Roddick needs a sports psychologist!

[Rodzilla]

That is the major problem I find in his game. I don't believe all this I hear about his backhand and vollies bringing him down, his serve being read better, calls to fire Goldfine, the western forehand grip biting him in the butt, the list goes on and on....

If anything Goldfine has helped Roddick's game technically and I believe Roddick is being brought down through his mind, though he has tried his best to get that mental strength coming back.

He must have been crushed to lose another Wimbledon to Federer, but seemed ready to do his home stretch. He wasn't coming at his best into that, but he came into his own going into Washington and it seemed like that confident '03 Andy was back reaching the finals in Cincy beating a previous nemesis in Hewitt, then again Roddick falls to Federer due to the case of nerves IMO. After finishing atop the USO series, he crashes out in the first round of the USO to Muller. How much can a guy take?

I believe Ginepri and V. Williams were in this scenario, and after visiting a sports psychologist, well, you know their recent success. Roddick's got all the tools he needs to give everyone a run for their money at the top, but this mental side is like a slow killing poison. No matter how hard he works to restore that confidence in his game I see lacking, he needs a pro doc to break it down for him.

Just my two cents, what are your thoughts?

 

[Marius_Hancu]

he presumably has one: the guy urging him to "hold on" in one of the Mojo series ads:-]

 

[Rodzilla]

he presumably has one: the guy urging him to "hold on" in one of the Mojo series ads:-]

I bet even the diehard Roddick fans got annoyed by that commercial. Way to ease Roddick on to gulp down that first round loss AMEX!

 

[companzo]

I bet even the diehard Roddick fans got annoyed by that commercial. Way to ease Roddick on to gulp down that first round loss AMEX!

lol I've only seen it twice so it's still kinda funny to me... :lol: I am a diehard Roddick fan btw

 

[The tennis guy]

Roddick's got all the tools he needs to give everyone a run for their money at the top

I am not sure that is true.

 

[callitout]

He should hire Hewitt's sports psychologist. Whoever could convince Lleyton he had any right to be on the court with Roger after the drubbing he took last year against Roger is incredible.

 

[arosen]

People hate Lleyton, but I believe he deserves a lot of respect for his tenacity. Drubbing or not, he came out firing against Fed in USO semi and even took a set off Fed. He's feisty. Also, he consistently finds his way to a semi or a final of most tourneys he enters. I only wish Safin had the same consistency record.

 

[tennisjunkiela]

I believe Ginepri and V. Williams were in this scenario, and after visiting a sports psychologist, well, you know their recent success. Roddick's got all the tools he needs to give everyone a run for their money at the top, but this mental side is like a slow killing poison. No matter how hard he works to restore that confidence in his game I see lacking, he needs a pro doc to break it down for him.

For the most part, i think you are dead-on correct. I think roddick is like venus in that, even though she was making it to every grand slam final and beating all the other top players on her way to the finals, it took a toll on her mentally to keep losing to serena. now for anyone else (i.e. dementieva), making gs finals is considered a great accomplishment but not for venus because of her expectations for herself.

likewise roddick was widely considered the best player, other than federer, but his constant drubbing at the hands of federer (and hewitt) has taken a toll on him mentally. being 2nd best isn't good enough if you have the firepower and expectations of roddick.

in conclusion, he needs to see a sports psychologist AND he needs brad gilbert back. as annoying as i am sure brad could be, he at least instilled in andy the belief that he could win, even if it meant winning "ugly". goldfine may be great technically but as venus showed at wimbledon this year, for the top players, executing their strokes is largely between the ears and a matter of confidence.

 

[FiveO]

If the sports psychologist can teach Andy a 2hbh like Agassi's or Safin's then yes, that's exactly what he needs.

 

[tennisjunkiela]

If the sports psychologist can teach Andy a 2hbh like Agassi's or Safin's then yes, that's exactly what he needs.

andy won the us open before without an agassi-like 2hbh before, so obviously, that's not the problem.

 

[NoBadMojo]

Ginepri improved mostly because he dedicated himself and got really fit. These guys mostly get better because of themselves, not because of their psychologist, or coach , or trainer, although being friends with Ginepri's trainer (thru the USOpen anyway), i like to think he had alot to do with it since Ginepri is in supreme condition, but it is up to the individual still and none of these people are miracle workers. In fact some are surely detrimental.. Roddick is clearly a different story..I think Ginepri had been under avcheiving and Roddick over acheiving. Blake you cant really tell because of all the crap that happened to him. Other players seem to be passing Roddick by, and I really can't think of much Roddick is going to be able to do about it since he's been on overdrive all this time anyway.

