Beyond ACE

As previously reported here on AR.com, Andy was recently featured in ACE magazine in an article written by Joel Drucker. AR.com had the good fortune to speak with Joel Drucker about his thoughts on Andy, American tennis, and their image in the media.

In his ACE article, Drucker described the low status of tennis in America compared to England and Australia. In emphasis of this, Drucker suggested that Andy is more renowned as a “celebrity” or a “curiosity” in America as opposed to a tennis player.

Drucker highlighted Andy’s maturity and how he has become “very familiar with athletes, sports, and media.” Andy knows the expectations, but takes it all in stride and continues to delight us with his “clever and cheeky” humor. In addition, Andy has demonstrated that he is not afraid to speak up and voice his opinions on topics such as the length and demands of the tennis season.

Andy has a great passion for tennis and as he develops as a player, Andy “takes from and gives to the game.” He is an integral part of “growing the field of tennis” by the way he interacts with his fans and his persona off court, including his efforts to promote the game and encourage kids to play.

A player’s relationship with the media can be important. Drucker
compliments Andy on his familiarity with the media, how he always takes the time to greet people and is aware of whom everyone is. On the topic of bad press, Drucker’s opinion is that Andy doesn’t need the public and media to like him, he simply likes people to like him. Drucker acknowledges that Andy enjoys interaction and banter with the media, but knows he won’t be losing any sleep over an article written about a bad backhand.

Some journalists focus on a player’s weaker shots, and Andy is no stranger to such criticism. However in his defense, Drucker argues that none of the great players – the legends - were complete players. Athletes have to play to their strengths, which in Andy’s case are his much feared serve and forehand.

The question many ask of a player who has one Grand Slam title is when will the next come? Drucker feels that once a player has captured a second slam, the stigma of being a one slam wonder is shattered and then they can then play for history.

Andy has expressed that a slam he would deeply desire to win is Wimbledon. Drucker agrees that this would give him “legacy impact” as many Americans regard Wimbledon as the ‘super bowl’ of tennis. Andy is keen to prove he can win another slam, and AR.com is right behind him in that belief.