Does Patrick McEnroe Have “Homoerotic” Feelings For Andy Roddick and James Blake?

     

            Unfortunately, since I’m Canadian TSN Canada’s “premier” sports channel broadcasts tape delay matches of the ATP Masters championships in Shanghai China. The shameless comments by American tennis commentator Patrick McEnroe makes my ears bleed.

In Patrick McEnroe’s bizarre and twisted universe Andy Roddick is still a “top player” and a ”contender” in men’s tennis. McEnroe has been talking about how “great” Andy Roddick is and every single year Roddick drops in the ATP tour rankings. The truth is Roddick has been passed by Novak Djokovic and David Nalbandian as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s chief rivals. Federer and Nadal have a combined 4-0 record against Roddick this year and all the victories were in straight sets.

However, listening to Patrick McEnroe basically being perfidious to the tennis audience is irritating because he is so truculent. It doesn’t make any sense. Roddick has fallen back he’s a top ten player he can beat most of the players but he cannot beat the best players. Roddick is no longer a part of the real ”elite group” of the ATP tour.

Until Andy Roddick can prove he can beat Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal consistently in a major event he is not a contender. When Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal see Andy Roddick’s name on their side of the draw they know they have absolutely nothing to worry about.

Its also painfully obvious that Patrick McEnroe should not be an ESPN tennis commentator. McEnroe has a conflict of interest he’s the United States Davis Cup captain. How can he be objective when he is also too “emotionally involved” with Andy Roddick? Its obvious that when McEnroe is commentating Roddick’s matches he’s “openly” rooting for Roddick. For example, at the 2006 US OPEN men’s final Roddick was in a tense four set battle with Roger Federer. Roddick sees Patrick McEnroe and makes the comment “I’m having so much fun” and he ultimately loses his concentration and the match. McEnroe has proven he cannot be neutral with Andy Roddick he is not professional. The bias Patrick McEnroe has towards Andy Roddick is beyond pathetic its completely unprofessional and disgraceful.

Everyone knows that Patrick McEnroe is ”in love” with Andy Roddick he can do no wrong. At the 2007 Australian Open this year Roddick was using scatological language against his  black French opponent Jo Wilfred Tsonga. Patrick McEnroe had the audacity to actually ”cheer” Roddick on for his obnoxious behavior. However, once the topic shifts to the Williams Sisters and Patrick McEnroe’s attitude is not only mean spirited its downright racist. Venus and Serena are the only American women winning grand slams. The state of American women’s tennis is also in a moment of flux. Yes Lindsay Davenport has returned but at the moment its the Williams Sisters delivering the hardware they won two out of the four slams this year. Yet Patrick McEnroe’s criticisms of the Williams Sisters is not only ludicrous it also demonstrates his lack of class. Where is McEnroe’s criticism of Andy Roddick? Why is there this double standard? The American men have failed at the grand slams for years where is McEnroe’s objectivity?

Patrick McEnroe’s “total devotion”to Andy Roddick is “very creepy” to listen to its as though he has “intense emotional feelings” for Andy Roddick. McEnroe is essentially a professional groupie he is paid by ESPN and CBS to hype Andy Roddick up despite the fact for the past four years he has failed to deliver the grand slam results. McEnroe hardly ever is “critical” of Roddick his love for Roddick is too strong. After Roddick loses one big match after another McEnroe’s attitude on the air is very somber as though he is crushed and distraught. Patrick McEnroe may be married to a woman but its clear his heart belongs to tennis star Andy Roddick.

The sports arena is one of the few places in society that allows men the opportunities to be “passionate” about other males. The sports world is one of the few places in society where “homosocial” relationships can occur without judgement. The word “homosocial” does not mean “homosexual”. The term “homosocial” is referring to social constructs and social spheres.  Men want to engage in “homosocial” relationships with each other by “gathering” at sports bars, or somebody’s apartment or house this is a ”homosocial” setting. Sports is generally a space where ”men” want to “only” be around “other men” its a form of “male bonding”.

Sports is also one of the places where the “passionate feelings” men have for male athletes is palatable. Heterosexual men pay lots of money to attend sport events to express their “adoration” and ”love” for male athletes. The NBA, NFL, CFL, baseball, tennis, golf, hockey, soccer, are all sports where the power of homoeroticism not only exists it thrives with a strong pulse.

