American · Omaha, Nebraska · Born 30 August 1982Andy Roddick is an American former professional tennis player known for his powerful serve, who won the 2003 US Open and reached world No. 1.
Andrew Stephen Roddick was born in Omaha, Nebraska in 1982 and turned professional in 2000, winning the US Open in 2003 and reaching world number one — the last American man to hold the ranking. He retired in 2012 with 32 ATP titles and 9,074 career aces — his serve, consistently exceeding 140 mph, was the fastest and most powerful of his era. He held the world number one ranking for 13 weeks and was year-end number one in 2003. He won the Davis Cup with the United States in 2007. His career was defined as much by near-misses as by his one Slam — he lost 3 Wimbledon finals to Roger Federer (2004, 2005, 2009), including the 2009 final that went to 16-14 in the fifth set — one of the closest Wimbledon finals in history. His 2009 Wimbledon final performance — giving Federer his most competitive final of the decade — is widely considered his finest achievement. He retired abruptly at the 2012 US Open, his home Slam, in an emotional farewell. He was a prominent advocate for player rights and served on the ATP Board of Directors. He later became a successful businessman and tennis commentator.
2003 US Open champion and former world No. 1
His serve was recorded at 155mph in 2004 — the fastest ever recorded at the time.
Did You Know?How They Played
Roddick was known for his devastating serve, which was one of the fastest and most powerful in tennis history, regularly clocking over 150 mph. He employed an aggressive baseline game with a strong forehand and preferred to dictate points with his power rather than rely on finesse or court craft.
Lasting Impact
Roddick was the last American male to win a Grand Slam singles title and reach world No. 1, representing the end of an era in American men's tennis dominance.
Career Honours
- US Open 2003
- Davis Cup champion (2007)
- former world No. 1
American Athletes