Austinist Interviews Andy Roddick

Andy Roddick, the world’s sixth-ranked men’s tennis player and part-time Austin resident, was in town last weekend for his Second Annual Andy Roddick Foundation Charity Gala.

Founded in 2001, the Andy Roddick Foundation raises money to benefit organizations that aid in the development of at-risk children and families, including those that have been abused, abandoned and neglected. The Foundation’s goal is to improve the quality of life and enhance educational and economic opportunities for all children based on the principles of respect for family, education and morality. Since its launch, Roddick's foundation has raised over $5 million for children’s charities.

Andy sat down with us a few hours before Sunday night’s gala at the Four Seasons Hotel and discussed his foundation, the pressure of being one of the world’s top players and, of course, Austin.

Austinist: I know you talked to Andre (Agassi) years ago about what his biggest regret was, and you were expecting it to be about tennis. But he said he most regretted not starting his charity soon enough. Was that the impetus behind your idea (to start your charity), or when, - even as a junior and you knew that you were going to have some ability to affect people’s lives - did you start thinking about it?

Roddick: It really didn’t click until then. I wasn’t one of these prodigies who knew he was going to be good at tennis, you know. It kinda just happened. But it definitely stuck with me, especially coming from Andre whose foundation is probably the most successful athlete-run charitable foundation ever. For him to say “I probably could have done more,” was inspiring, and it definitely made an impression on me

It’s kinda cool that you’re able to run your charity in a bi-coastal way, both in Florida and here in Austin. When did you make that decision and what led to it?

Well, I think it was when I moved back to Texas in the fall of 2003. We wanted to make an impact in the community here, or at least do our small part. We’d already established ourselves in Florida, so we definitely had to keep that going, as well. It took a while to get going, but then we kicked it off last year with the Elton John event, which was a big success, and hopefully we can make it an annual thing here in Austin and do our small part.

Why did you decide to focus your charitable organization on giving to children?

At the time I started it, I was a child; a big part of me still is. I think I could just relate a little bit more. Selfishly, I loved the idea. You know, this night is all about glitz and it’s a gala and we’re raising money, but then to see what happens between tonight and then being able to go somewhere three months later and see a child that’s using a computer we generated or clothing or whatever…selfishly, I like that feeling. I like being able to, at least in a small way, change the course of someone’s life. We’ve been able to provide opportunities in the last six years, and that’s our reward.

You mentioned (live music being a big part of the event)…I know that Boyd Tinsley is on your board as an Honorary Chairman, so I would imagine you’re a fan of Dave Matthews Band. When you’re flying around the world, what else are you listening to on your iPod.

I have the most eclectic iPod of all time. It’s crazy. DMB is my #1; they always will be. I’m into this guy Mark Broussard; I love him. I think John Legend’s new album’s great. “Save Room” is like the biggest throwback of all time; I love his voice. I always choke on this question, cause there’s a million things I have running through my mind. I like Keane; I think they’re great. There’s a local Austin band Meridian West that’s pretty good. And many more.

Congratulations on a great hard court season, by the way. It’s interesting as you’ve had to come back against people kind of doubting you, while early in your career you were playing with a ton of expectations. Is it harder to play with that expectation and pressure of being America’s next huge tennis star, or is it harder to play with everybody doubting you?

I don’t know; it’s tough. When you’re young – younger, I’m still 24, I think that’s forgotten – I think when you’re 18 or 19, you’re kind of oblivious to it. You’re kind of just excited to be playing in front of people for the first time and being on TV for the first time that maybe you don’t really – I didn’t really – comprehend what all was going into it and everything. I think this mini-comeback this summer was more rewarding, just for the fact that when you’ve been consistent for five years and been in the Top 3 for five years, then all of a sudden you have a bad four months and people are ready to throw you to the wolves...it was rewarding to play well this summer and win Cincy and make a good run at the (U.S.) Open. That was probably more rewarding than earlier in my career.