Male athletes are also a symbol of “masculinity” they are viewed as “desirable”. I am not suggesting just because male sports fans “like” a particular sport or sports means they are gay. I am suggesting that there is “more” to men just “loving” a sport or sports. Sports is an arena where ordinary men can “feel” an “electric connection” to the powerful, strong, muscular, and physically fit men they secretly desire to be.

 However, the issue of homoeroticism is the fuel that allows male sports stars to transform into cultural heroes. Men don’t just “like” the athletic skill of the male athlete they also admire the “physique” and the “looks” of the male athletes. Why can’t men be honest? Men don’t just admire the fact that Tiger Woods is a great golfer.  Men do “look” at the bodies of “other men” yet most men won’t “admit” this for the fear of being called “gay”.  It is not “gay” to admire the male form the biceps, the abs, the strength it is to be human. We all want to “look” better and male athletes are the perfect “specimens” of male beauty. Men also admire Tiger Woods strong muscular body and his strength since most male golfers are overweight and out of shape. Tiger Woods stands out because he takes his physical fitness seriously and men admire the dedication, drive, and ambition he has to maximize his potential. It also doesn’t hurt that Woods is attractive, young, and intelligent as well.

 It may not be a sexual attraction but the “attraction” the “allure” the ‘intense” interest is there it lingers and it grows and its real. Homoeroticism is one of the reasons male sports is so popular. Male fans don’t just appreciate “male athletes” surreptitiously some male fans not only “want to be” the “male sports star” they are also “in love” with the male sports star. Its one of sports worst kept secrets.

Patrick McEnroe appears to be living ”vicariously” through Andy Roddick. McEnroe comes across as though there is an unrequited love affair between himself and Andy Roddick’s tennis career. McEnroe is so desperate for Roddick to live up to his “dreams”, “expectations”, and “goals”. The way Patrick McEnroe boasts about Roddick’s so called “contender status” for the past four years yet he consistently has failed to produce the results proves McEnroe’s  devotion to Roddick. 

Patrick McEnroe’s homoerotic feelings for Roddick moves beyond just wanting him to “succeed” on the tennis court. Patrick McEnroe “wants to be” Andy Roddick. McEnroe’s tennis identity was of a “loser” and not “winner” like his older brother John. Andy Roddick is the tennis star that Patrick McEnroe believes can help him “lose” his “loser” status. When John McEnroe was holding various Wimbledon and US OPEN trophies and being number one in the world Patrick was in the background. Patrick was never blessed with the natural tennis gifts of his older brother John he simply was not talented enough to be a tennis champion. Its obvious Patrick McEnroe is desperate to no longer be a “loser” he wants to hold his own tennis trophy to become a “winner”. If the United States wins the Davis Cup Patrick McEnroe can finally become a “winner” and hold the Davis Cup trophy.

Cliff Drysdale the other ESPN American commentator he’s pretty honest and fair. Drysdale knows Roddick is no contender and he won’t lie to the audience about this fact. The bottom line is Andy Roddick is not one of the elite male tennis players anymore.

Its been over four long years since an American male has won a grand slam singles title. The American media is restless due to the European domination of men’s tennis. The Americans have been spoiled because for most of the 1990s it was all Pete Sampras, Jim Courier, and Andre Agassi. Its obvious the current American male tennis generation is simply not as talented as Sampras, Courier, and Agassi. I am not suggesting that Andy Roddick cannot win another grand slam because I think he can. Roddick can win another major or majors but he would need a complete change in his attitude and his game to become a serious male tennis champion.

One of the major hypocrisies I’ve noticed about the USA media is their intense hatred for the Williams Sisters yet Andy Roddick gets a free pass. I wonder why does this occur? At the US OPEN this year the venom by the mainstream American media was not surprising but typically racist and predictable. The mainstream American media will criticize Serena Williams and call her “classless” for not giving praise to Justine Henin yet ignore Andy Roddick’s deleterious attitude. Last time I checked Serena won a grand slam this year the Australian Open. Andy Roddick hasn’t won a grand slam since the year 2003. I don’t read any articles taking Roddick to task about his party lifestyle or about his lack of commitment to tennis. Roddick is also known for changing coaches the way people change shoes. Whenever Roddick is losing he always gets himself a new coach yet his problems remain the same. Its obvious Andy Roddick has a major attitude problem. Roddick’s problems are more “internal” then “external” he clearly has a conflict within himself. Roddick charges the net even though he cannot volley very well. Roddick does not know how to hit solid low volleys. Perhaps Roddick needs a sports psychologist?

