US Open champion Andy Roddick speaks about Serena Williams and her retirement from tennis

“It has to be tough. Andy Roddick is a former US Open champion and he knows what it’s like to retire from a big tournament. So, how is Serena going to deal with those emotions?”

Andy Roddick spoke about Serena Williams’ decision to retire from tennis during an interview with TENNIS.com. While many have been quick to praise Serena for her achievements, Andy believes that we should also be mindful of the impact she has had on the sport as a whole.

“I think we should all be incredibly thankful for everything that she’s done for tennis, not just in terms of her results but in terms of the way that she has conducted herself,” he said. “She has been an absolute role model in that regard.”

Andy also spoke about the influence Serena has had on the next generation of tennis players. “I think a lot of young girls coming up in the sport now look at her and they see someone who is comfortable in her own skin, who is unapologetic about wanting to be the best,” he said. “And I think that is an incredibly powerful message.”

Andy concluded by saying that while Serena will be missed on the tennis court, he is excited to see what she will do next in her life. “She has always been someone who is very comfortable in the spotlight but also someone who is very comfortable sort of living her life on her own terms,” he said. “So I think whatever she chooses to do next, she’s going to be great at it.”

Roddick added: “I don’t think we have seen the last of Serena Williams. I think she’s going to be back. She’s too competitive not to come back and try and tie Margaret Court’s record. So, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see her at Wimbledon next year.”