Andy Roddick recalled his fears of facing Andre Agassi during his career. Roddick’s early rise on the ATP Tour coincided with the final years of Agassi's career, leading them to face off six times between 2000 and 2004.
They never met in a Grand Slam draw and only played one final, back in the 2003 Houston Open, where Agassi claimed the title. Out of their six encounters, Agassi led the head-to-head 5-1.
Recently, the 2003 US Open champion commented on his podcast Served with Roddick about the US Open semifinal between fellow Americans Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe, recalling how he used to feel when facing other Americans: "Playing most Americans never bothered me. I actually liked it, but Andre (Agassi) specifically was one that I didn't really want to deal with," Roddick said.
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The former world No. 1 compared his situation with the Fritz–Tiafoe clash, suggesting that it’s not the same this time, as they are from the same generation: "But I don't think that's the case here (Tiafoe vs Fritz). It's the same generation. It's not as if they've been in love with one of them for 15 years or 20 years, and one of them's not like some young punk upstart," Roddick added.
This isn’t the first time Roddick has acknowledged how mentally challenging it was to face Agassi. Back in April of this year, in a previous podcast episode, he recalled a brief interaction with the 8-time Grand Slam champion.
"I try to stay out of his way, I don't know if he knows who I am. At that point, we didn't have an established relationship. He walks up and goes, 'Hi Andy!' He goes, 'I'm Andre, we'll have fun tonight.' I'm like, 'Okay, alright Andre Agassi.' I literally couldn't swallow, I couldn't breathe, and as we go out there, we play, and he was No. 1 in the world, I think. He would punish people," Roddick said.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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