Is Roddick popular in Spain?

[clayman2000]

In most places with fast courts, Andy Roddick is usually a big draw. However, I am wondering if Roddick is popular in the clay court countries (France, Spain, Italy).
I am asking this becuase today, Roddick played today in the night, before Nadal or Djokovic. And tommorow, he plays in the night as well, with Fed in the day, and Djokovic on the 2nd court.

So i am wondering whether Roddick is as big a draw in mainland Europe as he is in North America, Oceania and Asia

 

[toptalent]

Roddick usually has a big crowd behind him everywhere he plays. You can always hear the "ROOODDICK" scream from the audience. Lots of people find his personality entertaining to watch. I'm pretty sure even those who don't like him would choose to watch him play over someone like, say Davydenko. (btw God this Davy guy seriously needs a surgery to enable his "smile" function). People also respect him for all the charity work he does off court. He's great with fans and kids too.

Btw it seems Roddick has recently turned more mature on court. Maybe the marriage factor is turning in? I don't recall him arguing with/insulting umpires in his recent matches.

 

[Joseph L. Barrow]

The crowd seemed largely on his side today. This generally seems to be th case at pretty much all of his events, unless it's a match against Nadal in Spain or Tsonga in France or somesuch. Roddick is a polarizing figure, but I suspect his detractors are overrepresented on the internet.

 

[gj011]

LOL. Roddick has no fans outside US.

 

[Nadal_Freak]

LOL. Roddick has no fans outside US.

Haha. He is very boring to watch. Relies a ton on his serve. Sleepy time.

 

[jamesblakefan#1]

Hes definetly bigger here in America. Surprising that hed be a big draw overseas, as most of his success even in smaller tourneys has been in America. Blake actually has a pretty good international following, so I guess Roddick could too. But James also plays more tourneys overseas.

 

[120mphBodyServe]

What are you trying to prove with a discussion like this??
I think he's entertaining to watch, just to see if he's going to do anything different. Plus he's rather hyperactive.

 

[aldeayeah]

I'm Spanish, and I don't dislike him. He has the charisma of a former number 1. I think most people in Spain would cheer for him, rather than for other more obscure players.

The style thing, that's a matter of taste. I wish "our" players could serve like that!

 

[Noveson]

What are you trying to prove with a discussion like this??
I think he's entertaining to watch, just to see if he's going to do anything different. Plus he's rather hyperactive.

He is merely asking a question? I don't think he is trying to prove anything. Anyway personally I always cheer for Roddick, even though I think his game is very ugly. For some reason I always hope he will get his act together.

 

[alonsin]

I can only speak for myself, but since I saw Roddick in the DC final USA played against Spain in 2004 I have great respect for him. He was extremely polite and sportsmanship. He may be a jerk with the umpires at times, but that doesn't change the view I have of him

 

[cucio]

Well, to any serious fan he is of course popular: consistent top #10, game based on a killer serve, outgoing personality, antics on court...

I don't know about the casual Spanish tennis fan, but I'd say probably yes, because his personality and game really stand out of the rest, not necessarily in a positive way.

Now about him being a big draw in a big clay tournament, well, I'd say no one expects him to go beyond R16. But perhaps he draws a little more crowd to his matches that the regular R16 player because of his personality.

 

[Leonidas]

I live in Spain and yeah, even some people who dont usually watch tenner know about him. He´s mainly known as the biggest server and one of the best players in the planet. He is also known as Stiffler´s double (yes, the American Pie character) lol. in fact, when my girlfriend asks me who is in playing i would say, Stiffler against (put a name)

 

[120mphBodyServe]

I can only speak for myself, but since I saw Roddick in the DC final USA played against Spain in 2004 I have great respect for him. He was extremely polite and sportsmanship. He may be a jerk with the umpires at times, but that doesn't change the view I have of him

I wouldn't call myself the biggest Roddick fan, but I do appreciate the effort he puts in the court. He always fights for every point and leaves all the energy on the court.. I don't get why people call him a jerk. It's like they expect pro sports people to always be polite etc etc..
But people make mistakes (umpires) and people get annoyed, I know I would...

 

[seffina]

I think he has been consistent enough and reached heights great enough that he should be one of the more recognized tennis players wherever he goes. I was also surprised by the court scheduling, but I like to watch Andy, so I don't mind! The Haas/Roddick match turned to be favorite of yesterday anyways. (Granted mainly because Haas was beyond beautiful for a good deal of time yesterday.)

 

[Sir Andrew of Roddick]

Haha. He is very boring to watch. Relies a ton on his serve. Sleepy time.

Where I come from you would be known as a Tosser.

 

[OJ ROD]

Why would he be? He usually doesn't stick around long enough for people to notice him. By the way, I think he had the potential to had been a decent clay courter if he just adjusted his tactics and worked hard to move better on the stuff.

 

[Cyan]

Because of the Davis Cup 2004 final?

 

[Fedexeon]

When you have a good looking face that appeals to girls and women, you get fans supporting you whereever you go.

 

[cucio]

When you have a good looking face that appeals to girls and women, you get fans supporting you whereever you go.

No question about that, but this is a Roddick thread, why bring Safin to it?

 

[Fedexeon]

You won't want to know how many friends (girls) that i have prefer Roddick over Federer or Nadal because of his look.

 

[tangerine]

He is quite popular in Madrid which isn't surprising since they know Andy mostly from Davis Cup. There was nice moment in 2007 DC where the entire crowd chanted Andy's name when he played Nadal. They knew he didn't stand a chance against Rafa but Andy always plays hard and they appreciated it.

 

[tangerine]

When you have a good looking face that appeals to girls and women, you get fans supporting you whereever you go.

You won't want to know how many friends (girls) that i have prefer Roddick over Federer or Nadal because of his look.

LOL, somebody sounds insecure.

 

[Dilettante]

He is more popular than many other (non-Spanish) tennis players. I think he is relatively well known, yes.

 

[clayman2000]

Thanks for the answers, Im just kinda surprised that Roddicks big out there, cause he never goes far in these tourneys, and when hes loosing, he can get in a pretty cranky mood.

 

[tacou]

he seemed to have a lot of support against Haas