
Upon landing in New York, Roddick fielded all questions Federer: Was Roger in his head? Was Roger unbeatable?
The issue is, Roddick's game hasn't progressed enough to challenge Federer since 2003. Gilbert put a mind to Roddick's might. Like him or loathe him, Gilbert provided Roddick with expert intelligence and reconnaissance before every match.
Ranked No. 68, Muller wasn't a pushover by any means, but Roddick didn't seem to have a grip on an alternate strategy. He rushed the net at the most awkward moments, including the tie breakers. He remained flat-footed when he had Muller in a hole, including break points.
Muller dictated; Roddick reacted.
"I don't really remember a loss where I've felt this bad afterwards," Roddick said. "I love playing here. I probably had the best practice week I've ever had in lead-up. It just didn't translate tonight.
"I'm in a little bit of shock right now, to be honest. I'd give anything to go back four hours right now."
Would he go back to December? There is no doubt Roddick has had success with Goldfine at his side, but he hasn't gained on Federer. Last night, he regressed with no happy ad campaign conclusion.
In the commercial, Roddick's mojo is caught, reined in and returned to the superstar of the American Express billboards.
In reality, Roddick's mojo never returned last night. It may be out there somewhere, wearing a Raiders' cap.
When Brad Gilbert Departed, He May Have Taken Roddick's Mojo
SOMETIMES, reality is more twisted than an ad campaign.
In the commercial, Andy Roddick drifts off to sleep while his alter-ego - a dude in a cowboy hat with Billy Ray Cyrus's line-dancing skills - eats, drinks and shops at Barney's with the tennis superstar's American Express card.
All the while, Roddick, feeling bewildered, feeling as if a part of him is missing, has lost his groove - or mojo - on the court. So the ad man asks, "Have you seen Andy's mojo?"
In reality, the dude rising up from Roddick's body doesn't wear a cowboy hat but a Raiders' cap. Brad Gilbert doesn't spend Roddick's money anymore, but likes delivering lines to any camera crew within his area code - or into any mirror in his hotel room, for that matter - breathlessly talking about the superstar he once coached to fame.
All the while, Roddick, feeling stunned, feeling unglued, has his high-octane serve dismantled by the passing shots of Gilles Muller, the lefty from Luxembourg, under the Arthur Ashe Stadium lights last night.
With a frustrated backhand into the pit of the net, Roddick was upset, 7-6 (4), 7-6 (8), 7-6 (1), on his 23rd birthday. No wishes on candles could save him from an unfathomable first-round exit on the biggest stage in tennis. No one saw it coming.
"I'm in a bit of a shocked state right now," said John McEnroe, the TV analyst, as the night of tennis ended abruptly on USA Network. "I don't believe this."
Every disquieted fan who had been sitting in the stands had to ask, "Have you seen Andy's mojo?"
Roddick had no answer. He was as dumbfounded as anyone else. At one point, during the heartache of a third-set tie breaker, after yet another contorted winner by Muller, Roddick muttered to himself, "This is unbelievable."
It shouldn't be so impossible to comprehend. Roddick is among the elite, but it may just be that Gilbert took a little of his edge with him when he was fired last December. Gilbert was pushed out after he had helped guide Roddick to the 2003 United States Open title. Suddenly, Roddick wasn't just another young somebody chasing the American aura of Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi.
He arrived, and in tears, immediately embraced Gilbert that day of the Open trophy ceremony. Then Gilbert was dumped. There was very little explanation at the time, but Roddick seemed to have lost patience for Gilbert's high-maintenance, diva ways. There was a lot of diplomacy, but Gilbert's grating personality at every meal, every practice and every plane flight home seemed to rub on Roddick.
That's what Gilbert - in all of his neurotic glory - does to people. So it was out with the overbearing Gilbert, ex-coach of Agassi, and in with the understated Dean Goldfine, ex-Davis Cup coach.
For an instant, the breakup appeared civilized, until the Australian Open, when Gilbert made a dubious remark on ESPN. Using a college football analogy, Gilbert categorized Roger Federer as the University of Southern California - the national champion - and referenced Roddick as Oklahoma, the No. 2 that was humiliated by the Trojans.