 

[tennisjunkiela]

Ginepri improved mostly because he dedicated himself and got really fit. These guys mostly get better because of themselves, not because of their psychologist, or coach , or trainer, although being friends with Ginepri's trainer (thru the USOpen anyway), i like to think he had alot to do with it since Ginepri is in supreme condition, but it is up to the individual still and none of these people are miracle workers. In fact some are surely detrimental.. Roddick is clearly a different story..I think Ginepri had been under avcheiving and Roddick over acheiving. Blake you cant really tell because of all the crap that happened to him. Other players seem to be passing Roddick by, and I really can't think of much Roddick is going to be able to do about it since he's been on overdrive all this time anyway.

Andy seemed to be very fit at the us open and several commentators noted his fitness, so i don't think fitness is his problem. his troubles, like venus before him, are definitely between the ears AND he needs a real coach.

 

[NoBadMojo]

I didnt say Roddick had a fitness problem, i merely noted that Ginepri got himself in superb condition..sorry for the confusion

 

[FiveO]

andy won the us open before without an agassi-like 2hbh before, so obviously, that's not the problem.

True. But the year prior it is what Sampras exploited at the Open. And in the 8 majors since it is what each opponent has exploited.

 

[tennisjunkiela]

True. But the year prior it is what Sampras exploited at the Open. And in the 8 majors since it is what each opponent has exploited.

Everyone has exploited Venus' forehand too but her revival is proof that it is mostly between the ears with players of her and andy's caliber. it's not like venus came to wimbledon sporting a new forehand.

 

[callitout]

Yeah there have been 8 slams since Roddick won USO in 2003 and Fed won 5, Safin 1, and the other 2 are the RG wins for Nadal and Gaudio. Since ARod has no hope on clay, until this USO disappointment he's mostly been crowded out by Fed. So, I cant fully endorse the idea that prior to this USO he's been losing due to psychology, but to incredible play from Fed.

There was an article in which they compared Roddick to the guys chasing Tiger Woods in 2000. If he continues to fall of his game completely and ends up losing early rounds, Ill agree theres a psychological problem. If he continues to make Wimby finals and finals or Semis of hardcourt majors i gotta think the competitions caught up to him. Safin played incredible to steal the AO from Fed, but its almost unreasonable to expect that kind of tennis from anyone.

 

[federerhoogenbandfan]

Roddick's repeated losses to Federer have nothing to do with nerves, Roger is just the better player, and he has acquired the mental strength that he didnt have in 2003, the fear of getting to #1 inside himself, that caused him to squander many chances to get to #1 late in 2003 and Roddick to take that spot for himself. Now he has overcome those demons that held him back in 2003, and will keep beating Andy Roddick consistently. Lets compare their games:

Serve-Roddick slight edge
Return-Federer major edge
Forehand--Federer slight edge
Backhand-Federer fair edge
Volley-Federer major edge
Movement-Federer fair edge


As for Roddick's problems with other players? Well I think he is frusterated because he knows Roger is out of reach for him, and that intersecting with all the up and comers coming on scene, and they are hungry for a bit of success. He is a big scalp, and they sense he is discouraged so they go in for the kill.

 

[teedub]

Roddick's repeated losses to Federer have nothing to do with nerves, Roger is just the better player, and he has acquired the mental strength that he didnt have in 2003, the fear of getting to #1 inside himself, that caused him to squander many chances to get to #1 late in 2003 and Roddick to take that spot for himself. Now he has overcome those demons that held him back in 2003, and will keep beating Andy Roddick consistently. Lets compare their games:

Serve-Roddick slight edge
Return-Federer major edge
Forehand--Federer slight edge
Backhand-Federer fair edge
Volley-Federer major edge
Movement-Federer fair edge


As for Roddick's problems with other players? Well I think he is frusterated because he knows Roger is out of reach for him, and that intersecting with all the up and comers coming on scene, and they are hungry for a bit of success. He is a big scalp, and they sense he is discouraged so they go in for the kill.

