Former world number one Andy Roddick, celebrated for his powerful serve and electrifying presence on court, has shared his selections for the five greatest male and female tennis players in the history of the US Open. Roddick, who himself reached four Grand Slam finals and won the US Open once in 2003, offered his insights into the players who have left an indelible mark on the iconic New York tournament. His choices span different eras and highlight exceptional talent, dominance, and impact on the sport.

Roger Federer: A Five-Time Champion

Andy Roddick placed Roger Federer high on his list, acknowledging the Swiss maestro’s unparalleled success at Flushing Meadows. Federer secured five consecutive US Open titles from 2004 to 2008, a streak that included a remarkable 40-match winning run at the event. His debut US Open victory in 2004 against Lleyton Hewitt in straight sets marked the beginning of this dominant era.

Roddick commented on Federer’s unique ability to redefine the game, stating, “It took the perfect prototype of a player to even bother Roger a little. Chuckers like me certainly weren’t doing it, but you create a prototype of someone who is fast, strong, and can find the only pocket up and away on Roger, and all of a sudden it made tennis interesting again. Roger completely transformed tennis with his ability to create spin, and power, and speed, and then all of a sudden you put all of those things together.” This highlights Federer’s all-around game and his profound influence on how tennis was played and perceived.

Serena Williams: A Six-Time US Open Queen

Serena Williams, a fellow American and a formidable force in women’s tennis, is also recognized by Roddick for her extraordinary achievements at the US Open. Williams reached the final an impressive ten times, clinching the title on six occasions. Her first US Open crown came in 1999, and her last in 2014, showcasing a career of sustained excellence at her home Grand Slam.

Roddick reflected on Williams’ broader impact, noting, “Well, I don’t think you can and they (Serena Williams and Roger Federer) both did it in their own way. There was Serena coming from Compton and opening tennis up to an entire country of minority girls and women, and the impact that she had. They both went about it in their own ways, with their own style, with their own personality. They were both very, very greedy with Grand Slam titles, but gosh, we are so lucky to have had them in the game of tennis. They made a 23-year career seem normal.” Williams’ journey and her ability to consistently perform at the highest level for over two decades underscore her legendary status.

Jimmy Connors: A Five-Time Champion Across Surfaces

Jimmy Connors, a titan of the sport, earned his place on Roddick’s list due to his remarkable five US Open singles titles. What makes Connors’ achievement particularly special is that these victories were secured across three different playing surfaces: grass in 1974, clay in 1976, and hard courts in 1978 and subsequent years. This versatility across eras and court types speaks volumes about his adaptability and enduring skill.

Roddick recalled Connors’ influence on his own career development: “I brought in Jimmy Connors. It was one of the first times when a top player who had won a slam brought in a former player who had won a bunch of slams. We started and I was borderline outside the top 20 and then in no time at all I was number three in the world and had a couple of slam finals and a semi behind me.” This anecdote highlights Connors’ role as a mentor and his lasting impact on subsequent generations of players.

Chris Evert: Unmatched Consistency and Dominance

Chris Evert, known for her composed demeanor and exceptional groundstrokes, is celebrated by Roddick for her unparalleled consistency at the US Open. Her debut in 1971 saw her reach the semi-finals at just 16 years old, a prelude to an astonishing streak of 16 consecutive semi-final appearances at the tournament, running from 1971 to 1986. Evert claimed her first US Open title in 1975, defeating Evonne Goolagong in a hard-fought final.

Roddick emphasized Evert’s dominance, particularly on clay, stating, “I think we all give Chrissy all the flowers that she deserves but in the context of the conversation around dominance on one surface, she needs to be right there in the first three names every single time. 125 straight matches on a surface is over years. That is absurd. It needs to be right up there. As dominant as Pete was on grass, Chrissy was more dominant on clay.” This comparison underscores Evert’s exceptional record and her status as one of the sport’s most dominant figures.

Steffi Graf: A Five-Time Champion with a Stellar Record

Steffi Graf, a five-time US Open champion, rounds out Roddick’s esteemed list. Her success at Flushing Meadows spanned the late 1980s and 1990s. After a runner-up finish in 1988, Graf secured the title in 1989 and again in 1990, notably defeating Martina Navratilova in a comeback victory. By the end of her career, Graf had amassed an outstanding 73-9 win-loss record at the tournament, a testament to her consistent excellence.

Roddick expressed his admiration for Graf’s presence, even in his own accomplished career: “Like I’ve known Andre and he’s been my idol for a long time but I have a hard time being in Steff’s presence without being like incredibly starstruck. Which, in the tennis world, at this moment in my life, not to sound jaded, I don’t get that way around many people in our orbit anymore, having lived this life for a little while.” This sentiment highlights the profound respect and awe that Graf continues to inspire among her peers.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Greatness at the US Open

Andy Roddick’s selection of Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Jimmy Connors, Chris Evert, and Steffi Graf offers a compelling snapshot of the US Open’s rich history. These athletes represent not only incredible individual achievements but also the diverse ways in which players can achieve greatness and leave a lasting legacy at one of tennis’s most prestigious tournaments. Their records, impact, and sheer talent continue to inspire current and future generations of tennis stars.