Roger Federer’s ‘rough’ side laid bare as Andy Roddick lifts lid on iconic rivalry
Former world No. 1 Andy Roddick claimed victories over the biggest names in tennis over the course of his impressive 15-year career in the sport. However, the American’s rivalry with Roger Federer will always be remembered as his most significant with the Swiss legend presenting a ‘rough matchup’.
Roddick, 39, lost no fewer than four Grand Slam finals against the tennis superstar, including back-to-back Wimbledon deciders in 2004 and 2005. The American’s sole major title came at the U.S. Open in 2003, but his trophy cabinet would likely look a lot more full were it not for Federer.
Speaking to the New York Post ahead of Federer’s return to the court, following more than a year out, Roddick has opened up on what exactly made his nemesis so tough to beat. When presented with the premise that their rivalry was so entertaining because ‘styles make fights’, Roddick agreed Federer’s approach to the sport was like his kryptonite.
“It was just a rough matchup,” he said. “There wasn’t much that I did well naturally that he couldn’t counter naturally. Even against Rafa [Nadal], I knew my first serve would bother him. I knew that I had a little bit more power through the court.
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