I'm no Roddick basher, but I think you were being too generous for Roddick in those h2h comparisons of strokes with Fed. Fed gets the major edge in the Backhand and Movement as well, and I think Fed's forehand gets more than a slight edge. Why the major edge for backhand? Because Fed's drive is so much more powerful, his slice has so much more bite, he has a backhand DTL kill shot whereas Roddick just has a backhand DTL massage, and Fed's running backhand is killer on passing shots. The only area in the backhand where I'd say they are about even is in consistency. Forehand, Federer's is more consistent when going for the kill, he can flatten it out better and more consistently and his movement sets up his forehand much better than Roddick for his own.

Serve I'd give Roddick a bit more than a slight edge - using your words, a fair edge.

Anyways, Roddick doesn't need a sports psychologist, he just needs a win over Fed. The only matches where Roddick's nerves plays a big part in the outcome are against Fed and probably Hewitt/Agassi/ maybe...Safin. And against Fed, well even if Roddick isn't nervous, if Federer's ~%85 the winner's going to be the one that speaks 4 different languages. But man..if Roddick gets a win over Fed, some great things will probably happen for him....

 

[liionel]

yeah. he needs a morale booster.

 

[crazylevity]

Roddick needs a morale booster?

He can play with me!

 

[companzo]

Roddick needs a morale booster?

He can play with me!

lol it would skyrocket if he played me lol

 

[FiveO]

I agree with teedub's assessment more than others in this thread. I would give a bigger edge on the fh to Fed, a huge edge to Fed on movement and a bigger edge on the bh.

Roddick's bh is not a threat to Fed nor the other top guys. Fed, Hewitt, Safin and Agassi all welcome exchanges on that side. Andy's bh is not a weapon and not all that consistent. I also believe Roddick's bh provides a safety valve for opponents to go to regain neutrality in a point. The only players able to cause problems for Fed bh to bh have been Safin and Gasquet. And lefties with strong fh's, i.e. Nadal. Not only for their consistency and weight of shot to Fed's bh but because each can go dtl offensively to the Fed fh equally well. Andy's bh possesses no such elements.

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned what I see to be the biggest mis-match for Roddick v. the top guys. The return of serve. I believe its Andy's biggest weakness. Andy's return game is hit and miss, more miss than hit. He perceptibly concedes this during matches, positioning himself deeper and deeper behind the baseline to return, ceding too much court to the opponent.

All the top guys are better returners. By getting every return back and getting into the point Fed, especially, shifts incredible pressure to Andy's holds. What is a strength for Andy becomes a struggle because of his inability to return and break with any consistency. Tremendous disadvantage v. the top guys and as more and more opponents "catch up" to Andy's serve it will shift even more pressure on him.

All credit to Andy for noticeably working on transitions and net play. However, what I see as more necessary for him to improve, not only to compete with Fed but to hold a place in the top 5 or 6 is to substantially improve his bh and return game. Without those two elements I believe the anamolous losses will multiply and his confidence will become even more eroded.

 

[Rodzilla]

I agree that Roddick needs improvement, but I don't feel improvement can be limited to just areas, and I don't think Roddick's the kind of guy that feels he only needs work on specific areas.

I think the problem with his bh and return of serve is that they are not consistently effective; his return of serve more so then his bh. I feel that Roddick has improved his bh considerably since his rookie years, and I don't feel it's legit to state it as a weakness since most of the time it is pretty solid. But if one was to break down his ground game, one would start off by continually attacking his bh. His return game is streaky. The more pressure he can put on his opponents through his returns, the more the burden is eased on his serving which I think played a part in not having that same swagger in his serve as of late.

Have you seen Roddick's monster forehand? With that Western grip, he can choose whether he wants just pure spin, flat, or a mix of both, but Federer's is still just something else. Roddick and Federer have completely different movement and I agree with the original assessment on that part also. Roddick's movement is very underrated and it is another display of Roddick's athleticism; Roddick is also fitter than ever. Federer's bh also has a fair edge on Roddick IMO; both mostly just use them as their harbors of consistency.

 

[Babblelot]

That is the major problem I find in his game. I don't believe all this I hear about his backhand...

A sports psychologist couldn't hurt, as long he can teach Andy how to hit a backhand.

Granted, I didn't see all of Roddick-Muller because I was sitting in Armstrong watching Ginerpi, but what I did get to see was someone (Muller) single-minded in his gameplan--hit/serve every ball to Andy's backhand.

