In preparation for the 2012 Olympic Games in London, we're profiling 20 of the top medal contenders.
American teammates call Andy Roddick “The Closer” for his conviction in clinching Davis Cup ties. At the All England Club, Roddick hopes his grass-court prowess can help him create more happy endings at the London Olympics.
“If you're in London, I think you have to play at the best venue in tennis, and that has to be on grass at Wimbledon,” Roddick said. “Selfishly it's not stressing me out too much because I played a lot of grass-court tennis and I enjoy it.”
The three-time Wimbledon finalist has won five grass-court titles, including last month’s Eastbourne crown. Roddick can be a triple threat: He will play singles, is scheduled to partner John Isner in doubles, and plans to support American athletes at other events as well.
“I would go to any Olympic event,” Roddick said. “It's a very simple thing. You see the stars and stripes and you want to cheer for that.”
Previous Olympic Singles Results
Athens, 2004: Lost in third round to Fernando Gonzalez
Previous Olympic Doubles Results
Athens, 2004: Lost in first round with Mardy Fish to Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes
More Olympic Profiles:
—Agnieszka Radwanska
—Ana Ivanovic
—Andy Murray
—Andy Roddick
—Angelique Kerber
—Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
—John Isner
—Juan Martin del Potro
—Kei Nishikori
—Kim Clijsters
—Li Na
—Maria Sharapova
—Milos Raonic
—Novak Djokovic
—Petra Kvitova
—Roger Federer
—Serena Williams
—Tomas Berdych
—Venus Williams
—Victoria Azarenka