So, should Roddick call Jimmy Connors back?

Question

I actually think last year Andy was playing better. Alot better than he is this year. So who should he call? Jimmy? or what about Gilbert again? Because his brother is not helping him.

Answer 1

Here's a novel idea; Roddick should give McEnroe a call. Barring injury, Roddick's biggest hurdle is his mental concentration or lack thereof on the court. And that stems from not being able to channel his frustrations when he's not playing well. When he lost to Roger last year at the US Open, he played extremely well but was simply outclassed and he knew it so he didn't burst. It's when he falls to lesser talent or doesn't//can't play his game that he loses his temper a bit.

Perhaps McEnroe could help him harness that and focus it. After all, McEnroe was very rare in that the angrier he got on the court, the better he played. Maybe that's something that can't be taught but Andy's tried just about everything else including being coached by the incomparable Jimmy Connors as well as Brad Gilbert who's history of coaching #1s includes the likes of Andre Agassi. Why not give Johny Mac a try!

One things for sure, Roddick's brother isn't doing him any favors for sure.

Answer 2

Anyone can improve if he/she thinks that the instructor has the knowledge and/or experience to help. However, in this case, given Andy's and Jimmy's egos, I am stunned that either agreed to the relationship at all!

All players need someone to help them improve, especially at the professional level, where there is rarely anyone "better" than that individual to help (who are you going to ask? one of the folks in the top 10? I'm sure!).

So, does Andy need help? Yes.

But, then, so do Safin, Sharapova,

and even Federer, given his trouncing at the French,

and horrendous play during Wimbledon.

From where should Andy get help? Preferably, from someone who was in the top 10 (lots of people come to mind, on both the men's and women's side), does not have a big ego (that narrows the list, but there's still a lot from which to choose), needs the money (hmmm...not too many people fit that bill), and is willing to play second fiddle to a "star" with a chip on his shoulder (I met Andy, once, during a pro tournament where I was a volunteer, and I could do very nicely without ever seeing him, again, thank you very much!). Know anyone who fits the bill? I don't!

Answer 3

Connors gave him discipline. I can just imagine his brother and Andy mucking about in training etc lol-Could be wrong. Roddick needs someone to look up to and under Jimmy Connors he began to be more than just a big server with a big forehand. Since they split Andy has gone back to that and that won't cut it now. Since 2003 the game has changed dramatically. Andy's massive forehand that was once a stand-out weapon is now average now compared to the other top players-Everyone has a big forehand now as well as many other weapons. Yes Jimmy Connors can give him that discipline again. Brad Gilbert seems to fall out with all his players! I think Jimmy was great for him and could be again. However I don't see Andy getting back amongst the best. He is completely out of his depth now. He is 25 coming up to 26. He hasn't much longer before the beginning of the end. 27 in ancient nowadays in tennis!

But we need players like him with big personalities that make tennis the sport it should be. Good luck to him.

Answer 4

no

Answer 5

probaly

Answer 6

I know what you mean, John Roddick just seems to sit there and not react to anything, giving no input. Jimmy was more active and kept telling Andy to keep it going and win.

I think it would be good to have another perspective, maybe not Jimmy but someone who can give a different view to John's.

But all credit to Marin Cillic, he played a great match.

Answer 7

Wasn't it staright after he dumped his coach he beat Rafa, Djok, and Federer??? No, I think the blame can be placed on his shoulder. He had a great hard court season and clay has never been his fav surface. Did anyone else see that injury when he did it?? It wa stuffed, its gonna take some serious time to get over and match practise also. Way to early to go running back to coach yet!

Answer 8

How  about Boris Becker.  Maybe he could teach Andy more than poker chips.

skaizun..........Federer did not play (horrendous) at all in Wimbledom.  He was just beat.  Nadal just kept on coming.

Answer 9

I think the brother is maybe ok for receiving the salary to watch. hihihi  I like your Andy Roddick. I think he is in top 10 today still?

Answer 10

He has an ego as big as a house, he doesn't have a complete game, needless to say I don't think anyone could help him.

Answer 11

Andy Roddick hasn't made much noise for a very long time...well he won Dubai this year but I don't even remember his last master series win. He's always been a favorite player of mine though. If Federer retires Roddick would be the player I follow after cuz he's funny when he talks to the umpires :D