Andy Roddick Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
Andy Roddick
Singles
Roddick in 2012
Full name	Andrew Stephen Roddick
Country (sports)	United States
Residence	Austin, Texas, US
Born	(1982-08-30) August 30, 1982 (age 42) Omaha, Nebraska, US
Spouse(s)	Brooklyn Decker (m. 2009)
Children	2

Height	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Turned pro	2000
Retired	Singles: 2012 Doubles: 2015
Plays	Right-handed (two-handed backhand)
Coach	Tarik Benhabiles (1999–2003) Brad Gilbert (2003–2004) Dean Goldfine (2004–2006) Jimmy Connors (2006–2008) John Roddick Larry Stefanki (2008–2012)
Prize money	US$20,640,030 30th all-time leader in earnings
Int. Tennis HoF	2017 (member page)
Career record	612–213 (74.18%) (74.2%)
Career titles	32
Highest ranking	No. 1 (November 3, 2003)
Grand Slam singles results
Australian Open	SF (2003, 2005, 2007, 2009)
French Open	4R (2009)
Wimbledon	F (2004, 2005, 2009)
US Open	W (2003)
Other tournaments
Tour Finals	SF (2003, 2004, 2007)
Olympic Games	3R (2004)
Doubles
Career record	68–51 (57.1%)
Career titles	4
Highest ranking	No. 50 (January 11, 2010)
Grand Slam doubles results
Australian Open	1R (2008)
French Open	1R (2001)
Wimbledon	1R (2001)
US Open	2R (1999, 2000)
Team competitions
Davis Cup	W (2007)

Andrew Stephen Roddick (born August 30, 1982), known as Andy Roddick, is a retired American professional tennis player famous for his powerful serve. He became the world's No. 1 ranked player on November 3, 2003.

Roddick won 32 singles titles during his career. His biggest win was the 2003 US Open, which is one of the four major tournaments in tennis called Grand Slams. He also reached the finals at four other Grand Slams but was defeated by his rival Roger Federer each time.

For nine years in a row (2002–2010), Roddick finished the year ranked in the top 10. He retired from professional tennis after the 2012 US Open. Since then, he has focused on his charity, the Andy Roddick Foundation. In 2017, he was welcomed into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Early Life and Junior Career
Professional Tennis Career
Playing Style
Life Outside of Tennis
Grand Slam Finals
Images for kids
See also

Early Life and Junior Career

Andy Roddick was born in Omaha, Nebraska. He has two older brothers, John and Lawrence, who were also talented tennis players. His family moved from Texas to Florida to help his brother John's tennis career. Andy graduated from high school in 2000.

As a teenager, Roddick almost quit tennis when he was 17 because he was on a losing streak. His coach convinced him to keep playing for a few more months. It was a good decision! In 2000, he became the No. 1 junior player in the world after winning the junior titles at the US Open and Australian Open.

Professional Tennis Career

Becoming a Top Player

Roddick turned professional in 2000. He quickly made a name for himself. In 2001, he beat famous players like Pete Sampras, a seven-time Wimbledon champion, and Gustavo Kuerten, who was ranked No. 1 at the time. These big wins showed everyone that Roddick was a future star.

His best year was 2003. He won his first and only Grand Slam title at the US Open, defeating Juan Carlos Ferrero in the final. That same year, he also won major tournaments in Canada and Cincinnati. By the end of 2003, at just 21 years old, Andy Roddick was ranked world No. 1. He was the first American to finish the year at No. 1 since Andre Agassi in 1999.

Wimbledon Finals and Rivalry with Federer

Roddick on his way to a tournament win in 2005.

Roddick reached the final at Wimbledon three times, in 2004, 2005, and 2009. Each time, he faced the legendary Roger Federer. Although Roddick played incredibly well, Federer won all three matches.

The 2009 Wimbledon final is remembered as one of the greatest matches ever. It was a very long and close match that lasted 77 games. The final set was an amazing 16–14, with Federer winning. Even though he lost, Roddick's performance was praised by fans all over the world.

Davis Cup Champion and Later Years

Roddick in Washington, D.C. in 2007.

In 2007, Roddick helped the United States win the Davis Cup, an important international team competition. It was the first time the U.S. team had won since 1995. He was a key player, winning his matches to secure the victory for his country.

From 2008 to 2011, Roddick continued to be one of the top players in the world. He won several more tournaments, including a big win at the Miami Masters in 2010. However, he also dealt with a series of injuries that affected his playing.

Retirement

On his 30th birthday, August 30, 2012, during the US Open, Roddick announced that he would retire from tennis after the tournament. He played his final match against Juan Martín del Potro. After he retired, a special ceremony was held to honor his amazing career.

Playing Style

Roddick's powerful serving motion in 2004.

Roddick was famous for his incredibly fast and powerful serve. For a long time, he held the world record for the fastest serve ever recorded in professional tennis, at 155 mph (249 km/h). His serve was so fast that opponents often couldn't even return it. This powerful shot helped him win many points easily.

Besides his serve, Roddick had a strong forehand shot. He played mostly from the baseline but would sometimes surprise his opponents by rushing to the net after his serve, a tactic known as serve-and-volley. Later in his career, he developed a more all-around game.

Life Outside of Tennis

Roddick is married to model and actress Brooklyn Decker. They have a son and a daughter.

He is also known for his charity work. The Andy Roddick Foundation raises money to help children in communities with fewer resources. Because of his charity work, he has won awards for being a great humanitarian.

Roddick has also appeared on television shows, including hosting Saturday Night Live in 2003. After retiring from tennis, he worked as a commentator for the BBC and Fox Sports.

Grand Slam Finals

A Grand Slam tournament is one of the four most important tennis events of the year. Roddick played in five Grand Slam finals.

Result	Year	Championship	Surface	Opponent	Score
Win	2003	US Open	Hard	Juan Carlos Ferrero	6–3, 7–6^(7–2), 6–3
Loss	2004	Wimbledon	Grass	Roger Federer	6–4, 5–7, 6–7^(3–7), 4–6
Loss	2005	Wimbledon	Grass	Roger Federer	2–6, 6–7^(2–7), 4–6
Loss	2006	US Open	Hard	Roger Federer	2–6, 6–4, 5–7, 1–6
Loss	2009	Wimbledon	Grass	Roger Federer	7–5, 6–7^(6–8), 6–7^(5–7), 6–3, 14–16