Andy Roddick was one of the most popular tennis players in the world when he was active and as the top American he often had many fans at the U.S. Open, which is why it was fitting that he retired at the tournament last year.
Roddick made his announcement as a surprise in 2012 and said that when he loses (or if he could have won) in the tournament, it will be his last match as a professional on tour. Roddick stunned many in and out of the tinny world and now he stars on Fox Sports 1 as a panel member for Fox Sports Live.
Roddick was seeded 20th last year and made his way through into the fourth round, where he finished after losing to Juan Martin del Portro 6-7 (1), 7-6 (4), 6-2, 6-4 to end his fantastic career. He won one Grand Slam at the US Open and also nearly defeated Roger Federer at Wimbledon before losing.
Since I was a kid, I've been coming to this tournament. I felt lucky just to sit where all of you are sitting today, to watch this game, to see the champions that have come and gone," Roddick told the fans. "I've loved every minute of it."
James Blake made a similar announcement in 2013, as the American star and Davis Cup teammate of Roddick will retire after the tournament this year. Blake has played in three quarterfinals at the US Open, losing to Roger Federer and Andre Agassi over the years and now he will retire after coming back from a possible career ending injury and he was once number four in the world.