"No child should miss out" - Andy Roddick shares heartfelt words after being announced as award recipient at US Open 2024 for philanthropic efforts

Former US Open champion Andy Roddick will be awarded the USTA (United States Tennis Association) Foundation's Serving Up Dreams Award at the 2024 US Open. Following the announcement the 41-year-old left an inspirational message for under-resourced youth.

Roddick will receive this award due to his philanthropic efforts through the 'Andy Roddick Foundation', founded in 2000. The foundation is committed to uplifting children from the economically weaker section in sports and education.

Following the announcement Roddick recalled the day he discovered his passion for tennis. He highlighted that many young people don’t find their passion as they lack opportunities.

“I was 9 years old when I first picked up a racquet and realized that tennis was what I wanted to do with my life. I found my passion early on, and many young people just don’t have that,” Roddick said ( Via US Open.com)

The American further emphasized that every child deserves to reach their potential regardless of their circumstances.

“No child should ever miss out on their potential because they didn’t have an opportunity. That’s why this honor means so much to me–it’s all about helping the next generation of kids to become the best version of themselves, regardless of their circumstances,” he added.

The USTA Foundation's Serving Up Dreams Award is given annually to recognize those whose ethics match the USTA Foundation's mission to uplift under-resourced youth.

Andy Roddick Foundation collaborated with TXPOST in March to refine the skills of youth and afterschool professionals

2012 US Open - Day 4

The Andy Roddick Foundation collaborated with TXPOST (Texas Partnership for Out of School Time) earlier this year to promote strategies for improving teamwork, relationship-building, and self-awareness skills among youth.

"The Andy Roddick Foundation joined forces with TXPOST at the National AfterSchool Association Convention to focus on implementing innovative strategies aimed at enhancing teamwork, relationship-building, and self-awareness skills amongst our youth," Roddick's foundation announced on Instagram.

The foundation further highlighted the role of the NAA ( National AfterSchool Association) in elevating the proficiency of afterschool professionals. Its contributions will provide continuous learning opportunities to the youth.

"NAA brought together 1600 afterschool professionals in our home state, fostering invaluable connections, investing in professional growth, and deepening conversations about the importance of a quality workforce to ensure sustained learning opportunities beyond traditional classroom settings for all young people," they added.

The American retired in 2012 and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame five years later. Other than giving time to his foundation, Roddick also runs a tennis podcast, 'Served with Andy Roddick', where he discusses the nitty-gritty of the sport with numerous experts.