Tennis: Roddick new number 1

[Joel]

Roddick new No.1
From correspondents in Paris
October 31, 2003

http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,86 ... 16,00.html

AMERICA's Andy Roddick admitted he is living a fairytale after blasting his way to the world No.1 spot for the first time in his career today.

The 21-year-old's 6-3 6-4 third round victory over Tommy Robredo at the Paris Masters means that when the new rankings are unveiled on Monday, he will leapfrog previous leader Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain who was knocked out of the tournament 7-5 7-5 by the Czech Republic's Jiri Novak.

[HAL]

Tell me more.

[Blanch]

I have to say I'm a Roddick fan. Arrogance is something he's never been short of. I love people who have arrogance and can back it up with results. Good on ya Roddick.

[Donny]

Yeah. He's hot alright.

Reminds me of when Jimmy Connors first hit the scene and completely blew 'Muscles' Rosewall off the court in a Wimbledon final.

[Joe]

This is great news.
This kid is great to watch.
America has the greats of tennis.
Conners,Williams,Mcenroe,Agassi and now Roddick just to name a few.

[molloymagic]

I see you've missed out Pete Sampras.Ok,so most people thought he was boring,didn;t show his emotions etc but Pete was my fav tennis player,but yeah good on ya Roddick!!!!!!!!!.

btw,i've never liked any aussie tennis stars apart from Pat Rafter!!!!.

[Blanch]

I'm going to digress here a little. The image of Pete Sampras is a joke. He was one of the most arrogant players on the tour. He showed very little respect to opponents and this "good guy" image he has is rubbish. This is a guy who talks you down and bags you to your face in the changerooms, and yet wants to be known as a gentleman. I know the changeroom antics are part of the mind games played, but don't look for this goody two shoes image at the same time.

There is a good reason Pat Rafter "wouldn't have a beer with him."

Now let's compare this so called good guy with some others that some hate. Lleyton Hewitt seems to be one people don't like. On court their manner is different - I'll agree. Lleyton's game is based on wanting to win more than everyone else. He's a counterpuncher who relies on his mental strength. In the change room before the game he is not bad mouthing anyone, he's concentrating on his game.

My point is that Lleyton is open about his emotions and his antics on and off the court. Pete Sampras plays dirty off the court, and whilst is respected, he is not well liked by others - even his countrymen. Andre Agassi is pure class, on and off the court. He doesn't have too much time for Sampras, although he has too much class to bag him outright.