Rick Macci has seen a lot of great talent over 40 years as a coach. He has guided stars like Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, and many others to the pinnacle of success. Among these names is Andy Roddick, who reached the No. 1 spot in 2003 and clinched his only Grand Slam title at the 2003 US Open against Juan Carlos Ferrero. Macci coached Roddick during his junior years, earning him the nickname “the little guy.” However, there was a side to the American pro that Macci adored. Remember when he said, “No matter what size or Age the Texas Cowboy had that burning Rage.”? Now he’s bringing back a glimpse of young Roddick comparing him to the Baddest Man on the Planet.
Macci began working with Roddick in 1992, helping him enhance his skills. Their partnership was filled with exciting moments, and Macci fondly remembers the young star’s competitive spirit. Roddick retired from tennis in 2012, but his fierce nature extended beyond the court. Macci, who coached Serena Williams from 1991 to 1995, shared a story on X about Roddick’s first flag football game on March 20.
He wrote, “Andy was so win at all costs competitive as a kid. The first flag football game with mostly 16 year old and 12 year old Texas Cowboy on kickoff actually tackled the guy like Mike Tyson and pulled the flag. Little guy actually got a bloody nose looked up and said I got the it! @andyroddick” Who would have thought Andy Roddick was such a sports tyrant?
Andy was so win at all costs competitive as a kid. The first flag football game with mostly 16 year old and 12 year old Texas Cowboy on kickoff actually tackled the guy like Mike Tyson and pulled the flag. Little guy actually got a bloody nose looked up and said I got the it!…
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) March 20, 2025
Turns out, Andy Roddick was not just a force in tennis; he was also a fan of other sports. According to his ATP profile, he was a University of Nebraska football fan. Roddick moved to Austin, Texas, at age 4.5 and later to Boca Raton at age 10. He returned to Austin in November 2003. Additionally, in high school, he played varsity basketball alongside Davis Cup teammate Mardy Fish, who trained and lived with Roddick in 1999.
In the end, after picking the racket, Roddick had an impressive win-loss ratio of 612-213. Although he won only one Grand Slam, he consistently proved his mettle, reaching the Australian Open semi-finals three times and amassing 32 titles throughout his career. Roddick’s competitive nature was so intense that it even made former NFL star Drew Brees reconsider any thoughts of a tennis career, opting instead for football.
Former NFL legend recalls Roddick being a “freak” back in the day
Imagine a tennis court where two future legends, Drew Brees and Andy Roddick, clashed as youngsters. Brees, the top-ranked youth tennis player in Texas, initially had the upper hand, beating Roddick three times. However, Roddick’s fierce competitiveness and rapid improvement soon turned the tables. In a conversation with John Isner on the Youth Inc. podcast, Brees reminisced about their early matches, saying, “Andy was a phenom as a kid. We started playing against each other when he was probably eight years old, all the way up to when he was 10 or 11. I was two years older than him, so he was always playing up in my division.”
Brees described Roddick as “unbelievable—just a total freak,” highlighting his intense competitiveness even against older opponents. Despite Brees’ initial victories, Roddick kept closing the gap until he finally won. This marked a turning point for Brees, who realized, “Finally, he beat me in the end, and I saw the trajectory of his career and thought, ‘Maybe it’s time I choose another career path if I’d have to face more guys like this.’” This decision led Brees to focus on football, a choice that would make him a legendary NFL quarterback.
Roddick often jokes that he’s the reason Brees switched to football, saying, “You’re welcome, football,” implying that without him, Brees might still be on the tennis circuit. But in the end, both men went on to achieve incredible success in their respective sports.
Roddick became a tennis icon, holding the World No. 1 spot for 13 weeks, while Brees was inducted into the Saints Hall of Fame in 2024 after a storied NFL career. Their friendly rivalry has become a charming anecdote in sports history, showcasing how early encounters can shape future legends.
The post “Got a Bloody Nose,” Mike Tyson Stands Comparison to Serena Williams’ Former Coach Favourite- Andy Roddick appeared first on EssentiallySports.