Andy Roddick announced at a press conference Thursday that he would retire after the U.S. Open. Roddick, who celebrated his 30th birthday Thursday, told reporters that he did not know if he was healthy or committed enough to continue playing for another year. Roddick had previously planned to play a reduced schedule of events in 2013, but said Thursday he "didn't want to disrespect the game by coasting home."
This year's U.S. Open will conclude a 12-year pro career for Roddick, who will be remembered as the best American player of the post-Pete Sampras era in professional tennis. He will also be remembered for being blocked on the road to more Grand Slam titles by Roger Federer.
Roddick's only major title came at the 2003 U.S. Open, when he defeated Juan Carlos Ferrero in straight sets. He also made three Wimbledon finals (2004, 2005, and 2009), as well as the 2006 U.S. Open final. On all four occasions, he was defeated by Federer, most memorably in the 2009 Wimbledon gentleman's final, in which the fifth and final set ended 16-14.
Roddick, the No. 20 seed on the men's side, will face Bernard Tomic in a second-round singles match at Arthur Ashe Stadium Friday night.
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