Andy Roddick enjoyed a sound career on the ATP Tour despite the fact that he wasn’t able to truly compete with the game’s big three superstars.
Indeed, had it not been for Roger Federer, the American might have claimed at least one Wimbledon crown – losing to the eight-time winner in three finals.
Roddick did beat Juan Carlos Ferrero to win the US Open in 2003 and for a player boasting such talent, it feels a bit of a travesty that he only managed one Grand Slam title.
He would reach the final at Flushing Meadows again three years later but once again ran into Federer who added another major to his portfolio.
Roddick reached the summit of the game in November 2003 when shortly after winning his maiden US Open title, he also became the world’s number-one player.
Growing up in America, Roddick was privy to some sound advice from some of the game’s greatest-ever players including Andre Agassi.
Andy Roddick shares what Andre Agassi was like when he was 18
As a big serving player, Roddick was always a box office viewing and his career probably deserved more major titles than the one he won.
A video has done the rounds on social media of Roddick speaking about Agassi and he’s shared what he was like with him when he was younger.
He said: “Andre Agassi was more generous with his time than he should have been when I was 17, 18-years-old. He got a little quiet when I passed him in the rankings.
“He’s someone who is honest about his faults. I don’t know if anyone has read his book but if you haven’t you’re welcome.
“He’s won eight Grand Slams, gold medal, he’s one of the biggest crossover stars we’ve ever had and he wrote a book that was all about his faults which is fantastic.
“I was lucky because I was the one they were looking at, I had access to my idols which is a crazy thing to actually experience and live.”
Roddick vs Agassi – Head to head
The student faced the mentor on six occasions across his career – and Agassi firmly had Roddick’s number!
The man who won eight Grand Slam titles won on five of the six occasions with Roddick coming out on top once.
| Year | Tournament | Result |
| 2004 | ATP Masters 1000 Cincinnati | Aggasi 7-5, 6-7, 7-6 |
| 2003 | Queen’s Club | Roddick 6-1, 6-7, 7-6 |
| 2003 | Houston Open | Agassi 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 |
| 2002 | San Jose | Agassi 6-3, 6-1 |
| 2000 | Washington | Agassi 6-4, 6-4 |
| 2000 | ATP 1000 Masters Miami | Agassi 6-2, 6-3 |
Roddick’s only win came on the grass at Queen’s in the 2003 semi-final with the US Open winner from that year winning a classic in three sets.
Agassi’s best win over Roddick probably came in the Houston Open Final of the same year with the veteran coming out on top after three wonderful sets.
Quite clearly Roddick had a lot of time for Agassi when he was finding himself on the tour and the American remains one of the best ever produced by the United States.
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