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Andy Roddick (zimbio.com)
Andy Roddick has paid a touching tribute to the big four contingent in the men’s game during his induction into Tennis’ Hall of Fame on Saturday.
The former world No.1 compared playing against Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, to witnessing Picasso drawing. During his career, he defeated every member of the group at least three times, but never in a tournament final. At four grand slam tournaments the American reached the final before being denied the trophy by Federer.
“I can’t believe the level of tennis that I got to see in my career. The shots hit, the records that were broken, the records that continue to be broken. Thanks to Murray, Novak, Roger and Rafa for playing the game at a higher level than it’s ever been played.” Roddick said on Saturday.
Throughout his career, Roddick earned praise for his humour and honesty. This was reflected on Saturday, when he wasn’t afraid to admit how frustrating it was to play against a member of the big four. He believes that their contributions towards the sport is the most significant of all time.
“I’m proud to say that no other sport has benefited from having such great people at its leaders.” He said.
“The big four guys really pissed me off most of the time when I played them. But I’m absolutely proud to have my life and career associated with such quality individuals.”
The admiration for the big four is a mutual thing. On the morning of the induction ceremony, the first text message he received was from 19-time grand slam champion Federer.
“He makes it extremely hard not to like him as a person,” Roddick commented about Federer.
The 34-year-old was one of five people inducted into The Tennis Hall of Fame on Saturday. The others were former women’s world No.1 Kim Clijsters, veteran journalist Steve Flink, Wheelchair tennis legend Monique Kalkman and the late Vic Braden.
“To kind of walk through and see Arthur’s racquet from 1975 Wimbledon or Rod Laver’s shoes from ’69 at Forest Hills. Those things are a huge deal. To be a part of that in a small way, to be part of the Hall of Fame fraternity is probably something that I don’t know if it will ever be real to me.” Roddick said.
Despite being overshadowed by his rivals, Roddick still managed to enjoy a highly successful career. In 2003 he won the US Open, an achievement that no other American male player has been able to achieve since. Overall, he has won a total of 32 ATP titles and won 612 out of 825 matches played.