Rain can't ruin Roddick's love of English life
Andy Roddick admits he is relishing the chance to indulge his love of English culture during the numerous rain breaks that have disrupted the start of his grass-court campaign at Queen's this week.
Andy Roddick admits he is relishing the chance to indulge his love of English culture during the numerous rain breaks that have disrupted the start of his grass-court campaign at Queen's this week.
Roddick could have been forgiven for cursing the British climate as yet another heavy downpour delayed the start of his Queen's quarter-final against Fernando Verdasco on Friday.
But the 28-year-old American has always been more at home in England than anywhere else on the ATP Tour, so he has no complaints about a little extra free time to contemplate the more unique aspects of British life.
Only the rules of cricket and the English use of the expression "chalk and cheese" to explain the contrast between something continue to confuse Roddick.
"I have a problem calling anything where you wear formal pants a sport. I have a problem that you have a break for tea and with anything that you play for five days and can still end in a tie," he told The Times.
"I think I understand most of the British culture. I am still trying to get the rules of cricket.
"I've never understood 'chalk and cheese' - I know they're supposed to be different but it just sounds disgusting. If you ever want me to skip a meal just keep saying that beforehand!"
"But I love being here, I love this tournament, I love this whole month over here."
It is hardly a surprise Roddick is so fond of the month he spends in London playing at Queen's and then Wimbledon.
He has always thrived on England's grass-courts, winning Queen's a record-equalling four times and reaching three Wimbledon finals, only to be frustrated on each occasion by Roger Federer.
Roddick would love to end his long quest for a Wimbledon title, but for now he is happy aiming for a record fifth Queen's crown - once the rain finally relents.
"I'm trying to make the most of being here. I have always loved Queen's for Queen's. I don't play Queen's for Wimbledon," he said.
"Obviously we come here with Wimbledon as the end goal but this still is a very important tournament for me."