by Ravi Shankar
Sept. 13, 2006
U.S. Open finalist Andy Roddick, who got his ass handed to him yet again by Swiss sensation Roger Federer, has his fair share of opponents even in the United States. Strangely enough, many of them believe that the best way to describe him is by his name, which they say is frighteningly symbolic.
"If you break down Mr. Roddick's name, which is a compound word, you get the terms 'rod' and 'dick,' which, in my mind, perfectly describe what I think of Andy Roddick," said David McCants, a bookstore owner and James Blake fan.
"I just don't like his attitude," Linda Fenster, a Rafael Nadal fan, said of Roddick. "He just comes off as a real jerk. Have you looked on the Internet for pictures of him? Most of them are of him with no shirt on. Come on, only a genuine rod, a complete dick of sorts would do that. I cheer for Nadal. He's so much more likeable. Viva Rafa!"
Federer fan Linus Correll said he could sum up this unhappiness with Roddick in a few words. "Jimmy Connors is his advisor, and I think he's starting to act more and more like Connors did. But, there's a big difference. Connors won a lot. Roddick's only won one Grand Slam. Until he starts winning more, he has no reason to act like such a cock. There are plenty of annoying, boisterous people in all walks life from Terrell Owens in football to Phil Hellmuth, Jr. in poker, but they back it up with their play. Roddick has to become dominant if he wants to act like he does. Roddick is a good name for him. It describes him pretty well. Actually, it'd be better if his name were Andy Cockbutthead."
Despite these feelings, Roddick still has many fans. But, with a 1-11 career record against Federer, much like the rest of the tennis world, it would seem easier to climb the Swiss Alps than to win a Grand Slam again.
I guess some people think I'm one big Roddick.