Was anyone else surprised when Andy Roddick upset Andy “Mound” Murray in today’s Wimbledon semifinals: 6-4, 4-6, 7-6, 7-6? I, along with 99% of ex Henman-fanatics, certainly was.
But at least one person wasn’t: Roddick’s wife, Brooklyn Decker.
Roddick talked to the press after his big win about the role his new wife has played in helping him raise his game and get back into a Wimbledon final for the first time since 2005. Sweet stuff from the salty American.
On how Brooklyn inspired him to work harder:
Q. You said when you came off the court that you weren’t sure, it’s been a little while since you thought you’d make a Grand Slam final. Did you ever really seriously doubt that you would be back here?
ANDY RODDICK: Oh, yeah, yeah. Last year after I played here, I mean, that was a hard, hard couple of weeks.
You know, Brook and I had a lot of talks on where I thought ‑‑ if I still thought I could play and at least be, you know, towards the top of the game. I definitely openly questioned it at that point. You know, then the rest of the year I was kind of hurt.
So this off‑season, we said, You know what, if you’re not gonna be up there, let’s at least not wonder. Let’s prepare yourself and give yourself every opportunity.
You know, I did work real hard and, you know, was committed, and have been committed, you know, from everything to diet to sleep to everything. So, you know, I certainly gave myself every opportunity to succeed.
On Brooklyn’s unique perspective:
Q. Back to the conversation you had with your wife at the end of last year of whether you could play or not. What side did you take and what side did she take?
ANDY RODDICK: It was a year ago here. I was probably leaning towards not really playing that well. She didn’t really know much about tennis, so she thought I was playing real great (laughter).
Q. And she convinced you?
ANDY RODDICK: Yeah, she thought I looked cute in the shorts.
On the softer side of Andy Roddick (I know, I didn’t think there was one, either):
Q. You talked about your family. Roger is a married man, too. How much of a role does your family play in your success of this year?
ANDY RODDICK: You know, I don’t know. I know that kind of being happy and not having any worries away from the court, in my mind it can only help things. You know, Brook has been a very calming influence, and someone that I can kind of confide in and not have to put up, you know, a super brave front in front of.
So it’s been real good. And, you know, certainly makes the box better looking.
Sunday will be Andy Roddick’s third time in a Wimbledon final, and the third time he’s faced Roger on Sunday at the All England Club. It will be Brooklyn’s first go as Mirka. Think she’s ready?
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