Roddick thrives with the love of a good woman

THE love of a good woman has inspired Andy Roddick to reach a third Wimbledon final.

STRONG SUPPORT: Andy Roddick credits new wife Brooklyn Decker, second from right, with playing a major role in his revival

When the American spotted Brooklyn Decker in the swimsuit edition of Sports Illustrated he didn't hang about.

Now Mrs Roddick, she is credited with reviving the career of a big-serving baseline bruiser - who delivered Andy Murray's All England Club hopes a knockout blow.

Roddick left SW19 12 months ago questioning his future in the sport, after a humbling second round defeat.

Despite winning the US Open six years ago, he'd struggled to break down the dominance of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal and had seen the emergence of Novak Djokovic and Murray.

"When I lost last year I didn't want to stick around, I like London but not that much," said Roddick

"We spent some days with Brooklyn's parents and we were coming through an airport in North Carolina when I saw Roger and Rafa were in a fifth set in the final.

"The mental state I was in at that point meant it really hurt to watch because I wanted to be there so badly.

"I'd never been one to begrudge anyone of their success or be jealous."

Roddick admits his wife doesn't know much about tennis but her influence has certainly played a major role in the revival of the world number six.

"I still thought I could play towards the top but I started to openly question it in the couple of weeks after last year's Wimbledon," he added.

"Brook and I had a lot of talks. I think being happy and not having any worries away from the court can only help things.

"She is a very calming influence and someone I know that I can confide in.

"She's been great and she also makes the players' box better looking!"

But if his other half calmed Roddick down away from the court, his transformation on it must be credited to no-nonsense coach Larry Stefanki, whose appointment last year has been critical.

One of the smartest tacticians in tennis, it was his canny game plan that left home hope Murray both flatfooted and reeling.

Stefanki had previously worked with world number ones Marcelo Ríos and Yevgeny Kafelniko but improbable success with Roddick on Sunday would be his crowning achievement.

"He always believed that I could get back to this point and for me that was very important," added Roddick.

"At the start of this season I said I wanted to give it everything, I didn't want to spend the rest of my life wondering whether I could have done it.

"I worked real hard and was totally committed. I've done everything right from diet to sleep. I gave myself every opportunity to succeed."

Few give Roddick more than a punchers chance, considering his record against overwhelming favourite Federer.

In their two previous Wimbledon finals Roddick has only won a set, he's played the Swiss 20 times and beaten him twice.

But he insists those stats mean nothing.

"I can't say enough about Roger's career, he's earned my respect many times over," he said

"I just hope to delay him getting his record for a little while longer."

 * Leading life assurance and pensions company AEGON is lead partner of British Tennis and is backing the sport at all levels, from grassroots to world class tennis events. For further information visit www.lta.org.uk