Andy Roddick has become an active and successful businessman ever since he hung his boots in 2012. The 41-year-old has built a large staple of investments including a new video technology startup called SwingVision, a company whose goal is to revolutionise how tennis is viewed and officiated.
Andy joins a growing list of ex-tennis players who have extended their legacy outside tennis through entrepreneurship. The list includes Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams and Roger Federer. Now, with a new investment, Roddick is looking to create substantial changes in the sport.
Andy Roddick convinces Davenport for SwingVision investment
Ever since he retired at the age of 30, Andy Roddick has maintained a close relationship with the tennis world. From working as a commentator on major grand slams to keeping fans regularly updated on the sport in social media, Roddick has kept himself up to date with the happenings in the tennis world.
Roddick managed to convince former USA no.1 female player Lindsay Davenport to invest with him in SwingVision. The technology company that uses analytics to streamline the statistical and officiating part of tennis recently raised over $6 million in series A funding.
Along with Roddick and Davenport, Indian doubles veteran Rohan Bopanna, and Americans James Blake and Alison Riske-Amritraj came on board as investors. Lindsay Davenport, who has four children, all into tennis, with her eldest child playing juniors at a high level, talked about how Roddick managed to convince her by explaining the features of the app.
“When Andy talks, I tend to listen a little more. He was telling me about the features. With SwingVision, it evens the playing field for everybody. You are able to get the data if you want,” she said.
Along with SwingVision, Roddick has also invested in ViewFi, HumanCo and Travis Mathew Apparel. These investments coupled with his brand endorsements and tennis earnings have raised his net worth to over $40 million.
Roddick’s tennis achievements
After playing in the junior level from 1997 to 2000, Roddick broke through to the professional level in 2001 when he defeated Pete Sampras and other top stars. However, it was 2003 when he showcased his potential as he reached the semifinals of Wimbledon and won the US Open title by defeating Juan Carlos Ferrero in three sets.
This was Andy’s first and only grand slam title to date, but he continued playing exceptional tennis at the top level by reaching the Wimbledon final multiple times in the following years. He also won numerous ATP tour titles. 2009 saw Roddick play his longest ever final at Wimbledon when he lost to Roger Federer in a tight match that saw the last set’s scoreline reading 14-16.
The late 2000s saw Roddick gradually lose form and drop out of the top 10 in the rankings after a long time. Eventually, Roddick called it a day in 2012 and retired from tennis.
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