Andy Roddick's weaknesses

pirateofthecarribean

Hall of Fame
I've analyzed this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6feVvwFIFQ
and identified 3 weaknesses.

Andy is now a lot taller and heavier then he used to be.

Back in 2003/2004, he was able to move faster and take the ball early.

But, now that Andy is taller, fatter and heavier, he have 3 weaknesses that their opponents exploit:

1. He cannot seem to chase down balls and is "sluggish" on the court. When a fast ball passes him by, he just go "hunching" and loses the point without ever moving to get the ball back the other side of the net.

2. He cannot seem to serve as fast as before. That's a big problem, since the serve was his biggest weapon that made him a confident player before.

3. He seems to move slower and he takes the ball too late. Federer exploited this weakness by taking the ball early and a half a second of difference could decide who wins the point and hence ultimately the match.

Discuss. :D
 
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I have wondered why Roddick's serve is slower lately. It's like his strength is simply less strong.

Andy needs to learn how to serve and volley... maybe go to Newcombe's tennis ranch or something.
 

Vlad

Professional
If you look at it, every area of his game has some holes and weakneses, besides his serve. Everyone knows about his backhand, but his forehand right now is not much better. IT is just spinny shot that can be crushed by decent opponent. Movement is ok, nothing spectacular. Volleys has imroved but still only at average level compared to other top players.
 

pirateofthecarribean

Hall of Fame
Another thing is, if Andy wants to win against Federer, he needs to stop approaching the net and hit with Federer at the baseline. Everytime he comes to the net Federer does a passing shot on him. If he plays Federer at the baseline, his strength should give him the edge.
 
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dh003i

Legend
It doesn't matter what strategy Roddick plays against Federer, or if he's playing his best. Many argue he played his best in the 2004 Wimbledon final: he lost. He had another peak from the '06 USO to the '06 AO. Result was still the same: lost to Fed at USO Final, lost in Shanghai (although close), and was crushed at the AO. It's not that Roddick was playing badly at the AO, he looked great until playing Fed: Federer just played amazing, which made Roddick look bad.

Roddick has had chances against Federer at just about every peak of his career, and he's always lost, except for 1 insignificant match.
 

tbini87

Hall of Fame
roddick just doesn't have enough consistency or the weapons that fed has. he is not at that level, and will probably never get there imo.
 

pirateofthecarribean

Hall of Fame
Federer won Wimbledon 2003 but only made it to the fourth round at USO 2003. Roddick needs to believe that Federer is not invincible and that he could be beaten.

He needs to stop approaching the gosh darn net and rally with Federer at the baseline. It'll give him a better chance.
 

rafael

Rookie
Wow your analysis seems so backwards.

Andy is fitter and stronger than he has ever been. If you doubt that look at recent shots of him with his shirt off compared to a few years ago. The guy has put on a lot of muscle while still being cut.

Did you see his match against Johanson? He was dominating like he did back in 2003. Roddick is at his best when he doesn't give up and is tenacious. But he has never been known for his speed and mobility, not even when he won the USO.

Roddick developed a net game because he couldn't compete with Federer on the baseline. Rafa and Djoker are the only guys on tour who seem to have the ability to compete with Federer on the baseline these days.
 
Federer won Wimbledon 2003 but only made it to the fourth round at USO 2003. Roddick needs to believe that Federer is not invincible and that he could be beaten.

He needs to stop approaching the gosh darn net and rally with Federer at the baseline. It'll give him a better chance.

Roddick's game does not suit well against Federer's game. To me it appears that Federer actually want is to get Roddick in a rally, where he is head and shoulders above Andy.

But I think realistically, Federer has too much game and variety that will at times make Roddick look like a novice.
 
Wow your analysis seems so backwards.

Andy is fitter and stronger than he has ever been. If you doubt that look at recent shots of him with his shirt off compared to a few years ago. The guy has put on a lot of muscle while still being cut.

Did you see his match against Johanson? He was dominating like he did back in 2003. Roddick is at his best when he doesn't give up and is tenacious. But he has never been known for his speed and mobility, not even when he won the USO.