Roddick is immature to the extreme he claims to be cognizant of his incendiary emotional outbursts. However, it is not even a joke anymore its to be expected and its time for the ATP tour to crack down on Andy Roddick. Roddick should be fined for his abusive behavior towards the chair umpires and fellow tennis players he acts like a mad man on the court. Its really scary how obnoxious Roddick is on the court. Where are the articles criticizing Roddick about his immaturity? Or does Roddick get a free pass because he’s a white American male? Yet the mainstream USA media ignores his unprofessionalism on the tennis court. Whenever Andy Roddick is losing he’s a ticking time bomb he will whine and complain to the chair umpire about anything, he will even shout at his opponents.

Roddick is also not popular with other male tennis players. Ivan Ljubicic and various other players have lashed out at Roddick for his unprofessionalism on the tennis court. Roddick’s lack of emotional maturity costs him to lose matches. John McEnroe also had a temper but he also was more intelligent then Roddick. Yes, John was known for being explosive on the court he would eventually get over his anger and focus on trying to win the tennis match. Andy Roddick is the opposite his anger manifests itself and festers into a cancer. Roddick’s anger boils over into the rest of his game he telegraphs poor body language by hanging his head down, slumping his shoulders, and you know he’s going to lose the match. If Roddick would just grow up and act like a real man on the tennis court maybe he would win more matches. Why make a big deal about nothing?

Another problem for Roddick is the fact he’s not getting any younger he’s in mid career now at the age of twenty five. Roddick is now a veteran he’s not a new kid on the block. Now there is a new younger generation of players that are targeting him.The younger European players such as Novak Djokovic have already passed Roddick in the rankings. Djokovic also defeated Roddick in straight sets at the Masters event in Montreal this year.

Also, McEnroe is also the Davis Cup captain for the United States. McEnroe basically got his job as a tennis commentator due to nepotism. Let’s be real here Patrick McEnroe wasn’t a champion he wasn’t even a top ten player. Patrick McEnroe was not a tennis champion he’s just John McEnroe’s less talented less obnoxious brother.

Although I find John McEnroe belligerent at times at least he was a champion and he is always honest about Andy Roddick’s limited tennis abilities. Earlier this year John McEnroe said rising Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic is clearly ahead of Andy Roddick and of course he is correct. However, Patrick’s “devotion” to Andy Roddick is bordering on “homoeroticism”. Its just bizarre the way how Patrick continues to make excuses for the futility in Andy Roddick’s game. Patrick is blinded by his “ love” for Andy Roddick. Is Patrick McEnroe in love with Andy Roddick? I mean you got to wonder?

One result tennis fans don’t have to worry about is world number one Roger Federer defeating Andy Roddick. Federer now has a 15-1 record against Roddick he hasn’t lost to him since the 2003 Canadian Open.I continue to be amazed at Andy Roddick’s incredible immaturity on the tennis court. Now plenty of tennis players smash their rackets I understand that Marat Safin does that all the time. However, Safin does not attempt to intimidate his opponents as Roddick does when he’s losing. Yesterday against world number one Roger Federer I was disgusted with the lack of sportsmanship of Andy Roddick. Roddick utters the phrase “I’m getting better Roger” as Roger is thrashing him on the court. What was the point for Roddick to make such a stupid comment during the match? Roger was actually laughing at Andy Roddick because when Roddick makes outbursts like this he knows he’s already lost.

The mainstream American media created this artificial rivalry when its obvious none exists between Roger Federer and the American men. One topic the mainstream press ignores is the obvious intense animosity between Roger Federer and Andy Roddick. Although Rafael Nadal has a winning record against Roger Federer these two guys actually respect one another and even defend each other in the media. Roger Federer allowed Rafael Nadal to travel with him from the Masters event in Montreal this year to Cincinnati on his private jet.

