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Andy Roddick to retire after U.S. Open

2011 US Open
Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Former U.S. Open champion Andy Roddick announced that at the conclusion of this year’s Open he is hanging up his racket and retiring from tennis.

The 30-year-old 2003 champion announced his decision at a press conference on Thursday, August 30 ahead of his second round match Friday night.

“I just feel like it’s time. I don’t know that I’m healthy enough or committed enough to go another year. I’ve always wanted to, in a perfect world, finish at this event. I’ve thought all year that I would know when I got to this tournament,” Roddick said. “When I was playing my first round, I knew.”

The most well-known American tennis player of his generation, Roddick said he’s not sure if he can give 100 percent both physically and mentally.

Roddick has struggled with injuries and finished outside the top 10 for the first time since 2001. He is currently ranked 22nd.

Known for his powerful serve — clocked as high as 155 mph — Roddick reached number one in the world following his victory at the U.S. Open in 2003, the last American male to win a Grand Slam title.

“I was pretty good for a long time,” he said. “For 13 or 14 years, I was invested fully every day.”

Roddick’s next match is Friday night at 7 p.m. against Bernard Tomic.