"There's no question it's a diss," Roddick said of Gilbert's comment. "But I'm not going to play that game. You know, I've been in the title game."
He has been there only to find Federer's perfection in his way. It has been easy to dismiss Roddick's streak without a major as a product of Federer's uncanny ability to win without a visible weapon.
Upon landing in New York, Roddick fielded all questions Federer: Was Roger in his head? Was Roger unbeatable?
The issue is, Roddick's game hasn't progressed enough to challenge Federer since 2003. Gilbert put a mind to Roddick's might. Like him or loathe him, Gilbert provided Roddick with expert intelligence and reconnaissance before every match.
Ranked No. 68, Muller wasn't a pushover by any means, but Roddick didn't seem to have a grip on an alternate strategy. He rushed the net at the most awkward moments, including the tie breakers. He remained flat-footed when he had Muller in a hole, including break points.
Muller dictated; Roddick reacted.
"I don't really remember a loss where I've felt this bad afterwards," Roddick said. "I love playing here. I probably had the best practice week I've ever had in lead-up. It just didn't translate tonight.
"I'm in a little bit of shock right now, to be honest. I'd give anything to go back four hours right now."
Would he go back to December? There is no doubt Roddick has had success with Goldfine at his side, but he hasn't gained on Federer. Last night, he regressed with no happy ad campaign conclusion.
In the commercial, Roddick's mojo is caught, reined in and returned to the superstar of the American Express billboards.
In reality, Roddick's mojo never returned last night. It may be out there somewhere, wearing a Raiders' cap.
Roddick is all about serve and most players have figured out how to return it. That is his problem not the coach.
Bilbo said:Roddick is all about serve and most players have figured out how to return it. That is his problem not the coach.
But I think he does have severe lapses of self-doubt and he simply is unable to adjust his game when needed --such as when he does not have enough scouting report on a player and needs to adapt on court. for that he needs a bigmouth knowall like Gilbert
I think that his main problem is Federer. Andy has to change his way of playing to beat him and win some major. He could easily stay 5 years in the top 5 playing the way he's playing now and not win one slam. He must improve his volley and go more often to the net right from the beginning of tournaments even if it means several first round losses in the process.
Gilbert isn't the reason. His game has in fact improved since he split from Gilbert. It's just that other players have gradually figured out how to handle his serve and they've improved at a much faster rate than he. It boils down to one word: talent.
I like Roddick but I honestly don't think he'll be able to match the achievements of Sampras or Agassi.
I like Roddick but I honestly don't think he'll be able to match the achievements of Sampras or Agassi.
or Courier?mickymouse said:I like Roddick but I honestly don't think he'll be able to match the achievements of Sampras or Agassi.
don't worry he won't...the writing is on the wall. he's a good player, but not a GREAT player. this is the reality for Roddick camp, but will they face it?mickymouse said:Gilbert isn't the reason. His game has in fact improved since he split from Gilbert. It's just that other players have gradually figured out how to handle his serve and they've improved at a much faster rate than he. It boils down to one word: talent.
I like Roddick but I honestly don't think he'll be able to match the achievements of Sampras or Agassi.
Not just Federer who is the problem. I think they s simply stop all those ads. What a big fat jinx on Pandy, poor guy. Maybe Pandy needs a new tennis brain. Back to the drawing board for him now. He can't even get past first rd of his fave slam at home. Embarrassing and humiliating for him.
alfonsojose said:Damir Dokic
or Simon Linetskyalfonsojose said:Damir Dokic
Actually Federer is Andy's main problem, but not for just beating him and dominating their rivalry, but instead for showing the rest of the world how you can dismantle Roddicks big game. Once you neutralize that serve and can combat his uber forehand, hes got no where to go but back home. His defense is still the worst among the top 10 players, his return of serve is mediocre at best relative to the top players and his transition game is suspect. I really agree with Vincayou here, Federer is his main problem, because he not only dominates him, but he's gotten into his brain and the rest of the tour is catching up from the free lessons Federer has given them, its been a series of lectures: how to dismantle Roddick lessons 1-10.RogiFan88 said:Not just Federer who is the problem. I think they s simply stop all those ads. What a big fat jinx on Pandy, poor guy. Maybe Pandy needs a new tennis brain. Back to the drawing board for him now. He can't even get past first rd of his fave slam at home. Embarrassing and humiliating for him.
