GO Roddick GO!!

Excerpt from Wimbledon.org

Six Grand Slams have passed since Andy Roddick's solitary success at the 2003 US Open in 2003.

However Roddick, who thankfully made the decision as a teenager to specialise in tennis over basketball, knows there is no better place than Wimbledon to end his drought and earn his second major. (great move!)

............

Nebraska-born Andy started playing tennis at the age of four with his older brother John.

In 2000, at 18 years 3 months, he finished the year as the youngest player in the top 200 on the ATP Tour, as well as the as the No.1 junior in the world.

Nicknamed A-Rod(woo.. i like!) by fellow professionals, the charismatic 6ft 2in star is a big hit both on and off the court.

Since 2001, he has been one of the most celebrated athletes in the United States, being featured in non-sports publications ranging from Rolling Stone to Vogue, and twice voted People Magazine's Sexiest Athlete. (woo.. i like!)

He also has an almost-certain TV presenting career when he chooses to quit tennis.

His press conferences are renowned for being must-attend events and he made a name for himself by becoming only the second tennis player (after Chris Evert) to host popular US comedy programme Saturday Night Live earlier this year, and volunteered to take the wrath of Anne Robinson on the celebrity version of The Weakest Link.

And together with his mother Blanche, he has raised thousands for charity through the Andy Roddick Foundation, which was set up in 2003.

Since 2001, his first full year on the professional tour, big-serving Roddick has lived up to the huge expectation placed upon him by winning at least two titles every season.

In 2005 he has so far collected three more, taking his total to 18 by winning at San Jose, Houston (for the third time) and the Stella Artois grass court tournament at Queen's Club, also for the third time.

The powerful American, who was elevated to second seed by the All England Club seeding committee from his fourth-ranked place in the world rankings, is determined to justify that confidence in his ability by halting Johansson's magnificent run.

He then hopes to have another crack at the seemingly invincible Federer.

"If I play Roger I have no doubt about how tough it will be. He hits shots that not a lot of other people even think of hitting. He's kind of immune to pressure right now. Mentally he's so very strong.

"But I'd love to go further. I'm not satisfied yet." (i'm not sastified too..)

Written by Beci Wood

Andy Roddick will play Roger Federer for Wimbledon Men Singles Championship next. (I love you too R.Federer but u'd won twice already.. Andy's turn to shine now! hoho!)