The champion of the 2003 US Open shared a shocking incident involving a police officer in Russia. According to Roddick, the officer threatened him with imprisonment if he didn’t hand over the $300 in cash he had. This encounter left a lasting impact on Roddick, as he has not returned to Russia since.
Roddick’s experience in Moscow continued to be eventful, as he was part of the United States team that faced Russia in the semi-finals of the 2006 Davis Cup. In a grueling fourth rubber match, Roddick lost to Dmitry Tursunov in the fifth set, sealing victory for the Russian team with a score of 17-15. However, the following year, Roddick and his American teammates gained revenge on Russia by winning the Davis Cup in the 2007 final held in Portland, with a convincing 4-1 victory. This remains the United States’ most recent triumph in the team competition.
In a post on X, Roddick shared his harrowing encounter with a police officer during his visit to Moscow. He recounted how the officer approached him on the street and demanded to know how much cash he had. When Roddick revealed he had $300, the officer gave him an ultimatum: hand over the money or go to jail. Feeling helpless, Roddick complied with the officer’s demand and the incident ended without any emotional confrontation. However, this experience left a lasting impression on Roddick, leading him to never return to Russia.
When asked if he had considered making the incident public at the time, Roddick explained why he chose not to. He wanted to focus on his job and ensure his safety, fearing that making a fuss could have negative consequences. Looking back, Roddick now understands the broader context and factors surrounding the incident.
During a recent episode of his Served podcast, Roddick expressed his amazement at the emergence of a new type of tennis player. He described this “new prototype” as tall, athletic, and incredibly fit. These players possess exceptional agility, enabling them to swiftly navigate the corners of the court. Roddick, who considered himself big during his playing days at 6 feet 2 inches, acknowledges that he wasn’t as athletic as the current generation of players. He marvels at their ability to hit shots from both sides, taking them down the line or cross-court with ease. Roddick even mentions specific players like Jannik Sinner, who amazes him with his open stance recovery shots that unexpectedly find the line. Watching these players leaves Roddick feeling perplexed and questioning the logic behind their exceptional skills.
According to the Source tennis365.com