Roddick Makes Early Exit at French Open

Some athletes have the worst luck. No matter how good they are overall, they can be spooked by a certain competition, foe or locale.

American Andy Roddick may be one such athlete who can’t seem to find his rhythm at the French Open, which began over the weekend. For the second consecutive year and the fourth time in his career, Roddick was eliminated in the first round at Roland Garros, courtesy of Igor Andreev, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4. Roddick is ranked third in the world while Andreev is number 125. According to the New York Times, the match was highlighted by Roddick’s temper tantrum, in which he shook his fist, bounced his racket off the red clay court, and shouted to the rain-soaked clouds above him “Andy, just give yourself a chance on some of these points!”

Roland Garros is also a bit of a mystery for the world’s number one, Roger Federer, who has yet to win the French Open. It is the only Grand Slam title that the Swiss champion has yet to win. That could change this year, but it will mean getting past two-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal of Spain, who excels on the clay court. Federer finally beat Nadal on clay during the Hamburg Masters 10 days ago

Coaching Changes for Federer, Hewitt

With the French Open set to begin in less than two weeks, world number one Roger Federer announced on his Web site that he split with his part-time coach Tony Roche, citing communication problems. The decision follows several weeks of poor play by the Swiss champion who has participated in four tournaments without winning a title.

For the time being, Federer says he plans to go it alone at the French Open and Wimbledon. “I’m not going to take a coach because I know what it takes to win,” he said. “I don’t want anyone interfering with my preparation.”

In the meantime, Roche may soon land himself another coaching job, this time with former world number one and fellow Australian Lleyton Hewitt, according to Hewitt’s manager, David Drysdale in a Reuters’ article. Hewitt has been without a coach since Roger Rasheed quit in January before the Australian Open. He has struggled with his form this season and is recovering from a back injury. Hewitt, who was the world number one for 80 weeks from 2001 to 2003 has not won a grand slam title in five years and is currently ranked 22nd.