Roddick developed a net game because he couldn't compete with Federer on the baseline. Rafa and Djoker are the only guys on tour who seem to have the ability to compete with Federer on the baseline these days.

But what has this muscle done for him? His forehand seems weaker, and his serve seems slower.

I really feel like his forehand just disappeared. He used to have such a good one-two punch with the serve and forehand, and it seems to have faded a bit.
 

rafael

Rookie
But what has this muscle done for him? His forehand seems weaker, and his serve seems slower.

I really feel like his forehand just disappeared. He used to have such a good one-two punch with the serve and forehand, and it seems to have faded a bit.

I just don't think he goes for his shots anymore. Same with his serve. He has found he can still be a top 5 player and except for some other guys - whip everyone else on tour with his game. He plays a higher percentage game than he used to (more top spin, less flat shots). When he goes all out like he did against Johanson his shots are still just as penetrating.
 

Defcon

Hall of Fame
I am laughing at the suggestion that Roddick can hang with Fed from the baseline! Roddick's ground game isn't good enough to beat anyone in the top 20, maybe even 50, let alone Fed.
 

UpTheT

Rookie
Roddick has improved his game in terms of depth of shot. The problem is that he has stopped being aggressive now that he has some depth and can stay in rallies longer. Because he has success against lower rank opponents by keeping the ball deep and in play, he thinks he can do it against the top 10. This strategy is not working, he must be aggressive if he plans on beating the game's best. Depth and aggressive play can win a lot of matches against a superior opponent.

Here's an example of how a change of strategy/mindset can work:

We all know Donald Young was told by P Mac that if he wanted to win on the men's tour he had to swing out and be consistent doing so. Low and behold the young man went out and applied such a tactic and got himself some respect by competting rather convincingly against some good players.

Andy can get better and I believe he will. Unfortunately, even if he gets better, he's still not as good as Federer.
 
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nikdom

Guest
1. Stroke mechanics are not good. Not enough top spin. Bludgeons the ball but cannot create angles.

2. Not light enough on feet. Hurts his defensive play, service returns and touch shots.

3. Does not mix up his serve enough. Crazy as it may sound, he prefers to bomb the ball rather than use placement and spins, incorporating slower serves out wide, twist serves etc.

4. Not patient on court. Hurries between points and does not construct points well. Case in point is going to the net behind average approach shots because he is so impatient. He does this in the name of being aggressive, but ends up hurting his own chances.

5. Not nearly enough BH Down the line approaches. If you cannot go down the line well, you cannot hang with the top dogs.

6. Not talented enough. In comparison to Fed and Nadal, he's probably making the most of his potential and his game because of the serve.
 
Roddick was getting hit around the court by a sick Berdych. He hasn't ever beaten a top tenner in a slam what does that say?

His serve is better than average ;still if not one of the best, but his ground strokes forehand,backhand aren't worthy of the top 10 . His volleys are just as bad but have got better with help from Connors.
 

seestern

Rookie
Don't waste to figure out Roddick's weaknesses. It takes pages for sure. Let's talk about his strength. It could be short and clear. I think he has good attitude and big emotion, but natural talent is a big question. I wonder if he was a Serbian, living in Serbia, he would have never been in top 20
 

fastdunn

Legend
Roddick's footwork. I heard he has flat feet. If that's true, that is pretty significant disadvantage for a tennis player.
 

phoony

Banned
As i said before this guy only depending too much on his serves, nothing more. Mentally not strong. Can't volley and backhand sucks.
 

djsiva

Banned
I hate Roddick

But I think Roddick can beat Federer. I don't think Federer is all that invisible.

Here is what Roddick should do:

1) Hold serve. I'll leave that up to him because his serve as roger says is maybe the best in the game today. So hold serve.

2) Don't go to the net. I repeat don't go to the net!!! These days even guys lesser than Federer can flick back all kinds of shots that used to be winners. Just watch Federer. He doesn't even go to the net much and he's probably the best net player around these days. Roger gets passed. That's why he doen't go to the net. Andy you're slow. You'll get passed. Just wait till the ball bounces and then pelt the crap out of the ball with your forehand.

