This weekend’s China Open was a competitive test of skills for the players that participated and although Andy Roddick won, at the end of the day, it was the people affected by the earthquake early this year that took home the gold. As a gesture of goodwill, Roddick donated $25,000 of the prize money he won to directly benefit the people in the Sichuan Province.
He stated, "I would really like to contribute a part of my money to those families affected, to those who lost everything they had, suffered painful injuries or lost loved ones in the earthquake. It is my great honor to be in Beijing to work with Chinese Tennis Association to assist those kids who are in need. It is an athlete's privilege and responsibility to give back."
Roddick bested Dudi Sela of Israel, 6-4, 6-7, 6-3 to win the cup. It’s been a rocky road for Roddick, who at 23 has already won a world championship, held the number one slot, fallen and managed to claw his way back to the top again. His recent matches have been difficult, with high profile losses, and chokes.
Speaking about his most recent loss, Roddick commented, "I literally, you know, any chance I got I pretty much choked it. That's tough to deal with, and that's not something that you really want to do. It's not an easy thing to say, but it's pretty much what happened. I could sit here and try to dance around it all night but you guys watched it. It was what it was. It's like you want something so bad you almost squeeze too tight."
At 26, Roddick still has a long career ahead of him and fans believe this win will be the turning point for the tennis star. He’s come a long way from 2000, when he first rose to prominence as a member of the US Olympic Tennis Team. A favorite of the media and fans alike, Roddick is known as the “nice guy” a sentiment he truly earned this weekend after donating his prize money.
Controversy has haunted Roddick however, particularly when it comes to coaches. He’s been through several over the past few years, including tennis greats such as Jimmy Connors and he’s currently looking for a new coach to help him through this slump and to get back on top in a more solid position.
He hopes to take a Master’s Cup this year, and the goal is not out of sight. Many have claimed that Roddick is supporting the entire sport of tennis for the US, since without him, its popularity would most likely dip drastically. One thing is clear, as long as Roddick keeps trying and keeps making grand gestures like he did this weekend, his fans will remain firmly behind him, regardless of whether or not he is able to bring home the ultimate victory this year. With his current ranking as sixth, he does have a chance.
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