American Andy Roddick Officially Retires From Pro Tour

Written by: Staff on 6th September 2012

American Andy Roddick Officially Retires From Pro Tour |

American Andy Roddick has retired from tennis with his head held high, joking his way out of the game after a 6-7 (1-7), 7-6 (7-4), 6-2, 6-4 loss to Juan Del Potro in the fourth round of the US Open.

With the wit that has characterized his career, Roddick was quick with a response when asked how he wanted to be remembered: “I want everyone to look back and think that I was awesome,” adding: “I’m probably not going to be opposed to a beer or ten (in celebration)). We’ll see how that goes.”

Roddick’s last match needed two days to be completed due to rain. The 30-year-old said last week that the Open would be his last tournament. “I don’t know what the emotions are. I’m a little overwhelmed right now,” said the player who defined the home game for a decade, standing world No. 1 for 13 weeks and winning 612 matches and 32 titles.

He won his only Grand Slam – the last claimed by an American man – at the Open nine years ago. “I normally feel like I can grasp things pretty quickly and clearly; I certainly don’t feel that way right now.

“This was all new for me. I had seen most things that this game had to offer, and this was entirely new” said Roddick. “It was emotional, but not emotional like we normally have it.

“It’s normally a very selfish emotion for us. If we do badly then it costs us something; if we do well we get great things. This was about something bigger. It wasn’t about ranking points or paychecks or anything else.

“It was fun. This week I felt like I was 12 years old playing in a park. It was extremely innocent. That was fun. I enjoyed it.”

Roddick, based in Austin, is expected to devote more time to his charity foundation as he finds his way in his new life.

©Daily Tennis News Wire

Topics: Andy Roddick, Juan Martin Del Potro, Sports, Tennis News, US Open 2012