Roddick splits from coach Connors

American Andy Roddick has announced he has split from his coach Jimmy Connors after beating world number two Rafael Nadal 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 at the Dubai Open.

Roddick began working with Connors, an eight-time Grand Slam champion, in July 2006 and blamed "logistical reasons" on the split.

"Jimmy resigned, about a week ago," said Roddick, 25. "I think it was tough for him to do it part-time.

"I'm sad but thankful for the time he took out of retirement to give to me."

There had been rumours about the pair's relationship after Connors showed up late to the Australian Open, where Roddick lost in the third round to Philipp Kohlschreiber.

Connors is attributed with reigniting Roddick's spirit and enthusiasm for the game and helping him reach the final of the US Open in 2006.

Under Connors's guidance, Roddick also led the US team to victory in the Davis Cup in 2007.

"When we got together I was as close to down and out as I've been," said Roddick, the world number six.

"I really credit him for that spark and getting me back to the top five. He's helped my backhand a ton - it's a lot more solid.

"He maybe did not exactly get the results he wanted, but at the same time he was retired even before we started.

Roddick confirmed it was Connors who officially made the split largely because of the pressures of spending so much time on the road.

"You try to understand where someone's head is at, from a distance, as well as you can," said the American.

"But when I am going from Australia to Austria to California to Memphis to Dubai it becomes difficult.

"I really enjoyed my time with him. The thing about Jimmy is you don't just learn stuff about tennis."

Roddick intends carrying on without a coach for the time being. He travels with his brother John Roddick and former ATP trainer Doug Spreen.

To be honest it is difficult to know if this will help or hinder Andy. I think he needs another coach, one with experience... Tony Roche anyone?

has he had a long spell without a coach before? I cant remember...

Yeah - he's just finished one

:tsk:

More likely that Connors knows he cant help him improve any more -Roddick has reached his full potential , good though it is , will not win any more Slams as long as the Federers,Gasquets and Tsongas are around.

:o

:giggle:

shame on you Barry - not a fan then? credited with bringing fire and passion back to Roddicks game I recently read... :unsure:

Perhaps Fed should contact Jimmy C.? :hmm:

oh dear god no!!!!! :P

I think that would be quite an intriguing meeting of minds actually...

:hide:

Actually Murray and Jimbo would make an interesting combination..

Connors came, achieved nothing and went. No disrespect, but Andy Roddick can play one way and one way only - smacking the ball as hard as possible. He's tried to bring a slice into his game, but he can't get it to go low enough...and has actually made his game less effective, if that's possible.

Connors tried to change it up, but he can't. What Connors would have done well to do, is to try some variety on Roddicks serve - it's so predictable, I'd like to see him take some pace off it once in a while, and mix up the placement.

I am not sure A-Rod is a coacheable player. Coaches can only refine - they can't give you skills. Maybe someone to try and do something with his serve, but I am not expecting miracles...shame for affable Roddick :shrug:

:yep:

Well Sara has summed it up quite well here and I couldnt have put it any more delicatly.Connors did F all for Andy other than instill a bit of bad attitude in him,kinda the street fighting style which Federer just diffuses time and time again.Also his so one dimensional hit as hard as you can game is all he knows.Its insticnt for him and he wont go very much against it.. :rolleyes:

I just seem to think he is a bit done for.It must hurt watching other people beat the thon in his side and he cant seem to do it.But then again,Murray has had a fair slice of the Roddick pie as well :rolleyes:

Yep, I agree. I doubt Connors can add much more. Connors is more abotu attitude than technicalities, and form what I've seen recently there is nothing wrong with Roddick's attitude really, in terms of wanting to win and being competitive. It's just that his game is easy to read and he doesn't have answers to on form players like the ones you mentioned. He's still a contender for latter stages of slams, rather like Henman was at Wimby for so long, but winning them is going to be hard. Unless Roddick changes his game and I doubt he can at this stage in his career.

Good of Andy to comment so positively on Jimmy's input and show his appreciation, whatever has happened between them. :ok: I imagine Connors can be quite difficult to work with at times, he is old fashioned and tough, but knows the score and I'm sure he's done all he can now for Roddick. And wonder who he can get as a coach now though?

would be like mixing oil and water?

Wow, he splits with Connors then promptly beats the world 2 and 3 lol

Hilarious! roflmao

Maybe Connors already HAS signed a deal with Fed, hence leaving Andy :lol:

I'd like to see what Connors could do for Fed actually, I mean he migh help him refocus and fight in hsi matches more.