Andy Roddick Exposes USTA’s Disrespect for the ‘Flag’ With an Unforgettable Experience From the Past

Just a week ago, renowned tennis coach Jose Higueras criticized the USTA for the wide-ranging budget cuts that he believed to have threatened to undo the progress of the last few years. And now, American former tennis player Andy Roddick brings out the skeletons in the closet involving the USTA. He recently brutally slammed the USTA by bringing out the downsides of working with them.

During the podcast ‘Served with Andy Roddick,’ the 41-year-old former tennis player had a conversation with Jon Wertheim, where he spoke about the public email that was sent out by USTA Coaching Director Jose Higueras amidst USTA budget cuts. And, here’s what Roddick said about the USTA.

“You want me to leave the coach that is directly responsible for this ascent, ” says Andy Roddick

During the podcast, he revealed the hardships of working with the USTA. Andy Roddick said, “For a long time it felt like the USTA was happy to… they wanted to give credit to the logo and not the flag.” He spoke about how he went on to become world no. 1 in juniors, but still, there wasn’t any involvement from anyone from the USTA side. 

“They say we help players. How do you help players? We go and watch all the matches. I don’t know how that helps me (laughs),” Andy Roddick said. He further stated that the proposal was that the USTA would provide funds for everything including training expenses, travel, and all of that. But he just needs to work with one of their coaches. “I had to make a decision as a 17YO. So, you want me to leave the coach that is directly responsible for this ascent for a paycheck? Just to work with someone under your umbrella.“

Andy Roddick, relating to his 17-year-old self, realized at that time that this was pretty shortsighted. Even after representing the nation in the Davis Cup, he felt there was a serious lack of communication between him and the USTA. And, after a certain point in time, he revealed there was no funding from them. But what has Jose Higueras written in his letter to the USTA?

Jose Higueras also criticizes the USTA

Higueras mentioned a shift in the leadership of the USTA since 2020. He wrote, “Deliberately cutting funding and staffing for the Team USA pathway and American players. While they waste millions of dollars on boondoggles like unnecessary building renovations at the USTA Campus in Lake Nona and a million dollar holiday party.” In the last few years, USTA has also cut down the number of national team coaches from 24 to 11.

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Tennis legends like Jose Higueras believe that the USTA is making investments in the tennis community and other areas at the expense of the next generation of top American players. Higueras assured the community that he’s 100% committed to the sport and is ready to do everything to develop young talents in the country. What are your thoughts on these developments surrounding the USTA?