On Thursday morning, Mercedes-Benz Cup tournament director Bob
Kramer was talking about the importance of having two to three
superstars in the draw.
Well, one day later the biggest star dropped out and
what’s left is an aging legend, four young Americans who
haven’t met expectations, and a slew of names most fans
can’t even pronounce.
Andy Roddick’s withdrawal on Friday was devastating news
for a tournament that sorely needed him. A steady presence near the
top of the rankings, the 22-year-old fan-favorite would have lent a
prestige that’s impossible to replace.
In his absence, there’s not a player in the field
that’s ranked in the top five and the number of Grand Slam
champions has been cut in half.
Every time Roddick steps on the court, he brings a booming serve
and a benchmark for success. He would have been the clear-cut
favorite this week, the major roadblock that would have made the
title more meaningful for any player competing. But just as
importantly, he would have provided a marketable name in a sport
that lacks recognizable celebrities.
“He has the hip personality,” Kramer said. “He
understands the entertainment value of the sport.”
That is what the Mercedes-Benz Cup will miss most this year.
Ticket sales aren’t likely to take a hit, but overall
interest will.
Casual fans don’t tune into sporting events unless they
know something about the competitors. And by and large, television
viewers don’t particularly care whether Nicholas Kiefer can
make the Mercedes-Benz Cup finals again or whether Taylor Dent will
serve-and-volley effectively.
Most fans like to see the marquee names because there’s a
sense of familiarity. Now, the tournament’s hopes of
satisfying this desire lay entirely in 35-year-old Andre Agassi,
who is still recovering from back and hip injuries.
When Roddick initially committed to the tournament, it gave the
event a more theatrical feel, fitting of its host city. That aura
has substantially dwindled now.
“It’s important to have a field instead of an
exhibition,” Kramer said. “You want to have headliners
and a supporting cast.”
Without Roddick, it’s hard to distinguish between the
two.
E-mail Finley at afinley@media.ucla.edu.