Like a boxer making his way to the ring, American Andy Roddick high-fived fans as he jogged down to the court with his hood up and the spotlight on him, getting “ready to rumble.” Fireworks welcomed both he and his opponent, Roger Federer, to the most famous arena in the world – Madison Square Garden.
The fifth annual BNP Paribas Showdown proudly welcomed back Federer, who played Sampras in 2008, and was thrilled to have Roddick, Maria Sharapova, and Caroline Wozniacki making their debut appearances at this NYC event. However, the beauty of exhibitions is that you never know what you’re going to get!
Highlights of the match:
- Roddick defeated Federer 7-5, 7-6(7), and commented afterwards, ” “I’m obviously in Roger’s head,” he joked. “He had no idea how to play me and I capitalized on that… The whole night felt surreal. I could feel Jeremy Lin wanted me to win tonight. I felt his energy in the building.”
- Ben Stiller and wife Christine Taylor, the face of Ten and Under Tennis, signed Andy’s program mid-match.
- After a “Vamos, Rafa!” comment echoed down to Andy, he gave the crowd just what they wanted – Rafa, or a very good impersonation of his for a point, including the roaring, knee-up fist pump at the end.
- Fellow celeb friends cheered Roddick on, singer John Legend and fiancee Chrissy Teigen, wedding gown designer Vera Wang, and of course his wife, Brooklyn Decker.
- “I love you, Andy!” someone from the crowd shouting, and as quick and witty as ever, Andy hollered back, “Thanks, Mom!”
Great play, good fun, and a lot of laughs and fan interactions! Were you there? Send us your experience at iwasthere@andyroddick.com, and your adventure could be a feature article on AR.com.
“It was a great atmosphere,” Roddick said. “I really enjoyed myself and that led to me playing well. Hopefully I can use this a little bit,” and his next opportunity to do so will be this week at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California. Stay tuned to AR.com for a preview.
