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‘It Was Difficult’ – Andy Roddick Gets a Hitting Opportunity with Former Rival and Forever Friend Roger Federer’s Ex Coach and Fails to Keep His Emotions in Check

Published 07/07/2023, 4:47 PM EDT

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In the competitive landscape of tennis, rivalries often run deep. Still, there are moments when players transcend their differences to embrace the unifying power of the sport. Recently, former American tennis player Andy Roddick had the opportunity to momentarily move past his rivalry with Roger Federer. He took a few swings with the legendary former coach of Federer, Stefan Edberg. While it was an unprecedented and meaningful moment for Roddick, a flood of emotion came with it, and he ultimately found himself overwhelmed.

Andy Roddick was beside himself with joy when he tweeted about his recent experience hitting some balls with Stefan Edberg. His excitement was palpable, but underneath the thrill of the moment lurked his obvious struggle to suppress his joy. Clearly, this was a momentous, once-in-a-lifetime meeting for Roddick with an absolute great in the sport as his hitting partner.

Andy Roddick shares an emotional encounter with Roger Federer’s former coach, Stefan Edberg

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The mighty Roger Federer faced a challenging year in 2013, with a back injury casting doubt on his future. Seeking guidance, the tennis icon turned to the elegant style of Stefan Edberg; a successful partnership that spanned two years. Under Edberg’s sporting direction, the combo of Federer’s formidable talent and strategic coaching lead to immense success. They created a highly impressive force on the court and re-affirmed Federer’s talent.

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The on-court rivalry between Roddick and Federer often gets much of the attention, but their friendship that extends beyond the boundaries of the court is often overlooked.The deep respect that these two have for one another is strong, and it is showcased through the competitive fire they present on the court. But the mutual admiration they have for each other does not end there. Roddick’s admiration and respect for Edberg, who was essential for Federer’s success, epitomizes the special connection that exists among all tennis players.

Roddick tweeted, “I got to hit a couple of balls w Stefan Edberg today. It was difficult for me to just act cool about it.”

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Despite expressing his admiration for Federer’s former coach, the American legend once revealed how he wasn’t happy facing the Swiss Maestro on the court.

Roddick once shared his frustration over playing the Swiss Maestro, Federer

In 2020, Roddick, known for his powerful serve, revealed the frustrations of facing Roger Federer. He described Federer’s exceptional ability to return the ball tactfully and his knack for making returns, neutralizing the game. Roddick had admitted feeling depressed at times when playing Federer on Wimbledon’s center court.

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WATCH THIS STORY: ‘What A Class Act’ – Serena Williams Sends Love As Roger Federer Hangs His Tennis Racket

Despite the challenges, Roddick had praised Federer’s underrated defensive skills and acknowledged his remarkable ability to navigate tough situations. Their clash of styles created memorable matches, showcasing the brilliance and diversity of tennis. Roddick’s reflections had highlighted the enduring impact of Federer’s skills on the court.

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Written by:

Dr Aditya Raveendran Menon

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Aditya Menon is a Tennis Writer at EssentiallySports, covering several high-profile tournaments and events. With a passion for writing that matches his love for the sport, he has a special interest in covering the activities of tennis legends like Serena Williams and the ‘Big Three’ of men’s tennis. Aditya’s interest in tennis started at a young age when his father introduced him to the sport.
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Edited by:

Tony Thomas