Andy Roddick to Retire From Pro Tennis After U.S. Open
Andy Roddick
Andy Roddick celebrated his 30th birthday in very surprising fashion — by announcing his retirement from professional tennis after the U.S. Open.
"I'll make this short and sweet: I've decided that this is going to be my last tournament," he told reporters at a press conference Thursday, according to the Associated Press. "I just feel like it's time. I don't know that I'm healthy enough or committed enough to go another year."
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Roddick is the last American to win a Grand Slam singles title when he won the U.S. Open back in 2003. Just 21 at the time, Roddick was the youngest American player to reach No. 1 and became the year-end No. 1 player in 2003 as well. He won at least one title during each of his 12 years on the professional tennis circuit.
"I've always wanted to, in a perfect world, finish at this event," he said. "I've thought all year that I would know when I got to this tournament, and when I played the first round, I knew."
After his U.S. Open victory, Roddick lost in four other Grand Slam finals, every time to Roger Federer. "I think I wanted an opportunity to say goodbye to people, as well. I don't know how tomorrow's going to go, and I hope it goes well, and I'm sticking around," Roddick said. "If I do run into some emotions tomorrow or in four days, I don't want people to think I'm a little unstable. Or more unstable. So that's why I came to this decision."
Roddick is married to Just Go With It actress Brooklyn Decker.