‘Feisty and Competitive’: Rick Macci Looks Back on His Time With American Great Andy Roddick

Published 01/12/2022, 1:24 AM EST

The United States of America has been graced by many legends in the history of tennis. From the likes of Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi to the Williams sisters, many superstars have enthralled the audience with their game. Amongst these champions, one such icon is Andy Roddick.

Andy Roddick is a former World Number 1 tennis player. He held the top spot before Roger Federer took over and reigned his dominance. The American was known for his blazing forehands with his elbow leaning back. Rick Macci, his former coach, has opened up about the champion.

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What did Rick Macci say about his former protegee?

The American tennis coach, who has guided the likes of Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Maria Sharapova, and Andy Roddick himself, took to Twitter to praise his former student. He said that Roddick was a very competitive and feisty player to play against. Further, he went on to add, “when I worked with Andy in 1991, he had this forehand where he led with the elbow back. He had the ATP forehand right off the bat, which actually taught me a little bit!”

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In essence, the coach felt that Andy Roddick’s thirst for competition was like no other. Rick further went on to add that every time Roddick lost a match, he would come up and say “can I play him again?” The coach would reply by saying “well, you’ve got to earn it, okay?” This showed how competitive Andy was. He would always try to improve himself. Moreover, the coach feels that Roddick’s unique forehand in the early 90s has become a common staple on the pro tour.

So feisty. So competitive 💪
When I worked with Andy in 1991, he had this forehand where he led with the elbow back. He had the ATP forehand right off the bat, which actually taught me a little bit!@andyroddick 💥 #MacciMagic pic.twitter.com/F9HJLN3H7D
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) January 11, 2022

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A look back upon Andy Roddick’s career

The 39-year-old turned professional in 2000. He has won 32 singles titles and 4 doubles titles. Notably, he clinched the US Open title in 2003 on his home turf. This remains the only Grand Slam title in his illustrious career. Subsequently, he was ranked No. 1 in men’s singles and held the top position for 13 weeks.

Roddick retired from professional tennis following the 2012 US Open. Moving forward, he has focused on his work at the Andy Roddick Foundation which aims to reduce the educational achievement gap. What are your favorite moments of Andy Roddick at the tennis courts? Do let us know your views in the comments below.

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Written by:

Vatsal Shah is a tennis author at EssentiallySports. With a Bachelor's degree in engineering, he is a die hard fan of tennis and sports in general. He is an ardent follower of Rafael Nadal and is inspired by his never-say-die attitude.

‘Feisty and Competitive’: Rick Macci Looks Back on His Time With American Great Andy Roddick

What did Rick Macci say about his former protegee?

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A look back upon Andy Roddick’s career