andy Roddick - Getty Images

Roddick On the Up and Up

August 3 , 2006 - Andy Roddick and baseball superstar Alex Rodriguez have a few things in common: both men, who each go by A-Rod, are hoping to put a halt to their recent struggles with a strong showing in New York City.

Rodriguez wants to improve his play in front of the fickle fans of his New York Yankees, while Roddick hopes to use the 2006 US Open to snap out of a funk which he has been in.

Roddick, the hard-serving American star currently ranked No. 10 in the world, will get a chance to set himself upon the right track as he makes his sixth appearance at the Rogers Cup presented by American Express. He has certainly had his fair share of success at the lone Canadian US Open Series event, winning the 2003 championship and reaching the final on two other occasions.

However, a first round loss to Paul-Henri Mathieu (France) at last year’s Rogers Cup mirrored the slump that has plagued the 23-year old for much of the past 12 months.

Following his early exit at the 2005 Rogers Cup, Roddick suffered another opening round defeat at the US Open later that year, falling to Gilles Muller (Luxembourg). His freefall continued, as he dropped from his No. 3 world ranking at the beginning of the year to No.11 by the end of June.

Yet, fear not, Andy Roddick fans, for there is hope.

Since turning to American legend Jimmy Connors for help, the Nebraska native is 2-0 and appears to have an added edge that is sure to make other players on the ATP Tour nervous.

“I’m certainly seeing some improvement in Andy’s game,” says compatriot James Blake, who recently overtook Roddick as the top-ranked American male. “He’s attacking more, being more aggressive.”

With Connors in his corner, it is safe to assume that Andy will not lose his motivation anytime soon. The fiery seven-time Grand Slam champion could provide the boost that Roddick needs to re-establish himself atop the ATP rankings

"It means a lot when someone who has won as many tennis championships as Jimmy Connors comes through and says, 'I believe in you. I think you can really do some great things, and here's how,” says Roddick of his new coach.

As a man with a great deal of talent, a coach who is sure to get him playing up to his potential, and plenty of motivation to regain the form that saw him ascend to the top of men’s tennis, Roddick certainly seems to be on the rise.

His major breakthrough could very well come this coming week at the Rogers Cup presented by American Express, where he has enjoyed a lot of success before. The tournament takes place August 5 to 13, 2006.

About Rogers Cup presented by American Express

Rogers Cup presented by American Express takes place August 5-13, 2006 at the world-class Rexall Centre on the campus of York University. Celebrating its 125th anniversary, the tournament is the third-oldest tennis event behind only Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. As an ATP Masters Series tournament and U.S. Open Series event, the Rogers Cup presented by American Express will showcase the world’s top players in Toronto for nine exciting days of tennis. For tickets visit www.rogerscup.com.

MORE NEWS+ HOME