“People can’t comment on sports?” ‘Savage’ Andy Roddick hits back at people criticizing him for commenting on political affairs

One-time Grand Slam champion Andy Roddick recently lashed out at a social media user for declaring tennis as a leisure activity. The tennis legend had reacted to an illegal immigrant issue in Michigan, USA which led to the social media user rebuking him to stop commenting on politics and focus on tennis.

For context, Roddick became a famous professional tennis player after winning the 2003 US Open. He went on to win more than 31 ATP titles and became the first player outside of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray to become World No.1 in 2003. However, he retired from the sport in 2012 and has since become a commentator and analyst.

Being vocal about his opinion, the American has become a significant voice in tennis. But in recent times his tweets on X touch on the political climate of his country. He recently tweeted about the Gonzaga basketball team row over Michigan State Representative Matt Maddock’s illegal immigrants remark. But, an X user lashed at him for his opinion on political issues.

So if I am supposed to stick to tennis, does that mean people can’t comment on sports?

Andy Roddick via X

Andy, tennis is not a sport. Please stop embarrassing yourself. It's a leisure activity that rich children with successful parents participate in because they're too weak for actual sports like ballet or ribbon dancing. 

@Craig_Lawson via X

The American tennis star reminded the user of tennis players who came from poor backgrounds but worked hard to be at the top. The likes of Novak Djokovic, Andre Agassi, Serena and Venus Williams.

Andy Roddick backed by fans in his critique of a hater’s statement

Tennis fans supported Andy Roddick for tutoring the X user about tennis after the argument. They also tried to give more examples of players coming from a tough background.

A user learned about Agassi’s heartwarming story about his loyalty, reverence, and support for his sister. She showered praise on him for being a good brother.

Another user pointed out that Roddick missed out on mentioning Francis Tiafoe’s arduous journey to stardom.

A user also mentioned his own story of playing tennis despite his family struggling to make ends meet and raising a family of six kids.

Many fans openly showed their support for Roddick’s statement. Some also thanked him for making them aware of the struggles of some of the best tennis players in the world. Meanwhile, the user’s comment came as a shock to many tennis fans who have watched tennis stars pass the grueling task of being fit and at the top of their game. Perhaps, the user is advised to watch tennis more often than ribbon dancing.

In case you missed it:

• “I have to do my homework,” Danielle Collins gears up to face Elena Rybakina’s ‘fantastic tennis’ at the Miami Open finals
• “Alcaraz and Sinner are ahead of everyone else,” Roger Federer’s former coach analyses Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner’s chances with Novak Djokovic as the point of reference

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