My perspective is Roger doesn’t appreciate Andy’s lack of class on the tennis court and he gives 110% every single time he plays Roddick because he wants to humiliate him. Roger enjoys destroying Andy Roddick’s self confidence and he relishes in watching Roddick self destruct on the court becoming upset and agitated. Its basically a broken record. Roger let’s his racket do the talking. In press conferences Roger will say all the politically correct statements but its obvious he has a fire in his eyes when he plays Andy Roddick. Roger doesn’t respect Andy Roddick because he doesn’t approve of Roddick’s immaturity on the tennis court. Andy is obviously distraught whenever he plays Roger he will say in press conferences that he’s “ready” for the challenge but the truth is he has absolutely no confidence when he plays Roger. Andy is ”frightened” and “terrified” even though he claims otherwise. Andy Roddick is also clearly very confused and doesn’t know what to do when he plays Roger.

Roddick is also “obsessed” with Roger Federer to the extreme. Roddick changed his game in “hope” of beating Roger but he has failed every single time. The quandary for Roddick is since he’s so “obsessed” with Roger Federer and he “constantly” thinks about Roger “all the time” he let the rest of his game slip. Roddick never should of left Brad Gilbert he was the right kind of coach he could deal with Roddick.

Roger has a quiet intensity and maturity he focuses on the task at hand and he doesn’t let his emotions overwhelm him. Roger definitely picks up his game to another gear whenever he plays Roddick. Last year at the Masters Cup Roddick had three match points against Roger Federer and he could of closed the drought but he capitulated. At the end of last year’s Masters Cup Roddick continued to utter the line “I’m closing the gap.” At the 2007 Australian Open Roger blasted Roddick off the court only allowing him to win six games. Roger made sure he sent the message to Roddick the gap is not closing its as wide as the Grand Canyon!

At the 2007 US OPEN John McEnroe and a special guest Andre Agassi were honest they didn’t give Roddick much of a chance to beat Roger and of course they were correct. The tone during the USA network telecast it appeared to me that John and Andre were demoralized and felt “pity” for Roddick. During the match Andre said it was “unfortunate” that Andy Roddick was born in the “Federer era” because he said great champions need to have two great weapons but he said Roger had five.

At the Masters Cup Roger did lose his first match in a shock loss to Fernando Gonzalez so I thought that perhaps Roger could be vulnerable but once again he rolls over Roddick.Roddick even admitted that the players that give Roger trouble tend to be “quick” and he says its not one of his “strengths.” Since Roddick is “cognizant” that he isn’t “quick” maybe he needs to lay off the “beer” and spend more time in the gym. Its obvious Andy Roddick isn’t improving his game. Roddick appears clumsy, extremely slow, and uncoordinated on the court. Roddick also appears to get tired during matches he’s not physically fit enough to challenge the real top contenders.Roddick clearly is not working on foot drills his footwork is atrocious. Roddick also stands too far behind the baseline when he is returning serve its just not a very intelligent thing to do.

Another problem for Roddick although he has a big serve his serve is simply too predictable. Roger Federer and the rest of the ATP Tour have figured out all they have to do is block Andy Roddick’s serve and they most likely will win the point. Another quandary for Roddick is his backhand it simply is not a well produced groundstroke. Andy Roddick does not hit through his backhand he doesn’t produce enough pace. David Nalbandian’s game bothers Roger Federer because he not only serves well he also moves well and he has an excellent two handed backhand down the line.

I am not suggesting that Roddick is overweight because he’s not but he clearly appears “bulky” he just doesn’t look fit. Roddick is not giving 110% to his fitness. At the Indianapolis event this year during his loss to Canadian tennis star Frank Dancevic Roddick created the excuse that he wasn’t feeling well. Its obvious Roddick doesn’t train hard enough. Roddick should be trying to improve his speed through sprint drills. Tennis is not just about power its also about placement and movement. Yes, Andy Roddick is six foot two but Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are also over six feet and they are very fast. Federer and Nadal take their fitness seriously and are cognizant of the fact speed is so crucial on the tennis court. Roddick is not blessed with the natural talent and gifts of Federer and Nadal but he can lose a bit of weight make himself lighter on the court and perhaps have more energy as well.

Roddick’s compatriot James Blake is actually more naturally talented then Roddick he’s a better athlete, he’s much faster then Roddick, he has a superior forehand, return of serve, and a better backhand. However, Blake is just not not as mentally strong as Roddick is. Blake has slipped in the ATP tour rankings down to number thirteen in the world. Perhaps this is where Blake belongs  anyway? Blake has not had any results in the grand slams to suggest he deserves a place in the top ten. Roddick does give his all in his matches and he never gives up.  James Blake is known to slump his shoulders if he’s losing and mentally give up he doesn’t try hard enough he doesn’t give 110% all the time. Blake also makes numerous excuses when he loses big matches.

