The Paris Olympics is nearing its end after a remarkable display of athletic prowess in various sports. Each nation chose its top athletes in hopes of securing medals. While Team USA also sent their finest players, including Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Danielle Collins, and Taylor Fritz, they did not make as strong of an impact as others. Former American tennis legend Andy Roddick shares his thoughts on their performance.
During a recent episode of his podcast, “Serving with Andy Roddick,” the former star discussed Team USA’s performance in the Olympics. He had high expectations for his fellow countrymen but was disappointed when none of them managed to win a medal. “I have been supporting the women on Tennis Channel live. They asked me that question three weeks ago, and I said, listen, Gauff and Pegula, doubles, the whole situation. You would have probably bet on the US women. So they have to be a little bit let down,” Roddick expressed.
Roddick’s comment referred to Gauff and Pegula’s loss in the second round against Czech Republican Karolina Muchova and Linda Noskova. Despite being top-seeded players, they were unable to secure a medal in the doubles event. Roddick also mentioned his disappointment with Navarro and Collins’ performances, as he believed they would bring glory to Team USA in the Olympics.
Navarro, who made her Olympic debut in Paris, lost to Qinwen Zheng in the third round, ending her hopes of winning a medal. Meanwhile, Collins, the Miami Open winner, retired during her match against Iga Swiatek due to dehydration and cramps, leading her to withdraw from the quarterfinals. Roddick was disheartened by the performances of both Collins and Navarro, as he had expected more from them.
The former American ATP star further commented, “Such is life, such is sports. Nothing is scripted, and there are no guarantees. That’s why it’s the best reality show in the world,” referring to Team USA. While he was saddened by the loss of the women who stepped up, he found a heartwarming moment that stood out in his mind after the tennis events concluded at the Games.
Despite Roddick’s frustration with his country’s team, he took a moment to praise Tomas Machac and Katerina Siniakova for winning a gold medal in the mixed doubles event at the Paris Olympics. Referring to rumors of their separation and their post-victory kiss, Roddick remarked, “When I read about it initially, they were together. Then, midway through the reports, it was like they broke up before the tournament. But they were smooching at the end after winning gold. I mean, to be fair, I think I would smooch any partner I had if I won a gold medal, so props to them.”
While Coco Gauff, Emma Navarro, Jessica Pegula, and Danielle Collins may not have performed up to expectations at the Paris Olympics, all four gave their best to uphold their country’s pride. However, not every day is the same for everyone. With that in mind, people hope that Team USA will showcase their magic at the LA 2028 Olympics.
Photo from Coco Gauff Instagram
