Why is Andy Roddick so buff?

[jamesblakefan#1]

I was watching '01 & '02 Davis Cup Highlights on Tennis Channel, and I couldn't help but notice how skinny Andy Roddick was. He was skinnier, and it seemed like he moved around the court faster than he does now that he's "buffed up". This seemed to allow him to get to some balls he may not get to now. I think Roddick was a more versatile, athletic player when he was smaller, and now he's just a big server. Besides, John McEnroe always talks about how he's such a big guy, and that makes it hard for him to move around the court. Is it possible that he's gotten too big? Musclewise, I mean.

 

[CanadianChic]

Is it possible that he's gotten too big? Musclewise, I mean.

Interesting question, but how would Nadal's success be explained?

 

[Clay lover]

lol Nadal prolly got his foot injury because of his biceps

 

[jamesblakefan#1]

I mean, in comparison to how he used to be.

 

[flyer]

I was watching '01 & '02 Davis Cup Highlights on Tennis Channel, and I couldn't help but notice how skinny Andy Roddick was. He was skinnier, and it seemed like he moved around the court faster than he does now that he's "buffed up". This seemed to allow him to get to some balls he may not get to now. I think Roddick was a more versatile, athletic player when he was smaller, and now he's just a big server. Besides, John McEnroe always talks about how he's such a big guy, and that makes it hard for him to move around the court. Is it possible that he's gotten too big? Musclewise, I mean.

Well yes its possible, Roddick even discussed the issue of overdeveloping in Mens Fitness magazine a while back, I don't think he is nessisary slower because of that though, although his results on clay were better when he was younger, so who knows you might be on to something, just to reanswer your question though it is a possibliity

 

[MEAC_ALLAMERICAN]

I still dislike/hate Roddick though..

How many of you guys/gals are the same playing weight from when you teens? There are some of us that are still physically active, but still has put on some weight, some in fat or muscle. As, you get older, like it or not we will gain some kind of weight.

 

[jamesblakefan#1]

I know that, he had to gain muscle to try & stay fit, develop his career, lower risk of injury. But, does he have to be THAT RIPPED? It doesn't appear that it's added that much to his serve, and that's his big weapon.

 

[NamRanger]

I know that, he had to gain muscle to try & stay fit, develop his career, lower risk of injury. But, does he have to be THAT RIPPED? It doesn't appear that it's added that much to his serve, and that's his big weapon.

He reduced some movement for injury prevention, and the results are there. Up untill just recently he hasn't any real major issues.

 

[jamesblakefan#1]

So, do you think that he was a better, more versatile player when he was smaller than he is now?

 

[MEAC_ALLAMERICAN]

Honestly, he was just as good as he is now, it's just that the players and the game have passed him by, to the point where he is 4-7th best in the world.

 

[jamesblakefan#1]

I disagree, I think that he's regressed in certain aspects of his game, i.e. movement. I'm not saying that it's solely because of his buffness, just a hypothesis. And even if he is the same player as '01, '02, that's not a good thing. You should be progressing.

 

[MEAC_ALLAMERICAN]

I disagree, I think that he's regressed in certain aspects of his game, i.e. movement. I'm not saying that it's solely because of his buffness, just a hypothesis. And even if he is the same player as '01, '02, that's not a good thing. You should be progressing.

But Andy has progressed somewhat, he tried to add some dimensions to his game, with his net play. But only thing, I could see different is his forehand and how much more loopy it has become. Something, I also noticed about him is that he doesn't make too many errors, that's something I guess has improved in his game. But I am not a fan or even like the guy, so I might be the most objective.

 

[edmondsm]

Interesting question, but how would Nadal's success be explained?

Some guys are just sublimely fast, some are not. I wholeheartedly agree with the OP. Roddick was a much better mover in 01'-02'. He's definately put on muscle, and he might have even grown an inch or two. You never know. Either way, it is obvious that Nadal is just an incredibly agile human being, something that you wouldn't say about Roddick. And the level of speed that Nadal has is not easily erased by loads of muscle.

 

[cknobman]

How many of you guys/gals are the same playing weight from when you teens? There are some of us that are still physically active, but still has put on some weight, some in fat or muscle. As, you get older, like it or not we will gain some kind of weight.

I dont know about that, everyone is different. I started playing tennis because I had gained 30 lbs since high school. I have been playing tennis now for 2 full years and have lost 27 of those 30lbs. You could say Im back down to my high school weight.

 

[MEAC_ALLAMERICAN]

I dont know about that, everyone is different. I started playing tennis because I had gained 30 lbs since high school. I have been playing tennis now for 2 full years and have lost 27 of those 30lbs. You could say Im back down to my high school weight.

Okay, I started playing when I was 9 years old, so I guess I should have made it clear about those that played junior tennis. But what I am saying is that, as you get older you will gain some type of weight, again which can attribute to genetics, and/or dietary habits.

 

[Tempest344]

hmmm

juicing definately it would explain why he's so jiggly on court with his cap and shirt adjustment etc lol

maybe he and Nalbandian eat together?

 

[lordmanji]

I disagree, I think that he's regressed in certain aspects of his game, i.e. movement. I'm not saying that it's solely because of his buffness, just a hypothesis. And even if he is the same player as '01, '02, that's not a good thing. You should be progressing.

i totally agree with you. his movement has regressed if you compare his 04 in which you started noticing a difference to his 03 and before. his forehand has regressed in that its more loopy and lacks the pace/zip it had before.

perhaps he got bulky due to brad's influence since agassi was also bulky? but unfortunately for andy since he cant take the ball off the rise, he needed his movement so he wouldnt get so many winners hit off of him. and andy's grip is more western than andre's so its even harder getting bulky since hes just adding more topspin than driving through on his shots.

sure this is speculation but if you look at the footage between the years, i think youll see that its a good argument.

 

[0range]

hmmm

juicing definately it would explain why he's so jiggly on court with his cap and shirt adjustment etc lol

maybe he and Nalbandian eat together?

Yes those on-court habbits of his were always painful for me to watch.