Andy Roddick announced a few days ago that he is retiring after this year's US Open. Although I am not his biggest fan, I feel that Andy still has A LOT of great tennis in him.

I truly admire his dedication to the game. A few injuries kept him out of the game but he came back strongly time after time. To seek break through in his game, Andy worked worked with different coaches such as Brad Gibert, Jimmy Connors and Larry Stefanki. He almost won the 2009 Wimbledon but was denied by Roger Federer in that epic final.

To survive in the pro tour requires complete devotion and dedication 365 days a year, and unless you can play at the standard you are accustomed to, it is difficult to keep going day after day on tour. That is why Andy Roddick feels that at the age of 30, he is finding difficulties to catch up with the younger players like Nadal, Djokovic and Murray. I think it is a huge and emotional decision for him to decide on retiring.

Last night Andy Roddick put on a fine performance to advance to the 4th round of the US Open. He beat Fabio Fognini 7-5, 7-6, 4-6, 6-4. He will meet the 2009 US Open Champion, Juan Martin Del Potro in the next round. Well, on paper, Del Potro should be the favourite in this match but I hope Roddick can pull through with his monstrous serve and powerful forehand and advance to the quarters.

Wouldn't be something if he made a good run through the draw?

It certainly would add some drama to this year's Open.

It's Monday now and we have 6 days left to watch the US Open. My prediction for this year's champion would be Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams.

Well, the draw certainly favours Djokovic as there is no Nadal for him to meet in the semis. Of course he need to work hard match by match but having Nadal off his table is already a huge advantage for Novak.

As for Serena, I think she is at her home ground. Currently I think she is in red hot form and that would make her a super tough opponent.

What are your views on Andy's retirement and your predictions for the Open? Send them over and I would certainly love to hear your views.

Committed to your tennis,

Joel

Founder, www.improve-your-tennis.com