I guess Rogi just exposed Pandy's game for what it truly is... sadly, Pandy's peaked already.
This post might get lengthy!!!
I slept on this last night. Look I'm no Roddick fan, I'm a Federer fan. I don't fall into the trap that because Andy is American, I like him. Anyway, here is Roddick's problem in a big nutshell.
~Backhand~
P-Mac continuely says "you can't change technique for a 23 year old player on this level." I TOTALLY disagree with him. Look, i changed my forehand technique, added a Nalbandian-like two-hander to go along with my flat two-hander, and added a slice and topspin serve this summer on my own. It has taken me three months, but I've fianlly got confidence in all shots now. Enough about me. I have one name to say, and that is Tiger Woods. He changed his swing, something harder to do in golf and perphaps more risky than a tennis stroke. Golf is all based on your swing, nothing more. Andy is a supreme athlete. Learning the correct way to hit a backhand will not take that long to learn. It won't be any worse at first that his backhand is now. Go to Robert Lansdorp. He is the master of groundstrokes. He would not only intimidate Roddick to change, but teach him an awful lot. The backhand he has now is maxed out. He can't improve it anymore. Learning the correct way might take sometime, but he has time on his side. A technically correct stroke works, period. Plus if Tiger can do it at 29, Roddick can at 23.
~Lack of court positioning and knowing how to use the court~
Last night, I don't know how many times I saw Roddick fall ten feet behind the baseline or move back when he hit a good shot.He doesn't understand the tennis court and how to cut angles off and where he should move when he hits certain balls. Nick B. would teach him how to use his forehand the way it should be used. He also has poor shot selection. Roddick did not use the slice serve on either court well yesterday. He hit flat serves right into Muller's forehand. Andy's court positioning is bad, his defensive movement is way off, and he doesn't realize patterns and strategy on the court at all.
~Coach, USTA, and Attitude~
Dean Goldfine in 8 months has done nothing to help Roddick. He hasn't improved one area in his game, and nothing looks to be in the works. Dean is a good guy, but doesn't seem to voice his opinions like a Gilbert would. Andy needs to quit the drama, and take Brad back. Brad is a scouting genious and a great motivator. He also understands strategy VERY WELL. I believe that Brad had a 2-3 year plan for Roddick to become the best he can be and get the most out of his talent. The thing is, Roddick is super impatient and has NO tennis brain and didn't understand where Brad was going with his plan. There are going to be bumps in the road when working on uncomfortable things, but it was for his own good. Roddick hopefully will realize that now.
The USTA is really not doing a great job recently in teaching the top juniors to have pro-level games. We are too worried to lose in the juniors that our players become pushers. They didn't develop his backhand, his variety, or his net game at an early age. Wow, did they stick this one up!!
Roddick doesn't realize that hitting the ball well in a practice session doesn't mean anything. From what it looked like on Tuesday night be was hitting the ball cleanly, but with no directional. In practice, you need to take risks and miss more to work on things that aren't that comfortable. Andy is also so convinced that the rankings mean that that is his actual talent level and where he is. HE DOESN'T GET IT!!!!!!! Fed owns you BIG TIME. Nadal will soon own you. Lleyton still owns you. You aren't as good as the ranking says. Andy, there is something wrong with why you are content to be no. 2 or 3. When you're at that level, no.1 is the only place you want to be and you should never be satisfied with anything less. Again his tennis brain is really not there at all!!
These are some of Roddick's problems. I'm sure there are more.
I slept on this last night. Look I'm no Roddick fan, I'm a Federer fan. I don't fall into the trap that because Andy is American, I like him. Anyway, here is Roddick's problem in a big nutshell.
