Netting a love match

April 2009 | by Roger Hudson

andy roddick & wifeHot on the heels of Roger Federer's recent marriage to long-time partner Mirka Vavrinec, American Andy Roddick is the latest tennis ace to serve up game, set and match in the 'Nuptials Open' of 2009.

Roddick, 26 and world ranked no6, tied the knot with 22 year-old Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Brooklyn Decker. This was a private yet star-studded ceremony at his home in Austin, Texas, on 17 April, followed by a reception at a nearby country club.
 
Among the tennis stars witnessing the latest love match were Mr and Mrs Steffi Graf (Andre Agassi behaved himself), veteran Billie Jean King, Roddick's Davis Cup team-mates James Blake and Mardy Fish and US Davis Cup captain Patrick McEnroe. 

elton johnAnd British tennis fan Elton John added to his portfolio of private celebrity gigs with a rocket man of a performance at the reception. The rock star has played a number of charity events over the years, and persuaded Roddick to lend his support. So the appearance of John was not much of a surprise for the guests.
 
But will Roddick rise higher up the world rankings as a result of tying the knot? The mean American machine is aiming to lift his game by having a shot at blissful marriage.

Roger Federer & wifeSwiss star Federer, now languishing at world number no2 behind nemesis Rafael Nadal, has notably been singularly subdued on court in the build-up to his marriage. Subsequently, following his low-key ceremony he went on his honeymoon during his wildcard entry in Monaco - the tax haven to most professional tennis players.

But Federer crashed out of the Monte Carlo Masters to his Swiss compatriot Stanislas Wawrinka, world ranked 10 players behind the former five-time Wimbledon champion.
 
The well-documented demise of two British players, Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski, seemed to have its origin in their marriages to their respective wives - both called Lucy. At least another lady called Lucy has started courting any of the big names in the current world top 100.

And audicious Aussie Lleyton Hewitt has certainly slipped out of the world's top 10 since he took the plunge with Home & Away actress Bec Cartwright. Hewitt has never been quite the dominant force as a player since marriage ruled his life.
 
mr & mrs steffi grafEven American showman Agassi, albeit towards the end of his career, suddenly suffered after getting married to German Graf. Agassi, cruelly nicknamed Mrs Steffi Graf by many of the world's press, found serving aces harder to achieve as a married man. 
 
Ultimately, will Federer's and Roddick's latest off court moves prove detrimental to their game on the ATP Tour? But only time will tell. 

One thing for certain, if history repeats itself, is that Federer and Roddick should start planning for family outings rather than the hectic itinerary of a top ATP tennis ace.

Will Federer's and Roddick's off court moves prove detrimental to their game?

- Roger Hudson