5 Reasons I Love Andy Roddick

1. He's a Nebraska boy. Born in Omaha, Andy is a Cornhusker fan from way back... It's too bad his brother will be betraying the Big Red with his new position as tennis coach for Oklahoma! ;-)
2. He Twitters (@andyroddick). 'Nuff said.
3. 135mph+ serves. There's nothing like watching Andy power serve after serve straight at Roger Federer... and watching Federer flinch.
4. Dedication to Davis Cup. Not many top-ranked players would put in the time and effort required to compete in Davis Cup, but Andy (along with the Bryan Brothers and James Blake) has made the committment. I hate to see him out in 2009!
5. His sense of humor in post-match interviews.

And now? There's a reason #6: 4 1/2 hours on the grass courts of Wimbeldon.


You already know I'm a tennis fan. And an Andy Roddick fan. So you can imagine my excitement when Andy Roddick made the finals of Wimbeldon. I was a little less excited to see Roger Federer there, too, but I try to take what I can get when it comes to seeing Andy in the finals.

Sunday morning, I ignored the rest of my family for 4 1/2 hours while I watched Andy play the best tennis of his life. He showed skill and determination thoughout the match, but it was in the record-breaking 5th set that his need to win - his need for a return to the top of the tennis world - shined through.

Thank you, Andy. Thanks for playing your heart out. Thanks for being such a good sport in defeat. And thanks for promising that you'll be fighting to the top again soon. I'll be watching.

From @andyroddick on Twitter: thanks for all the support and well wishes!! it is very much appreciated and we will get out there and do it again soon! thank you!!!

(Andy photo via RoddickWatch)