James Blake is known for capitulating matches or simply choking matches due to his nerves. Blake could be challenging Federer he already has a 3-0 record against Nadal. The problem with Blake is his mind, one handed backhand, and his serve. Blake serves with a locked wrist he’s not getting enough acceleration on the ball. Blake has the talent to be a contender but he doesn’t believe he can. Another obvious flaw in Blake’s game is his backhand he can hit a solid one handed top spin backhand. However, Blake has no variety on his backhand he has not improved a solid one handed slice. Blake’s one handed slice has no side spin, no edge, and no power, as Roger Federer’s one handed slice backhand.

 Interestingly, Patrick McEnroe is very critical of James Blake when he is on ESPN or other TV networks that it borderlines on the offensive. Its just surprising that Patrick McEnroe can “pretend” to be so “clueless” when he is commentating Andy Roddick’s matches about Roddick’s weaknesses yet he doesn’t have a problem pointing out James Blake’s faults.

The Davis Cup finals is next month and the question a lot of people are asking is will Patrick McEnroe allow a chronic choker such as James Blake to play singles? A lot is on the line not only for the USA Davis Cup team but also for Patrick McEnroe. McEnroe wants some kind of “legacy” some kind of “stamp of approval” that he did indeed contribute to American men’s tennis. McEnroe was an adequate tennis player but he was not a winner and capturing the Davis Cup could change that. The Russians are so deep in talent they don’t need Marat Safin to win and they have proven that this year. However, for the finals the Russians most likely will need Safin. The problem for the Russians is that Safin is so unpredictable. If Safin is playing his best tennis he can beat Andy Roddick and James Blake. The other Russians have a better shot at beating Blake. Mikhail Youzhny has beaten Blake before, Dimitri Tursunov can definitely beat Blake. Nikoklay Davydenko is a top five player he has the ability to beat Blake as well. The Russians have the chance to shock the Americans on their own soil. The Davis Cup finals is definitely in the Americans hands because they have the Bryan twins a solid doubles team and they do have Andy Roddick. James Blake has proven that he is the weakest link.

Its well known that Blake simply cannot win the important matches in Davis Cup or at the grand slams. Blake always folds under pressure. Perhaps Blake could “rise” and actually pull through for the USA? The question remains when the pressure is on in the fifth set can Blake win it? After all Blake has a 1-10 record in five set matches. Will McEnroe replace James Blake with the young Americans Donald Young or even John Isner? Isner has a monster serve but he also had a solid summer and he’s good on hard courts. However, Isner and Young are also very inexperienced. McEnroe could use Marty Fish but he’s also a choker and Robby Ginepri is a talented player that simply has not lived up to his potential. Some may gripe and say McEnroe would be out of line to do this but the bottom line is Patrick McEnroe desperately wants to win the Davis Cup. Will McEnroe give Blake a chance to redeem himself or risk losing all including his job as Davis Cup captain? Andy Roddick and James Blake also have their own incentives to win the Davis Cup they want to “prove” they can win a big event on the world stage.

The Davis Cup many not be a grand slam but is a very prestigious event. Patrick McEnroe during his professional tennis career was never a winner he wasn’t even a solid player. McEnroe, Blake, and Roddick have all have the badge of being “consistent losers”. If the USA can win the Davis Cup this could “elevate” Roddick, Blake, and McEnroe from being “consistent losers” to becoming champions. The Bryan Twins consistently win grand slam double events they are winners. If the USA Davis Cup team did not have the Bryan Twins they wouldn’t be in the finals.

Perhaps the Davis Cup can provide Blake and Roddick with the ammunition and motivation to work harder on their games and rise back into the elite? Roddick, Blake, and McEnroe are desperate for redemption their “pride” is at stake. It would be considered a very embarrassing result if the Americans lost to Russia on home soil in the Davis Cup finals. The knives and blades would be unearthed and the mainstream USA media would start carving at the last ounce of self esteem they have left. Let’s face it if the USA does not win the Davis Cup this year McEnroe should quit as Davis Cup captain.