Andy

Not Andy Dufrense. Not Andy from Toy Story. Not Andy from Devil Wears Prada (that actually was the first Andy I thought of).

Andy Roddick. I still have not solved the non-linear equation of how well someone’s talents on the court or field will translate to talent in the booth. But Andy Roddick has that talent in the booth. He made me laugh twice in a span of ten minutes during the first semifinal today. His fit is casual, trendy and looks good. He looks good. And he knows tennis. He fought so hard for it. For so many years. And is the last American to win the US Open in 2003.

I think the US Open used to be a tennis tournament. Now it’s like a carnival mixed with some sports and music and celebrities and tens of thousands of dollars a minute spent on everything from tickets to merchandise to drinks and everything in between.

I couldn’t watch any of the Shelton Alcaraz match, and yes, I’m one of those people that think a prime time match starting at 11pm local and ending at 3:30am local is too late.

So, to make up for that, I watched every game of Shelton Tiafoe. I was cheering for Tiafoe. I’ve followed his story closer; I like him more as a person and don’t know either of them as a person. He’s just fun to root for.

Shelton, on the other hand, is and was one of the “all glory to god” guys, played college tennis at Florida (playing college tennis is a rarity for the top pro players), and was very immature in interviews and on court early in his career. But early in his career he was 19 and 20 – and if I look at myself in the mirror, I wasn’t some chiseled professional in the basement of a frat house at 19 and 20 either. So I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt.

And I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt because he has worked on his game. He has matured magnificently on and off the court. And he’s the first black American in the US Open final since Arthur Ashe won it in 1972.

But back to Andy. That scene where the warden throws the rock through the picture on his jail cell and you know Andy’s gone is one of the best movie scenes out there.

The other Andy. Roddick. He flagged every single thing that has gotten better about Ben’s game, is complimentary about the second hardest US men’s server ever (if you consider Roddick is the hardest) and overall has great commentary all the way around.

The fact that Sportscenter with Scott Van Pelt, in a crazy weekend filled with college sports and NFL, is on the US Open grounds sitting with Andy Roddick is a testament to him. And I see it. I see a future in broadcasting for him. Calling the US Open final in five years. In 10 years. Maybe calling it when I’m 50 – Johnny McEnroe sure has a lot of gray chest hairs zig zagging all over his upper chest and lower neck. I’m not hating it – it can get wild in those areas; I’m just saying, at some point you turn the keys over and I think Roddick may be that guy.

Tennis has been more center stage than usual. I don’t love the reasons why but do love it’s more center stage. Alcaraz is a delight. Sinner is a beautiful robot.

But Shelton is in the final. And Roddick is coming into the limelight in his second career path. Big fan. Go big Ben. And go Andy.