3)Don't hit the ball to the middle of the court. Seriously, I've watch you thrown players off balance only to let them back into the point by hitting the ball in the middle of the court. Hit closer to the lines especially laterally not deeper. Yeah you'll get passed at the baseline, but at least you'll make him run.

4) Pelt the crap out of his slices. His slice is overrated. Take advantage of it and pelt away.

5) But remember don't follow your shots in. Don't go to the net, unless for an over head. You looked really stupid in the AO trying to play "aggressively" by coming into the net and getting passed. Hit aggressively, but don't admire your shots by coming in. Stay back. Wait for ball to bounce and then pelt away again. Guaranteed you'll win. Whatever you do, don't come in crosscourt. Even Edberg gets passed that way.

6) Keep it simple don't go to net PLEASE!!!! No matter what the stupid commentators say about you need to try things different and play aggressively. You'll play aggressively by hitting out.

I've got $200 riding on you
 

TENNIS_IS_FUN

Professional
Roddick's tendency to always lose to Federer is the cause of the American's downfall. Losing to him so many times, Roddick changed his entire game to be more tactical and strategic, realizing that power alone would be a mere scratch to Federer's perfect game. Because of this, Roddick has begun to focus on aspects of the game that were new to him, like volleying. Although this is not a bad thing, Roddick has completely forgotten what has got him to be a former #1 player, pure power and a destructive serve. In the post-match interview from one of his games in the USO (I forgot who he played against), the interviewer asked how he was able to play so well with so few errors. Roddick simply put "Connors told me to hit the ball as hard as i could, regardless of where it went." Roddick basing his game around this mentality will have him near the #1 ranking once again.
 

djsiva

Banned
I missed connors advice

He's right. Pelt the forehand from anywhere no matter what. Don't try to keep anything in play. Go for the winner immediately.

AND DON"T FOLLOW SHOTS to the NET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wait for the ball to bounce. JUST LIKE FEDERER does!!!!!!!!!!!
 

NamRanger

G.O.A.T.
Roddick's tendency to always lose to Federer is the cause of the American's downfall. Losing to him so many times, Roddick changed his entire game to be more tactical and strategic, realizing that power alone would be a mere scratch to Federer's perfect game. Because of this, Roddick has begun to focus on aspects of the game that were new to him, like volleying. Although this is not a bad thing, Roddick has completely forgotten what has got him to be a former #1 player, pure power and a destructive serve. In the post-match interview from one of his games in the USO (I forgot who he played against), the interviewer asked how he was able to play so well with so few errors. Roddick simply put "Connors told me to hit the ball as hard as i could, regardless of where it went." Roddick basing his game around this mentality will have him near the #1 ranking once again.



Excellent analysis. I think Federer's going to be suprised at how well Roddick actually hits his forehand now.
 

jgn1013

Semi-Pro
Excellent analysis. I think Federer's going to be suprised at how well Roddick actually hits his forehand now.

I hope your right.. i would just hit the sh%%&t out of the forehand.. if he wins good for him a least you are giving him your best shot, not that net & volley crap that Andy in not very good at. Only come to the next if you are inside the baseline & hitting a deep hard forehand!
 

Ossric

Semi-Pro
1. Stroke mechanics are not good. Not enough top spin. Bludgeons the ball but cannot create angles.

2. Not light enough on feet. Hurts his defensive play, service returns and touch shots.

3. Does not mix up his serve enough. Crazy as it may sound, he prefers to bomb the ball rather than use placement and spins, incorporating slower serves out wide, twist serves etc.

4. Not patient on court. Hurries between points and does not construct points well. Case in point is going to the net behind average approach shots because he is so impatient. He does this in the name of being aggressive, but ends up hurting his own chances.

5. Not nearly enough BH Down the line approaches. If you cannot go down the line well, you cannot hang with the top dogs.

6. Not talented enough. In comparison to Fed and Nadal, he's probably making the most of his potential and his game because of the serve.

I love how guys quote **** commentators say or other people have posted and then play it off as original thought.

He's top 5 for a reason. He is obviously doing something right.
 

Ossric

Semi-Pro
Roddick's footwork. I heard he has flat feet. If that's true, that is pretty significant disadvantage for a tennis player.

