Andy Roddick opens up about his battle with cancer
Andy Roddick was one of the best tennis players of the early 21st century. Nicknamed 'A-Rod', he was a sensational striker who reached number 1 in the ATP in 2003, the year he won his only Grand Slam (US Open).
But in 2012, right after he turned 30, the American tennis player chose to put down the racket and hang the boots. That same year, after his retirement, Roddick was diagnosed with skin cancer.
Andy Roddick shared the news himself on his successful podcast 'Served'. He was open about his chronic illness and the challenges he faced in life.
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"I have had to deal with several types of skin cancer since I stopped playing," commented the former tennis player, in an episode with the legendary Bryan brothers.
Photo: Youtube - Served by Andy Roddick
"I had a squamous cell tumor removed from my lip, probably five or six years ago. I'd never talked about it," Andy Roddick confirmed.
The American has gone public with his health conditions to raise awareness about the importance of protecting yourself from the adverse effects of the sun.
"I'm going to be a kind of battle ax for the rest of my life. Put sunscreen on your children, especially if they play tennis. The problem may not appear when the child is 8 years old, but it could do so when he or she is 38," Roddick warns.
There are tennis matches that last for hours, under a scorching sun. Andy Roddick knows what he's talking about. He has two children with model and actress Brooklyn Decker.
The former tennis player confirmed on his podcast that he undergoes "check-ups repeatedly" and that "everything is going well".
The way Andy Roddick has communicated with his fans, alongside his continued fight against his illness, is an example to follow. His calm and composed attitude is truly remarkable. Let us know what you think in the comments.
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