Is Andy Roddick’s Fitness Enough for a US Open?

This is a critical time in Andy Roddick’s tennis career as he prepares for the upcoming US Open.

After a strong showing at the Wimbledon 2009 tournament, Andy Roddick is back to top form. He’s spent countless hours each week focusing on keeping his body in the best shape possible, and Roddick’s tennis has markedly improved as a result.

While Roddick is in great shape at the moment, time isn’t exactly his friend right now. Currently 26, he’ll be 27 by the end of the calendar year, which really only leaves him with a few more years to play effective tennis. The American tennis world is counting on Roddick to come through for them, as other Americans like Blake, Fish, and Querrey aren’t considered legitimate contenders for a Grand Slam.

At year’s end, he’ll be 27 years old. While he currently stands 5th in the world, three of the four ahead of him are four years younger or more. The other? Roger Federer, who has had a rebirth of his own to coincide with Roddick. In fact, Federer has been the thorn in his side for years.

It must be frustrating for Roddick, who was literally points away from winning his first ever Wimbledon again Roger Federer in the finals earlier this summer. This was a classic match that truly could have gone either way.

At this point in his career, Roddick’s window is beginning to close. He probably has three or four effective years left, but many tennis players age into their late 20s as they slide in the rankings.

Roddick showed the tennis world what he’s capable of doing. At this point, it’s all in his hands to prove that it wasn’t a fluke. Many write it off since Rafael Nadal sat out from Wimbledon with injury. Nadal, the defending champion, probably would have emerged from Roddick’s half of the draw, say critics.

There would be no better place for Roddick to win than in front of a home crowd in New York. Time will tell if he has what it takes.