Wasn't that Andy dropping his racquet and looking at his coach exasperated, indicating every ball was jamming him to his bh side?

(...yes, it was.)

 

[federerhoogenbandfan]

I think when comparing different aspects, they can also vary in specific matchups between players, to what they would be generaly. For example, I find Federer is able to read Roddick's forehand better than Roddick can read Federer's, thus the forehand comparision might be more strongly in Fed's favor when they play, then when they are not playing each other.


The reason I did not give Roddick as big an edge on serving as some others, is Fed's serves have absolutely perfect placement alot of times. As for the backhand, Roddick's is decent and solid, just not that dangerous; Federer's is a bit more of a weapon, but not really a significant weapon either unless he is really going hot IMO. I actually think Federer could make his backhand more of a weapon, but he doesnt quite have that belief off the side, he should use his backhand down the line more, it is a great shot when he hits it. Roddick stands too far behind the baseline to return, but maybe he doesnt have the quick enough reflexes to stand in closer.

 

[Rodzilla]

Roddick stands too far behind the baseline to return, but maybe he doesnt have the quick enough reflexes to stand in closer.

I don't think it's that. Roddick takes huge cuts at the ball, and standing far back suits that style. I think it was Gilbert that encouraged Roddick to stand back farther, but in some situations that does bite him in the butt especially against guys like Federer. That's why it's nice to see him at times not wait back there for the ball and instead take it early.

 

[federerhoogenbandfan]

I don't think it's that. Roddick takes huge cuts at the ball, and standing far back suits that style. I think it was Gilbert that encouraged Roddick to stand back farther, but in some situations that does bite him in the butt especially against guys like Federer. That's why it's nice to see him at times not wait back there for the ball and instead take it early.

If he stands in closer he will have to learn to take more compact swings on the return.

 

[alienhamster]

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned what I see to be the biggest mis-match for Roddick v. the top guys. The return of serve. I believe its Andy's biggest weakness. Andy's return game is hit and miss, more miss than hit. He perceptibly concedes this during matches, positioning himself deeper and deeper behind the baseline to return, ceding too much court to the opponent.

Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner. If his return of serve were anywhere near as good as the other guys, Roddick would have a genuine shot at winning more slams. The backhand is solid enough for him to stay in rallies, but his return of serve is what keeps his best opponents from really feeling the pressure of Roddick's service games.

Do they have return of serve specialists?

As to the original thread question, a psychologist could help, but the main point is that he needs confidence from somewhere. That somewhere could be as simple as winning a couple of big matches in a row (and that may come from a getting a little lucky, actually, seeing as how he plays so many tiebreaks).

 

[Rodzilla]

As to the original thread question, a psychologist could help, but the main point is that he needs confidence from somewhere. That somewhere could be as simple as winning a couple of big matches in a row (and that may come from a getting a little lucky, actually, seeing as how he plays so many tiebreaks).

I think you are spot-on in this aspect. It used to be no one knew how to play the big points like Roddick, but now it seems that the other guys takes the glory. IMO, Roddick gets his looks against guys like Federer, but fails to capitilize which could attribute to what has downed his ego a bit. Anyways, ding, ding, ding, we got another winner. I think this thread is really giving a breakdown of what this #4 player in the world needs to spotlight on to reclaim the #1.

 

[kaiotic]

Roccick is hype. his game is almost solely dependent upon his serves, which were proven ineffecitive in this year's US Open. i have a snappier forhand that his. and his backhand cannot hold the candle to Safin's. he's got a lot of work to do. he need to hit thru the forehands, not brushing up against it.

and that where's andy's mojo ad campaign was one of the worst to hit my TV in years.

i see Gasquet being the next up and coming star. what a beautiful backhand he has.
James Blake, taking his game to the next level. will be seeing a lot more of him for sure.

 

[callitout]

As to Rodzillas post that Roddick's movement is underrated; I couldnt disagree more. If you notice Roddick stumbles frequently and (for a top pro) can rarely stop on a dime and reverse directions. His lateral movement is a huge weakness and I think this is part of why he stands so far back in the court. His forward movement is good and his footspead is excellent. But starting and stopping on a dime (which Fed has perfected) is much more important for tennis than footspeed.
Having said that I do think the concept that his game sucks because he lost first round at USO is way overboard. Lots of players go through ups and downs--look at Ferrero or Agassi. Likely he'll be able to regroup, but he may be more like Ferrero than Agassi, the competiton has caught up to him more than his play has slipped.

