Andy Roddick has enjoyed some of his best tennis moments in London and is hoping for another this week by winning the ATP Tour Finals.
But world number eight does not expect to be the crowd's darling in opening match
Andy Roddick has enjoyed some of his best tennis moments in London and is hoping for another this week by winning the ATP Tour Finals at the O2 Arena.
The American might have just lost out in that epic Wimbledon final to Roger Federer in 2009 but he has also won at Queen's Club four times, between 2003-05 and also in 2007.
Such successes - not to mention his affable personality and all-action style on court - have helped Roddick build a close relationship with the London crowd.
That relationship will be tested to the full at the O2 though, as he faces another huge favourite in world number one Rafa Nadal in his opening match on Sunday.
Roddick is looking forward to another season finale appearance, but knows he may not be the crowd's darling in his opening match.
Polarising
"It's strange because it's a polarising event for the crowd here, I normally get a really good reception but then a tournament like this comes along and I've got Rafa in the first round so I can't take that for granted!" the world number eight said.
"I can hardly remember my first time in this event, it was a bit of a whirlwind when I qualified for the one in Houston.
"It was the US Open, then Saturday Night Live, world number one and all of a sudden making the short drive to Houston for this event - it was hard to keep track of it all.
"It wasn't perhaps the route I would have chosen into it but I'll take it. A lot has changed since then but if your life hasn't changed in eight years then you need a new hobby or something."
Despite the wealth of prize money on offer in London, Roddick insists that the top eight in the world are only focused on claiming the prestigious title.
"I honestly feel all the guys here are after the title and not the money," he said. "I know it sounds hard to believe we're not thinking about prize money but it really doesn't factor into it when a big event like this is coming up."
Gruelling
The O2 event marks the end of another gruelling season, and Roddick joins the likes of Roger Federer in backing an extended winter break, adding that it is the main reason for the lack of youngsters breaking into the top 100.
"If you look at the way the game's changed and how physical it has become then you realise it's tough for a 17 or 18-year-old to do that on tour for 40 weeks a year," the 28-year-old added. "I weigh more than I used to and everyone is now bigger and stronger making it so much harder for younger players.
"Everyone recognises that a longer break should happen - unfortunately we've inherited this schedule from those who used to be in charge and perhaps used it for their own gains.
"I honestly believe the new regime will give us more of a break, it may not be ideal but they're definitely working on it."
