The tennis world continues to converge in Flushing for the U.S. Open, including past champion Andy Roddick.
Roddick, who won the tournament in 2003, met with "Mornings on 1" anchor Pat Kiernan at Pier 17 for a tennis match last week and shared his thoughts on enjoying the U.S. Open as a retired player.
“It’s less stressful. You know, this is the tournament that I don’t miss every year. I don’t travel much, I don’t follow the tour around. But I have so many special memories here,” he said. “I miss certain parts of it, and I certainly enjoy that I don't have to deal with all the stresses anymore.”
Roddick said the U.S. Open is his favorite tournament of the year and noted that many other tennis pros look forward to the event.
“I love how the U.S. Open kind of takes over New York City. It’s two of my favorite things, the event—the U.S. Open—and one of my favorite cities on earth,” Roddick said. “This is a special time of year for all of us.”
When asked about the next generation of men’s tennis players, Roddick highlighted the excitement surrounding today’s young talent already in the competition.
“The next generation’s here,” he said. “[Carlos Alcaraz] who’s won two slams this summer is 21 years old. He couldn’t drink last year when he was here. [Jannik] Sinner as well. We’re spoiled.”
He also said all eyes are on Aryna Sabalenka in the women’s competition and that she and others will have to deal with the pressure that comes with being the favorite.
“I think the hardest thing in all of sports isn't accomplishment, it’s expectation,” Roddick said.