Andy Roddick Announces Heartfelt Tennis Gesture as Part of LA Wildfire Relief Measure

American tennis enjoyed success on the tour this season, but mishaps have taken a grave toll on the lives of the people of the USA in recent times. The LA wildfires and other disastrous outages in the nation have rendered people handicapped from their homes, with several losing their lives in the process. Acknowledging the terrible phase, former American No. 1 Andy Roddick announced providing a heartfelt extension of his efforts to rebuild the affected places.

The Los Angeles wildfire stormed the city a few weeks ago, wiping out several hotspots. Fanned by hurricane-force gusts, the deadly firebreak left the place in ruins with over two dozen people losing their lives. To much disappointment, before the tragic incident affected the Californian heritage, another part of the country had already suffered a similar dreadful fate. The North Carolina region had been drastically affected by Hurricane Helene just a few months ago.

With an unfortunate streak of troubling events tormenting the Americans, their compatriots in the sporting world haven’t left their voices and efforts to rebuild unheard. While on the one hand, star players like Taylor Fritz and Madison Keys donated a substantial amount to the city’s fire department in respect of their valiant efforts, former players like Andy Roddick hardly took a step back when it was time to contribute to the affected places betterment and relief.

During the latest episode on his ‘Served with Andy Roddick’ podcast, the 2003 US Open champion confirmed: “We’re still dealing with the hurricane that ravaged Western Carolina not too long ago. So we’re doing a relief thing from some tennis, gonna play… please come and support us. It’s February 2nd, next Tuesday.” For those unaware, all proceeds from the charity event, ‘Stars Serving up Love’,  including ticket sales, will be donated to humanitarian causes. The event will take place in Ashville, North Carolina.

A strong voice in the sport, Roddick, hardly keeps his feelings unknown about any updates regarding global affairs. A few weeks back, Roddick first expressed his support to the victims and the people affected by the catastrophe. He wrote on X, “Our hearts are breaking for those who have lost their homes and are being displaced due to fires spreading across Los Angeles. So many of our friends and members of the tennis community are being affected- please know that we love you and our thoughts are with you constantly. There is a link below for relief effort resources if you’re searching for ways to help. Los Angeles, we love you always!”

Seeing as fans witnessed the season’s first Slam in Melbourne, the American also drops critical insights into players looking to dig deep at the hardcourt Major. That also meant dropping a word or two on AO’s reigning champion in the aftermath.

Andy Roddick compares AO champion Jannik Sinner to the ‘Big Three’

The ‘Big 3’, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer are three of the best male tennis players ever produced by the sport. Together the trio holds a jaw-dropping 66 Grand Slam title collection, with the Serbian still chasing the historic 25th Slam piece while the other two retired after concluding their two-decade-long illustrious careers. However, with the exits, also saw the rise of young bloods like Jannik Sinner who echo a similar fighting spirit on the court. This caught Andy Roddick’s attention.

While talking on his podcast, the American star opined that Sinner might be en route to clinching their level of play after successfully defending his title in Melbourne on Sunday, January 26. “Similar to the problems that Novak in his prime presented, Roger in his prime presented, Rafa on clay which was the toughest match-up in the history of sports, trying to beat him on clay. You can’t go through Sinner right now. He doesn’t give an inch. He can hit winners off both sides and he does what you do but like better.”

“With Sinner, it’s like plugging something into an algorithm and everything comes out complete… and he’s adding more to his game,” he added. For the uninitiated, Sinner became the first Italian man in history to become the World No. 1 last year and he is only adding to his elusive feats after becoming the first Italian to win three Slam crowns – thanks to his latest victory at Melbourne Park.