Definately, footwork is a huge part of the shot. If you're not in position to hit it, it doens't matter how good you are.
 

vandre

Hall of Fame
he needs to hit his actual 2 handed topspin backhand more instead of trying that weak slice of his that drops in the middle of the court right in his opponent's strike zone. berdych was eating that @#@#$@# up (maybe that was what made him sick! ;) )

like meac says, "for the love of God, don't go to the net". fed loves a target and he's not good enough to put away a volley.

he won't win enough points off fed's serve to break it, so he has to hold serve and hope to get lucky in a tiebreaker.
 

GuyClinch

Legend
You guys can't be serious. If Roddick had all those flaws in his game he wouldn't be a top five tennis player in THE WORLD. Just because he isn't as good as Fed - who is?!

Roddick has to play his best tennis - and Fed his worst and then he can win. There is a gap between the two - but dogging Roddick like this is silly. Only a few people can even take two sets off the guy.


Pete
 
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shutupova

Guest
his main weakness is that he's got fast serve.
when you are on the low level tour, this will give you easy wins.

now he is on the big stage, where everyone is good and big serve won't give you easy wins.

look at isner. he won ncaa tournament and got no touches from baseline.
 

yellowoctopus

Professional
Roddick's biggest weakness is in his head. Unfortunately this is probably the hardest thing for him to improve. Roddick's temper is not explosive, but he turns it inside and feeds his self-doubt. Perhaps Connors is trying to get him to turn this temper outward.

Roddick's mind is also not very quick, especially during important points. This is probably related to him keeping his temper inside and the internal battle of self-doubt.

Physically you guys might be right about him needing to lose weight and improve his footwork. I think it will do him good to add more dimension to his game, but more importantly learn to believe in his strength and stay calm during crucial part of the match.
 

fishuuuuu

Hall of Fame
Roddick's biggest weakness is in his head. Unfortunately this is probably the hardest thing for him to improve. Roddick's temper is not explosive, but he turns it inside and feeds his self-doubt. Perhaps Connors is trying to get him to turn this temper outward.

Roddick's mind is also not very quick, especially during important points. This is probably related to him keeping his temper inside and the internal battle of self-doubt.

Physically you guys might be right about him needing to lose weight and improve his footwork. I think it will do him good to add more dimension to his game, but more importantly learn to believe in his strength and stay calm during crucial part of the match.

I disagree, he possesses great talent and physique. To me his greatest weakness is shot selection.
 

AAAA

Hall of Fame
His forehand didn't look as fast as when he played Federer in their first wimbledon final, also looked faster when he won the USO. Either that or Federer is reading the direction better.
 

In D Zone

Hall of Fame
I liked Roddick's game plan but...... lacks variety!

TOO Much inside out - When Roddick does he only goes cross to the backhand.... hardly direct his ball down the line (open court) when he got Fed pinned down on the Ad side (he had done it only once successfully, the rest were over hits). That's what makes Nadal so lethal.... he pins his opponent to the corner with his inside out and then hits it down the line on the opposite side. Roddick is/ was stubborn, wants to go mano a mano with Fed but forgetting that Fed has great control where he can pushes Roddick side to side, that's why you see Roddick struggle to reach for the ball when Fed hits the ball on the opposite side.

Net Giver..... Playing the net, Roddick does not spray his volley's on both side of the court. He volleyed 90% of the time to Fed's backhand side. If you play the net, everyone knows on the second volley you need to finish the point otherwise you'll be a target for a passing shot..... Roddick did - volley the ball back to Fed rather directing the volley to the open court.

Backhand lackluster - Roddick's back hand is so predictable. Cross court to Fed ad side, no down the line shots nor able to hit angled shots. Hence, he's using his forehand to cover it up by going inside out.

Second Serve weakness - I liked when Roddick was going for Fed's body on his second serve - he managed to jammed him a couple of time. But when Fed returned the ball, Roddick seemed to loose his concentration on maintaining the rally and composure.... Roddick likes to rush his shots too much and not wait for the opening before attacking.
 

Supernatural_Serve

Professional
Andy played very well, so did Federer. The match stats tell a good story.

Andy's game is fine. Federer is simply better in every dimension of the game.
 

