Andy Roddick announced Thursday night the U.S. Open will be the final event of his career.
On his 30th birthday, Roddick called a retirement press conference to announce his decision that has been speculated since losing in the third round at Wimbledon. He plays his second round match Friday night vs. Bernard Tomic.
“I felt I’d know when I got to this tournament,’’ Roddick said. “When I got to my first round match, I knew. It’s been a process (the decision). Just the way my body feels and the way I can compete now, I don’t know if it’s good enough…Walking off at Wimbledon, I thought I knew (too).’’
Roddick, seeded 21st, has just one Grand Slam title – the 2003 US Open. He would reach No. 1 in the world in November of that year.
“I have a lot of interest and things that excite me,’’ Roddick said. “I didn’t want to disrespect the game and coast home. It’s time.’’
Roddick beat American qualifier Rhyne Williams in the first round on Tuesday. He said he did not think retiring at this point in his career is premature.
“I don’t know if it’s early,” he said. “A number is a number. Wear and tear and miles is not an age thing.’’
Roddick did not want to become just another player on the tour after years near the top of the game.
“I just feel like it’s time,” Roddick said. “I don’t know that I’m healthy enough or committed enough to go another year. I don’t know I’ve ever been someone who’s interested in existing on tour.”
The most symbolic moment in Roddick’s career was him losing Wimbledon three years ago to Roger Federer in The Finals with the fifth set going a marathon 16-14.
“I don’t know if I’d change much.” he said. “I think everybody would want to win a match or two more. Had I won a match or two more, we’d be looking back at something a little bit different.”