Andy Roddick. Photo by AP.
Andy Roddick doesn't mind being the second-most famous
person living in his house these days.
The tennis star has been overshadowed lately by his wife, model
Brooklyn Decker, who is gracing the cover of Sports
Illustrated's popular swimsuit issue and featured on a
billboard in Times Square.
"It's been a really cool process and she'll be the first to
admit that it's been a complete whirlwind for her the last
few weeks," said Roddick, who was participating in a
conference call to promote a tennis exhibition with Mats
Wilander, Marat Safin and Ivan Lendl at Boardwalk Hall in
April.
"I think it's better that it's her getting all the attention,
because I don't look as good in a yellow bikini bottom."
Roddick has signed on to participate in the Caesars Tennis
Classic on April 10 that will also feature Ivan Lendl, who
has not played competitive tennis since his retirement in
1994.
"I think we're all going to be curious to see how Ivan is
hitting the ball," said Roddick, who has been battling a
shoulder injury after losing to Marin Cilic in the semifinals
of the Australian Open last month.
"We haven't seen that in a while, so there will be a little
bit of excitement over that. I grew up watching Ivan Lendl
and Mats Wilander when I was a kid, so when I heard of this
opportunity, I couldn't wait to be a part of it. I think it's
going to be a blast."
Venus Williams will also be a part of the event as the
hostess, but it has not been determined whether she will
play.
Roddick will face off against Safin in the event and Wilander
will play Lendl.
"My shoulder is getting better from Australia," Roddick said.
"It's not perfect though. It's a little bit of a battle for
me right now. If we can use an exhibition like this to stay
in shape, then I see the benefit of it physically. I'd rather
have exhibitions like this in April, rather than cramming
them all in during December. It's definitely a good way to
stay in shape without the pressure and expectations of
competition."
Roddick said he expects to make a run at a Grand Slam title
this season.
"I don't think I can have two consecutive comeback years,"
Roddick laughed. "I definitely think this is the best shot I
have of getting one of the Slam events, based on the
conditions and the competition."
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