The glitzy world of professional tennis frequently conceals a reality far different from its appearance. There is a world of unrelenting effort and steadfast devotion behind the scenes of athletes winning competitions and landing big-name sponsors. However, in the middle of this difficult road, the seeming ease and simplicity of the supremacy of legends such as Rafael Nadal, Novak Djoković, Roger Federer, and Serena Williams seem unreal.

The sport’s stark reality was recently brought to light by Andy Roddick, who emphasized how spectators have been conditioned to expect the extraordinary due to the ‘Big Three’ and Williams’ outstanding exploits. By achieving this, they have established a standard that encourages others to go beyond themselves, giving a Carlos Alcaraz example.

Andy Roddick shed light on a tennis reality! 

In a recent episode of Served with Andy Roddick, the 41-year-old American tennis player opened up about how the expectations created by iconic tennis players are just quite different from what the reality of sports looks like. He emphasized the fact that everybody should be treated differently and not based on what the Big Three and the WTA legend have achieved on the court.

He stated, “With the Big Three [Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal], with Serena, we feel entitled to peak performance all of the time, for decades at a time and that’s no real life. They made it their real life, but that’s not the expectation going forward.” Along with that, he also recalled a conversation from the past and emphasized how fans were even expecting a lot from Carlos Alcaraz, who at the time had not won his first major.

“I remember I was at the US Open two years before, Alcaraz had won a major, but there was a lot of hype around him. And I’d be doing these corporate sweet visits we do together up three sometimes, “Was Alcaraz gonna win 10 majors? He hasn’t won a single major yet, and you’re putting him ahead names Agassi, Lindl, McEnroe, Connors, Becker, Edberg,” he added.

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As soon as a tennis player enters the court, he is put on the pedestal of competition from the past generation, creating a tough environment for the youngsters, as it’s not possible to have a good match for everyone. However, just a few months ago, even Frances Tiafoe shared the sad reality of what tennis for lower-ranked players looks like.

When Tiafoe gave a saddening reality check 

Last year, the 26-year-old American tennis player shed light on how the challenges faced by low-ranked tennis players are overlooked just by looking at the fact that all players enjoy a life of financial stability, just like Federer or Williams.

He stated, “I think that’s why there’s a misconception because they don’t see any of the bad parts but you only see the Wimbledon final, the crowds and think that’s tennis but nah. It takes a lot to get to that point. I mean Kobe’s dad said it best You’re either a tennis star or you’re starving.” Further, he clearly stated that just because some tennis players do not have cool sponsorship deals, talent goes unnoticed, or gets lost in the glamorous face of tennis.

Nevertheless, what are your thoughts on Roddick’s recent revelation? Let us know in the comment section below.

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