Andy Roddick
Sixth seed Andy Roddick
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Thursday, 18, Jun 2009 12:05
Date of birth: 30/08/1982 (Age: 26).
Nationality: American
Height: 6ft 2in
Weight: 195lbs
Plays: Right-handed
Turned professional: 2000
Current ATP singles ranking: 6
Best Wimbledon performance: Runner-up - 2004, 2005
Grass court pedigree
As a fast surface specialist, Roddick has had considerable success on grass. However, most of this has come at the traditional Wimbledon warm-up event at Queen's Club, which he has won a record-equalling four times.
The American's record at Wimbledon is less impressive, with his stay in SW19 only extending into the second week on four of his eight visits. That said, he did reach the final at the All England Club in 2004 and 2005, losing to Roger Federer both times.
Wimbledon seeding: 6th
Chances of SW19 success?
In his serve, Roddick holds one of the most potent match-winning weapons on the ATP Tour. The fact that it is allayed with a booming forehand makes his game particularly suited to the grass courts of Wimbledon, and marks him out as one of the few players capable of winning the event.
A-Rod's form going into the tournament also points towards a good showing at the Championships, with a fourth semi-final appearance at the Australian Open in January and a tournament win in Memphis notable highlights.
However, an ankle injury sustained at Queen's in the semi-final against compatriot James Blake is cause for concern, as is his poor record against the world's top three.
Prediction: Semi-finalist
While Roddick suffered a surprise second-round defeat to Serbia's Janko Tipsarevic last year, a second successive early exit is unlikely. His serve alone should be enough to see him through the first few rounds, and a run as far as the semi-final could be on the cards as long as he sustains his form.
However, it is at this stage of the tournament that he is likely to run into one of Nadal, Murray or Federer - and beating one of the best three players in the world could be a bit too much of an ask for a man who, despite his obvious strengths, often finds his weaknesses exposed against top-quality opposition.
Tim Lesnik