Fearsome Forehand

Professional
Andy's weakness is that he will never be as good as Fed no matter what he does.

Roodick brought his A+ game last night, he played great and lost in 3 sets. That says it all.
 

snvplayer

Hall of Fame
From what I saw, I thought Roddick played great. And Roger seemed to be quite challenged. It was just 3 sets, but those tie breakers could have gone either way. They could have split those two sets, you never know what's going to happen. Although Federer probably has edge on Andy if it goes to length.

Roddick's game just doesn't match up very well against Roger. Roger can defend extremely well against Roddick and at the same time he has the firepower of his own. But Roddick certainly deserves credit, I felt like he played great and showed a lot of improvements and stuck with the game plan. He never hit 1 handed slice backhand which won't work too well against Roger.
 

snvplayer

Hall of Fame
And for anywho who thinks Roddick should stick to baseline against Roger is out of mind....
Federer will eat him alive in baseline rallies.
 

coloskier

Legend
But I think Roddick can beat Federer. I don't think Federer is all that invisible.

Here is what Roddick should do:

1) Hold serve. I'll leave that up to him because his serve as roger says is maybe the best in the game today. So hold serve.

2) Don't go to the net. I repeat don't go to the net!!! These days even guys lesser than Federer can flick back all kinds of shots that used to be winners. Just watch Federer. He doesn't even go to the net much and he's probably the best net player around these days. Roger gets passed. That's why he doen't go to the net. Andy you're slow. You'll get passed. Just wait till the ball bounces and then pelt the crap out of the ball with your forehand.

3)Don't hit the ball to the middle of the court. Seriously, I've watch you thrown players off balance only to let them back into the point by hitting the ball in the middle of the court. Hit closer to the lines especially laterally not deeper. Yeah you'll get passed at the baseline, but at least you'll make him run.

4) Pelt the crap out of his slices. His slice is overrated. Take advantage of it and pelt away.

5) But remember don't follow your shots in. Don't go to the net, unless for an over head. You looked really stupid in the AO trying to play "aggressively" by coming into the net and getting passed. Hit aggressively, but don't admire your shots by coming in. Stay back. Wait for ball to bounce and then pelt away again. Guaranteed you'll win. Whatever you do, don't come in crosscourt. Even Edberg gets passed that way.

6) Keep it simple don't go to net PLEASE!!!! No matter what the stupid commentators say about you need to try things different and play aggressively. You'll play aggressively by hitting out.

I've got $200 riding on you

Roger made sure he had no choice but to come into the net. Roddick's problem is not his volleying, it's his approach shots. They all are shallow and bounce waist high. Like shooting ducks in a barrel. Learn a DEEP SLICE approach off of both sides, and always hit it down the line, to cut down on the passing angles.
 
M

MacKenzie

Guest
It's more than his shots. It's his concentration. He's constantly turning and twisting and jumping and looking into the grandstands; laughing or lifting his shirt. How could anyone concentrate when playing like that? Even Aggasi mentioned it. :(
 

2 Cent

Rookie
Andy needs to hit his approach shots deeper and/or with more authority. All of Andy's approach shots were like typical ball-feeds right into Roger's hitting zone. And then ofcourse, Andy would get passed fairly easily and abundantly. It would help if he could place his approach shots deeper, to set things up for an easier, more percentage estimated positioned volley. Or cause an error from Fed.
Also, i think Andy should've used his slice backhand more. I personally think it's a more effective shot than his non-effective topspin backhand. The slice could've caused more errors from Fed.
but granted, Federer played nearly mistake-free last night. incredibly un-lucky for Andy to have to face Federer when he's playing that damn good.
if Federer would've made a couple more mistakes, then this match could've went the other way. Andy played very good, in terms of his own game. He's not one of the best groundstrokers in the game, but he definitely held his own against Federer, who is one of the best groundstrokers of all time.
 

RoddickistheMan

Professional
The way roddick performed last night showed very few weaknesses. His net game can use some improvement since he has the biggest serve its ashame he cant serve and volley more often. His forehand even though blazing last night needs to stay that way in order for him to succeed.
________
LIFE DUNK
 
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