The Hall of Fame open is well on in Newport, and there are many videos circulating on the web about the most powerful speeches by the inducted players. Agassi is the one that stays at the top of the minds where he addressed his wife Steffy Graf saying that the most important part of his fantastic career was that he met the German.
However, another speech that was memorable was the one given by Andy Roddick back in 2017. Andy was the last American male to win a slam and that was back in 2003 and be a world no.1 (also 2003). Later the American lost in the finals in Wimbledon in 2004, 2005, and 2009 when Roger Federer always stopped him. The winal in 2016 was particularly heartbreaking for the American that lost 5–7, 7–6(6), 7–6(5), 3–6, 16–14.
Proud of being associated with the big4
In his speech during the induction at the Hall of Fame, Andy revealed how proud he was about his career and to be associated with the Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray even if they have clearly “hurt” his career.
Andy said: “It made my life a lot easier when I stopped trying to compare myself to Roger. It’s insane. Certainly, no one knows more about what Roger is capable on the court, but me and a couple of others.”
Talking about the big4, Roddick added:
“I can’t believe the level of tennis that I got to see in my career. The shots hit, the records that were broken, and the records that continue to be broken. Thanks to Murray, Novak, Roger, and Rafa for playing the game at a higher level than it’s ever been played.
The ‘Big Four’ guys really pissed me off most of the time but I’m absolutely proud to have my life and career associated with such quality individuals.”
Interesting enough, this speech is still relevant.
