Andy Roddick enjoyed an excellent professional tennis career.
He became the world number one and is still the last American man to win a Grand Slam, which came at the 2003 US Open.
Andy Roddick Andy Roddick is renowned for having one of the greatest serves of all time, which he used to give his opponents plenty to worry about.
There were plenty of highs and lows in Roddick’s career, but there was one moment that he will never forget for more than one reason.
Photo credit should read PHILIPPE BUISSIN/AFP via Getty ImagesAndy Roddick says the worst umpire’s call of his career came at the 2005 Davis Cup
Roddick spent over a decade on the ATP Tour and there was not much that he did not see or experience.
But a Davis Cup tie against Belgium in 2005 featured what Roddick has described as the worst umpiring decision of his career.
During the latest edition of Roddick’s ‘Served’ podcast, where the Bryan Brothers were special guests, the 42-year-old explained how he felt about the umpire’s call, which went in his favour after a smash was called out which Roddick said comfortably landed in.
This resulted in Team USA being subjected to things being thrown at them by the Belgian fans, according to Roddick.
“It was the single worst call I have ever been the beneficiary of. I remember walking up to correct it and I remember you all and Patrick yelling at me ‘turn the f—- around, go back’. I ended up breaking,” the American said.
“We were literally playing in front of 2500 people. It wasn’t the biggest stadium ever. But we were going to be relegated and we win, but they called an overhead out that was maybe six inches inside the line.
“I corrected a call earlier that year and gave a match away, so I started walking up and my entire bench just starts yelling at me. ‘It’s not about you! Move, get back’.
“So I held serve and we got trash thrown on us as we were leaving. They started throwing things. That was a weird situation.”
Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty ImagesAndy Roddick helped Team USA win the 2005 Davis Cup tie against Belgium
Despite the crowd reaction to the umpire’s call, Roddick and Team USA claimed an important victory against Belgium.
Roddick overcame losing the first set to beat Oliver Rochus 6-7 (4), 7-6 (4), 7-6 (5), 4-6, 6-3 in four and a half hours.
This contributed to a 4-1 overall victory for the USA, keeping them in the World Group, while Belgium were relegated to the zonal competition.
“Luckily, I had some great serves when I needed to,” said Roddick, who hit 35 aces in the match. “That was key.” Team USA left the court without celebrating due to the controversial umpire line call and Roddick explained why.
“It would have been unprofessional,” he said. “You don’t want that quality of a match to end like that. You would not want to rub it in people’s faces.”