Today while I watched the fantastic Andy-Andy semifinal, I wondered if I suffer from some boorish form of patriotism when my heart goes boom-boom-boom as the Andy from this side of the pond fires off serves at 132, 136, and then 144 mph. Am I guilty of that ugly American tendency to value speed over smarts, to be wowed by firepower over guile?
But then, Andy Roddick continued with a game plan, and he stuck with the plan. He constructed points. He constructed points. We'd been led to believe that was something only these pansy European players do. Our Andy had an intelligent game plan, he thought about what was coming next, and actually added brains to brawn for an absolute winner. (Well, 64 winners, to be precise. Just see the match statistics.)
So I rooted for Andy and then also for Andy, since I am an American of Scottish heritage, I felt obliged to follow my heart as it tugged me. But what made me very happy was the utter lack of nationalism displayed in this match. Check out the Chelsea Pensioners who cheered with great glee for Andy Roddick when he left the court, emotionally spent from the whole experience.
Nobody wants to be the one to rain on the parade (or deflate the hopes of a nation) but it's very nearly the fourth of July, so I'll declare my own independence to enjoy the hell out of this American's game (Oh my God...he has a game now, not just a serve!)
Andy thanks the fans, and apologizes a little bit (but, hey--they're on their feet for you, buddy!)So this very nearly 4th of July, I say thank you, Andy Roddick, for exceeding every expectation. How very American! Best of luck in the final. I may even root for you over that Swiss guy.