~Backhand~
P-Mac continuely says "you can't change technique for a 23 year old player on this level." I TOTALLY disagree with him. Look, i changed my forehand technique, added a Nalbandian-like two-hander to go along with my flat two-hander, and added a slice and topspin serve this summer on my own. It has taken me three months, but I've fianlly got confidence in all shots now. Enough about me. I have one name to say, and that is Tiger Woods. He changed his swing, something harder to do in golf and perphaps more risky than a tennis stroke. Golf is all based on your swing, nothing more. Andy is a supreme athlete. Learning the correct way to hit a backhand will not take that long to learn. It won't be any worse at first that his backhand is now. Go to Robert Lansdorp. He is the master of groundstrokes. He would not only intimidate Roddick to change, but teach him an awful lot. The backhand he has now is maxed out. He can't improve it anymore. Learning the correct way might take sometime, but he has time on his side. A technically correct stroke works, period. Plus if Tiger can do it at 29, Roddick can at 23.
~Lack of court positioning and knowing how to use the court~
Last night, I don't know how many times I saw Roddick fall ten feet behind the baseline or move back when he hit a good shot.He doesn't understand the tennis court and how to cut angles off and where he should move when he hits certain balls. Nick B. would teach him how to use his forehand the way it should be used. He also has poor shot selection. Roddick did not use the slice serve on either court well yesterday. He hit flat serves right into Muller's forehand. Andy's court positioning is bad, his defensive movement is way off, and he doesn't realize patterns and strategy on the court at all.
~Coach, USTA, and Attitude~
Dean Goldfine in 8 months has done nothing to help Roddick. He hasn't improved one area in his game, and nothing looks to be in the works. Dean is a good guy, but doesn't seem to voice his opinions like a Gilbert would. Andy needs to quit the drama, and take Brad back. Brad is a scouting genious and a great motivator. He also understands strategy VERY WELL. I believe that Brad had a 2-3 year plan for Roddick to become the best he can be and get the most out of his talent. The thing is, Roddick is super impatient and has NO tennis brain and didn't understand where Brad was going with his plan. There are going to be bumps in the road when working on uncomfortable things, but it was for his own good. Roddick hopefully will realize that now.
The USTA is really not doing a great job recently in teaching the top juniors to have pro-level games. We are too worried to lose in the juniors that our players become pushers. They didn't develop his backhand, his variety, or his net game at an early age. Wow, did they stick this one up!!
Roddick doesn't realize that hitting the ball well in a practice session doesn't mean anything. From what it looked like on Tuesday night be was hitting the ball cleanly, but with no directional. In practice, you need to take risks and miss more to work on things that aren't that comfortable. Andy is also so convinced that the rankings mean that that is his actual talent level and where he is. HE DOESN'T GET IT!!!!!!! Fed owns you BIG TIME. Nadal will soon own you. Lleyton still owns you. You aren't as good as the ranking says. Andy, there is something wrong with why you are content to be no. 2 or 3. When you're at that level, no.1 is the only place you want to be and you should never be satisfied with anything less. Again his tennis brain is really not there at all!!
These are some of Roddick's problems. I'm sure there are more.
It's beyond Roger. He needs to be strategic and think and I watch him play and I don't see a spark in those eyes anymore. That 'deer in the headlight' look is just too sad. People talk about the physical endurance needed for this game. No question. But what about the intellectual factor? Does he have it?? I wonder. He is the nicest guy. Sweet man. I'm sure absolutely mortified about the AMEX ads (I agree they are a jinx at this point) . . . he doesn't seem able to think on his feet and change up his game during a match. There is a lack of flexibility out there - physically and mentally - and it is killing him.vincayou said:. . . . Andy has to change his way of playing to beat him and win some major. He could easily stay 5 years in the top 5 playing the way he's playing now and not win one slam. . . .
The definition of insanity is that you do something over and over again the same way but expect a different result . . . he won't change anything. I don't get it.
I am not a Roddick fan but I feel for him . . . last night was hard to witness.
Good stuff, K-Dog. You're right onto the essential problems.
Agree K-Dog.
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