‘I Was Actually Salty’- American Tennis Star Tommy Paul Reveals Bizarre Andy Roddick Anecdote After Scripting History at Australian Open 2023

In the recent turn of events, American tennis player Tommy Paul has become a semi-finalist in the season’s Australian Open. Having defeated his competition Ben Shelton in the quarterfinals with a four-set game, Paul now stands opposite the Serbian nemesis, Novak Djokovic. As he is the second American ever to play in the semi-finals of the Australian Open after Andy Roddick, it is natural that he is asked about his legendary predecessor.

In his post-match press conference after the big win, Paul was asked if he has any memories of Andy Roddick in the 2003 US Open. His answer both shocked and amused the audience. Paul’s innocent reply brought back a wave of nostalgia for all of us. He said he thought that a player’s probability of winning a tournament depended on their clothes!

Tommy Paul was salty about Andy Roddick back in 2003

The reporter asked one of the most awaited questions 7 minutes into the conference. “Were you paying any attention, or do you have any memories of Andy Roddick at the US Open in 2003?” He continues, “If so, what do you remember? Were you a fan of his?”

Tommy lets out a chuckle and reminisces, “I think that’s like right when I started playing tennis. But, yeah, I mean, I remember I think at the place where I grew up playing tennis, we had the posters of him when he won in his Reebok fit.” In a moment, we are taken back to the iconic black and white outfit that Roddick rocked on the court.

Paul adds,  “I was actually salty when he switched to Lacoste. I was like, He’s not going to win another slam now,” he says laughing at his naivety. “I thought it was the outfits.”

Read more: ‘She Went Straight From Work to the Airport.’ – First-Time Grand Slam Semifinalist Tommy Paul Explains What His Mom Did Before His Match

Although Tommy confesses that he does not remember Roddick’s game down to the strokes, there’s one thing that has stayed- him winning the US Open in 2003.

Andy Roddick has worthy successors in Paul and others

Back in 2009, Andy Roddick was world no.7. He reached the semifinals of the Australian Open after defeating Bjorn Rehnquist, Fabrice Santoro, Xavier Malisse, and Tommy Robredo. In the end, he lost to the Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer, but not without a fight.

Andy Roddick recognizes the potential in the new generation of American tennis. He posted a tweet about his hopes for American tennis and applauded Ben Shelton’s performance in the Australian Open.

As this year’s Australian Open draws to an end, America is hopeful about the remaining tournaments of the season. With players like Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, Ben Shelton, Mackenzie McDonald, Tommy Paul, and others, America is closer to the dream than ever.

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