Andy Roddick Says Goodbye

American tennis player Andy Roddick played the final match of his career on Wednesday afternoon, falling to Juan Martin Del Potro in the quarterfinals of the US Open, the tournament Roddick won for his lone Grand Slam championship in 2003.  Roddick won the first set in a tiebreak, but was unable to carry over his momentum in the final three sets and fell 6-7, 7-6, 6-2, 6-4.  He enters retirement with 32 career titles.
Roddick has always been my favorite tennis player.  I grew up watching him and it was because of Roddick that I caught the tennis "bug" - I played more and more after his US Open win in 2003.  Even through his struggles, Roddick was incredibly entertaining, not only because of his thundering serve but because of his attitude and his humor.  There was never a dull moment with him on the court, and he deserved better than to lose to Roger Federer four times in grand slam finals. Leaving the sport as his body breaks down, Roddick will be remembered as a player who was not blessed with the incredible quickness and gifts of a Federer, but instead ground out wins based on heart and the pure desire to win.
Now 30, Roddick figures to begin a family with his wife Brooklyn Decker.  And really, how can he lose in that situation?
Thanks for a great career, Andy.

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