Andy Roddick shared his thoughts on how coaching might be one of the reasons that could curb a player’s creativity. He threw light on the matter by sharing examples of players like John McEnroe and Rafael Nadal. Roddick is of the opinion that they would not have reached their current heights of greatness if their moves were normalized by their coaches due to “overanalyzation”.

The American, who had been the World No. 1 for 13 weeks after his stellar performance at the US Open in 2003, also said that coaches tend to have a preconceived notion of what techniques a player should use to succeed, which might lead to them losing some of their quirks- which often define their individuality.

On an episode of his Served Podcast, he discussed this matter along with podcaster Brene Brown. An excerpt of their conversation was posted on X (formerly Twitter), where Roddick said:

“I actually think we kind of almost coach weird things out of players. Johnny Mac if you would have tried to teach him how to volley normally, I don’t know if he would have been Johnny Mac.

He added how Rafael Nadal’s lasso-style forehand was just as unique as it was intimidating.

Rafa [Nadal], someone had the restraint to not try to perfect his swing…it looks like a lasso over his head. It’s the single most intimidating shot I have ever seen. I do think 97% of coaches would have automatically said that doesn’t look normal, we should probably change it.”

Andy Roddick also spoke about how imitation from other players who have achieved success in a said field by coaches often leads to them losing their originality.

“I think there’s over-analyzation based on what we have seen before, now every football coach wants someone to throw like Patrick Mahomes,” he added.

On another episode of the podcast, Rafael Nadal too spoke candidly about his rivalries.

Rafael Nadal spoke on his rivalries on Andy Roddick’s podcast

Tennis legend Rafael Nadal shared his thoughts on his rivalries with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic on a recent episode of Andy Roddick’s podcast (released March 11).

“I think with Roger [Federer] the match, I think that’s in my opinion that’s why the rivalry with Roger was a little bit more I mean attractive for the fans than Novak [Djokovic] against me even if I played more times with him. With Roger I think the strategy was more clear. I was trying to do one thing, he was trying to do another,” he said. (47:20 onwards)