Sir Andy Murray has applauded ESPN for naming former World No. 1 Andy Roddick as an analyst for their tennis coverage at Wimbledon and other Grand Slams.
Roddick, 43, is a three-time Wimbledon finalist and US Open champion who was amongst the most beloved players on the circuit. Beyond being a world-class competitor on the tour, Roddick has also established himself as a prominent voice as a pundit within the sport.
His hugely popular podcast ‘Served’ boasts close to 200,000 subscribers on YouTube, with countless others tuning in across various platforms. Now, his reach is set to expand considerably further.
ESPN confirmed he will deliver analysis and commentary both in the studio and courtside at Wimbledon and the US Open. The announcement received a glowing endorsement from Murray, who believes the American is the ideal candidate to lead tennis punditry.
Murray took to X and said: “This is a great deal for tennis. Andy is absolutely brilliant on his podcast. Great knowledge of the game, well researched, speaks well, loves tennis, good fun, enjoys a debate and, my god tennis, needs way more of that on its broadcasts.”
Responding to the announcement, Roddick stated: “Simply, I’m always just a massive fan of tennis. I’m very excited to join the ESPN tennis team and look forward to covering the two biggest tournaments in the world.”
Linda Schulz, the vice-president of production at ESPN, also said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Andy to the team. ESPN has long led the way in delivering in-depth tennis analysis, and with several recent talent additions, we’ve further strengthened our coverage. Andy brings a distinctive, energetic, and highly relevant voice that will elevate both our studio and match coverage.”
British tennis supporters will recall Roddick for reaching the final at SW19 on three separate occasions. He was defeated by Roger Federer in the showpiece final in 2004, 2005 and 2009, the latter proving a particularly crushing loss for the big-serving American.
He remains, however, the most recent American male player to win the US Open, having beaten Juan Carlos Ferrero in straight sets at Flushing Meadows in 2006. Beyond the Grand Slams, he secured 32 ATP Tour singles titles, whilst also leading the USA to the 2007 Davis Cup crown.
When he retired, Roddick was only 30 years old and was the No. 22 at the time. In his announcement in 2012, he said: “I’ve decided that this is going to be my last tournament. I just feel like it’s time.
“I don’t know if I’m healthy enough or committed enough to go another year. I’ve always wanted to finish at this event. I’ve thought all year that I would know when I got to this tournament and, when I played my first round, I knew.
“These other guys have gotten really, really good and I’m not interested in just existing on tour. I don’t want to disrespect the game by coasting home.” In 2017, five years following his retirement from the sport, Roddick was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame.
