It didn't end the way we all had hoped, but when does it? Andy Roddick was eliminated from the U.S. Open late this afternoon losing to Juan Martin del Potro in four sets. Roddick announced before the tournament that it would be his last, and he would then retire.     

After winning the first set 7-6, Roddick lost the next three and stayed true on his word to retire from the game. With his family and wife in attendance, Roddick addressed the crowd in New York to thank them for everything over his 12-year career. Potro now advances to the Quarter Finals. 
 
Roddick's highlight of his career came in 2003 when he won his first and only Grand Slam title, defeating Juan Carlos Ferrero at the U.S. Open. It only seemed fitting to end his career on his terms, at the place where he had the most success over the course of his career. 
 
Andy Roddick was the best American tennis player of my generation, and although I often criticized him for only winning a single Grand Slam title, I learned he played with some of the greatest tennis players of all time. Rodger Federer and Rafael Nadal are both "Michael Jordans" of the tennis world. It's hard to be the best when you have the play the best, ask Karl Malone.
 
So now that Roddick has retired it's time for a new American to capture our hearts in the tennis world. No one will do it with the flair Roddick expressed. He was never shy to speak his mind as he often reminded us as a modern John McEnroe. Who knows what he will decide to do next in his life, probably decide to become a broadcaster like every other former professional athlete. It doesn't hurt that he's married to supermodel Brooklyn Decker either.     
  
TL;DR Andy Roddick lost in the Round of 16 at the U.S. Open and will now retire from the sport of tennis.

Andy Roddick's career over [ESPN]

Posted by Mowry under Sports