"Roger Federer made Novak better, Novak made Rafa better, Rafa made Roger better" - Andy Roddick on Federer

Andy Roddick was a guest on the Tennis Channel and he spoke about Federer and what he meant to tennis in a tribute segment.

The former number one had many battles with Federer and some incredible matches. The Wimbledon final between them will forever be remembered as one of the greatest finals at that event and there is plenty to choose from.

Speaking for the Tennis Channel, Roddick said:

"Yeah, the relationship, on a personal level, between Rafa and Roger, it's certainly something that Martina can relate to. Martina and Chrissy almost invented that dynamic and I think Roger and Rafa have, so lovingly, carried that torch. Roger wants to be out there with the people he competed against."

Roddick added how he made every single one of his rivals better and that made the game better:

"He made Novak better, Novak made Rafa better, Rafa made Roger better. They made each other more complete players. It's moments like this where you are able to step back, take a macro view, and realize that we are a family on some level in this weird little tennis world and this tour"

And finally Roddick concluded with:

"Kudos to Roger for really enjoying it, making it about his team. That was a class act. Even on his night, his retirement, where all eyes are on him, what does he do? He brings his team out to take a bow with them. I think that just goes to show where his mind is at a lot of the time. On a personal level, Im thankful to have shared some of the biggest stages with Roger. It never went my way but he was classy in defeat, and he was classy in victory. I'll also be thankful for the respect that he showed me."