Doug Spreen has been a valued member of Team Roddick since late 2003. Working as Andy’s trainer, Doug travels the circuit with Andy as well as working with him during the off season. The former ATP trainer also works for Team USA in Davis Cup and was in attendance at the tie in Leuven.

“The tie in Leuven was very close and very exciting. Plus there was a lot of pressure on our team because a loss would have meant a trip to the minor leagues of Davis Cup next year. We were in a must win situation and that makes it that much more difficult”, Doug told AR.com.

The tie was ultimately decided in the fourth rubber in a classic match between Andy and Olivier Rochus. Andy won the five set marathon overcoming cramps and a partisan Belgian crowd to secure Team USA’s place in the world group next year.

Doug, who’s watched many a Roddick marathon, couldn’t speak highly enough of his charge in reference to that match and its significance. “I have to say that I was about as proud of Andy as I have ever been in that fourth match. He played for well over four and a half hours in a very well played, high quality match in front of a tough crowd. Every point was tough and the match was a real grinder. Andy was exhausted and starting to cramp in the fifth set but he found a way to ‘tough out’ the match,” Doug recalled. “It was an effort that he will probably not get enough credit for just how tough it was. Winning the tie gives our team a chance to make a run at the cup next year. It was a really tough weekend but the team came together and got the job done, with a lot of credit going to Andy.”

In the fifth set both players suffered from tiredness and cramping. It is a well documented problem that many players endure. AR.com asked Doug if there is any way to prevent it. “You can’t really prepare for cramping. It really is a matter of being prepared”, Doug explained. “First you have to try to prevent cramping by being in great shape. Having a good diet and proper fluid hydration are vital. However, no matter how prepared you are, when you play in a match longer than three and half to four hours you are going to stress your body and the energy and fluid reserves that it has. No matter how one prepares, every body has its limits. Andy was stressing those limits. When you do start to cramp it is a matter of trying to deal with it the best you can and control the cramping as much as possible.”

Doug himself loves tennis and plays to a decent standard. He practiced it when he was growing up, and was number two on his high school team. He often has a hit during Andy’s practice sessions as he still plays the occasional tournament in Cincinnati. Asked whether Andy helps him out, Doug answered, “Andy has given me some tips but I don’t think much is going to help my backhand, that is for sure.” Don’t worry Doug, AR.com sympathizes with you there. Practice makes perfect!

Stay tuned for more from Doug Spreen and others from the Insider Series on Ar.com!