"The way Andy Roddick talks, it's as if he's reeking of privilege" - Fans slam American over comments on Novak Djokovic-led PTPA's accomplishments

Andy Roddick was criticized by fans for his comments about the achievements of the PTPA (Professional Tennis Players Association). Novak Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil founded the PTPA in 2019 to address players' needs and concerns.

The controversy began when Roddick gave a scathing statement about the PTPA in an interview with New York Magazine. The American said that even though the organization was a well-intentioned effort by the Serb, it had underachieved.

PTPA co-founder Pospisil responded to Roddick's remarks on X (formerly Twitter). The Canadian listed some of the accomplishments of the organization, including hotel partnerships, a medical concierge service, and a mental health and performance program among others.

Roddick, in now-deleted tweets, undermined the achievements. Take a look at the tweets below:

Source- Andy Roddick's X handle (now-deleted tweets)

Fans online reacted to Roddick's comments. A fan on Reddit said that amenities such as priority passes and luggage might seem trivial for top players, but these could help lower-ranked players. The fan also claimed that the American was speaking from a place of privilege. They wrote:

"For the lower ranked players who are barely breaking even or even losing money, help with travel discounts, new revenue streams, medical assistance, a player support service is all pretty big. Andy is speaking from a place of privilege."

Comment byu/h4ssan_ from discussion intennis

Another fan called him an 'insecure arrogant prick'.

"Andy roddick is insecure arrogant prick. Can’t stand his podcast at all."

Comment byu/h4ssan_ from discussion intennis

Others found merit in Roddick's argument and said that the PTPA's achievements sounded more like partnerships. A few fans also called for patience, stating that change takes time.

"Andy's right in the grand scheme, especially with the trading card thing. That said, anything that helps the players, such as lounges/hotels/etc, should be good. However, a lot of it sounds like just partnerships with companies and no one's really getting that much out of it," a fan remarked.

"I can understand where he’s coming from but at the same time i believe changes take time. A series of small changes is encouraging," wrote another.

Here are a few other reactions from fans online:

Comment byu/h4ssan_ from discussion intennis

Comment byu/h4ssan_ from discussion intennis

Comment byu/h4ssan_ from discussion intennis

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Andy Roddick on PTPA: "I don’t know what the goals are"

Andy Roddick at the US Open 2023 (Image: Getty)

Andy Roddick recently criticized the PTPA, stating that the organization has vague goals. He recalled messaging a PTPA board member to inquire about the organization's goals but stated that the member could not provide an answer.

In an interview with New York Magazine, he said:

"I’ve had board members text me, and I said, “If you had to list your three accomplishments, what would it be?” It’s like, “I don’t know — press releases?” There was an email that went out. It was like, “We have professional photo shoots available for the players.” But I don’t know what the goals are."

The American however added that he appreciates Novak Djokovic's intentions behind founding the organization. He said:

"Novak obviously can’t actively run it. I think he’s well intentioned, I think he means well, and I think you never really have to second-guess if what he says is what he means, and I respect that in a massive way."

Andy Roddick has maintained an active presence on social media since retirement and regularly shares his thoughts on tennis and politics.