While there’s never a perfect time to end a sports career, tennis’ Andy Roddick did his best last week to depart on his own terms — and chose New York as his place to say so long.
Announcing just a few days before that he would retire after this year’s US Open, Roddick bowed out gracefully Wednesday after a loss to Juan Martin del Potro in the quarterfinals.
Certainly, there couldn’t have been a more appropriate place to call it a career.
Flushing was the site of Roddick’s greatest victory: He won his sole Grand Slam at the Open in 2003, the year he finished as the world No. 1 — the last American to do so.
Roddick had the misfortune of coming along at the end of a golden age of American men’s tennis — the careers of Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi were winding down — and the simultaneous rise of one of the all-time greats, Roger Federer.
Roddick would lose to the Swiss master in four Grand Slam finals, three at Wimbledon — including a 2009 epic match where Federer prevailed 16-14 in the fifth set.
Despite Federer’s dominance, Roddick was a great player in his own right. His powerful forehand helped win him 32 tournaments over a 12-year career, and he finished in the top 10 for nine straight years.
Unlike many top players, Roddick also believed in playing for his country — winning 33 matches in Davis Cup play and leading the US team to the 2007 championship.
Also unlike many players, Roddick generally conducted himself with class and good humor on and off the court.
Happy trails, Andy.