Andy is one of the biggest stars of world tennis and a noted philanthropist. He also dedicates a lot of his time to helping those less fortunate having set up the Andy Roddick Youth tennis program in San Antonio, Texas.
Andy Roddick (nicknamed “A-Rod”) was born in Omaha, Nebraska to Jerry and Blanche Roddick. Roddick’s father was a businessman and his mother was a school teacher.
Andy is also the recipient of the Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award through his charity efforts. In the world of tennis he is famed for his ferociously powerful serve and his intense performances on the court.
Andy won six world junior singles titles and seven world junior doubles titles, and won the US Open and Australian Open junior singles titles in 2000. Growing up Roddick’s idol was Andre Agassi, whom he would later defeat in a thrilling encounter at Queen’s Club in 2003, which Roddick went on to win. Also in that year he reached the Wimbledon semi-finals and became US Open Champion defeating world number 3 Juan Carlos Ferrero in the final, 6–3, 7–6, 6–3.
During the 2000s Roddick struck up a fascinating rivalry with Roger Federer, meeting him in four Grand Slam finals (Wimbledon in 2004, 2005 and 2009, and the US Open in 2006).
Roddick’s serve is known for its power, usually serving at around 130–150 mph (209~242 km/h), which often results in an ace. In 2004, he produced what was then the fastest serve in professional tennis: 249.4 km/h (155 mph) during a Davis Cup semi-final match with Vladimir Voltchkov on hard court in Charleston.
Also in 2004 Andy won the Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award of the Year because of his charity efforts, which included: raising money for the survivors of the tsunami following 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake through Serving for Tsunami Relief and other efforts, and auctioning off several rackets and autographs to raise money for UNICEF.
Roddick continues to devote himself to those less-fortunate and has set-up the Andy Roddick Youth tennis program in San Antonio, Texas which assists disadvantaged children plus providing four elementary scholarships to private schools in addition to three university scholarships.
Andy is an excellent event host and entertaining after dinner speaker and his powerful motivational speeches are in demand at company seminars nationwide.