 

[Rodzilla]

Roccick is hype. his game is almost solely dependent upon his serves, which were proven ineffecitive in this year's US Open. i have a snappier forhand that his. and his backhand cannot hold the candle to Safin's. he's got a lot of work to do. he need to hit thru the forehands, not brushing up against it.

and that where's andy's mojo ad campaign was one of the worst to hit my TV in years.

i see Gasquet being the next up and coming star. what a beautiful backhand he has.
James Blake, taking his game to the next level. will be seeing a lot more of him for sure.

Really You got a snappier forehand then Roddick's? Turn pro now and you'd make one decent living!

You are comparing Roddick's backhand to a guy who makes his backhand his main priority.

Hit thru forehands? Roddick can do that with the best of them. The brushing motion is for topspin, and he can choose to flatten them out more as he wishes, all using the Western grip.

The Mojo commercials after Roddick's first round loss have to leave Roddick saying "You've got to be kidding me...." LOL

As for who is the next up and coming star, that's going a bit off topic....

 

[kaiotic]

You are incredibly biased. Now "shrink" that trendy *** gator. it's so two years ago. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

face it, dreamer, his forehand is really not that good. too loopy to be a dictating weapon. terrible volleys, and an innocuous backhand.
I am just tired of his non-top reaching stature. cut the hype already. all the endorsement and no real results. my excitable female co-worker who acts like someone just got into tennis and creams on herself over Roddick. i turn my back on her every time she comes to me about how upset she was when he was ousted.

 

[DashaandSafin]

Actually Lacoste is popular now. Get your fashion sense corrected.
As for calling Rodzilla biased..he maybe according to his name...but then again...you are nothing but a Roddick Hater, so you are biased as well.

 

[kaiotic]

Actually Lacoste is popular now. Get your fashion sense corrected. As for calling Rodzilla biased..he maybe according to his name...but then again...you are nothing but a Roddick Hater, so you are biased as well.

call me a hype-hater. WOW! you are so ahead of the curve with the LaCoste obervation. Been ther, done that. Dude, you will fit right in with those wannabe-hipsters who infest Williamsburg like bullet-proof roaches. I bet you think wearing your polo shirt with its collar up is really cool right now. Please.

pls get our boy Safin some discipline and some proper mental strength on the court.

 

[DashaandSafin]

1) Learn how to spell
2)Try not to stir up controvesy over subjects when your a new poster. They tend to be flammed off hte boards
3)You have no foundation to what you are saying, half of it is incoherent. All i see and read is "blah blah blah i hate Roddick, i dont like Safin"
4)Safin is NOT my boy....
5) Where the hell are you from? See here in America Lacoste is popular and so is Polo. Flipping up collars=prep and preppy kids do it. Nothing wrong with that.

 

[kaiotic]

1) Learn how to spell
2)Try not to stir up controvesy over subjects when your a new poster. They tend to be flammed off hte boards
3)You have no foundation to what you are saying, half of it is incoherent. All i see and read is "blah blah blah i hate Roddick, i dont like Safin"
4)Safin is NOT my boy....
5) Where the hell are you from? See here in America Lacoste is popular and so is Polo. Flipping up collars=prep and preppy kids do it. Nothing wrong with that.

"controvesy", "teh"? and you ask me to learn how to spell? Safin happens to be one of my favorite players. Please show me where i showed my dislike for him? The fact that you still think wearing your polo, not Polo, shirts with the collar up is cool, speaks how clueless you are. DO you get your up-to-date fashion from the Jerry Springer show?

By the way, Williamsburg (Brooklyn), the home of countless transplanted wannabe New Yorkers, is only 5 miles away from me.

 

[DashaandSafin]

Thats great. I also happen to live in Greenwich and i have numerous houses in the Hamptons. All my friends wear Polo and Lacoste. How old are you? 50? Try not to blind yourself by staring at my posts, searching for every spelling error when you didn't even captialize words that begin a sentence.

 

[DashaandSafin]

Oh yea im not "fashionable", nor or my guy friends. Im sorry we are not metrosexual. We prefer to stay striaght and classic with chinos and collar shirts. We'll leave fashion to the girls.

 

[FiveO]

Guys,

With all due respect, this was a decent thread/discussion prior to going down this "fashion dos and don'ts" path.