By Joe Anuta
Tennis fans bid farewell to two big names at the 2012 US Open Wednesday, one of them for good.
Andy Roddick announced his retirement Aug. 30 after the start of the tournament and was put out to pasture by Argentinian Juan Martin Del Potro in a 6-7, 7-6, 6-2, 6-4 match. Roddick is ranked 20th and Del Portro seventh in the world.
Fans rallied around the 2003 US Open winner, and shouts of “New York loves you, Andy!” filled the stadium before the American hit long on the final shot of his career, giving Del Potro the win.
Roddick, 30, said farewell to the crowd at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in a short speech.
“I don’t know what the emotions are,” Roddick said in an interview after the match.
When asked to reflect on his time as what many consider the face of American tennis, Roddick profusely thanked the friends, mentors and relatives who helped him out along the way.
“The thing that is certain is that I didn’t take any of it for granted,” he said.
Following his 2003 US Open win, Roddick made it to the finals of several singles tournaments, but was always defeated by Swiss player Roger Federer. But Federer will not be taking home the trophy at the 2012 Open.
The No. 1-ranked player in the world was upset by Czech player Tomas Berdych Wednesday in a 7-6, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 match, who will move on to the men’s semifinals. Berdych is ranked sixth.
“I’m disappointed, you know,” Federer said in an inteview following the match. “I really expected myself to play better tonight.”
Reach reporter Joe Anuta by e-mail at januta@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4566.
