Andy Roddick Will Retire After 2012 U.S. Open

Andy Roddick's Career Memorable For Both Wins And Almosts

Despite playing in the same era as Roger Federer, Andy Roddick managed to put together an admirable career, even if he will be remembered as much for what he almost accomplished as for what he did.

VIDEO: Andy Roddick Will Retire After 2012 U.S. Open, Shocking Fans

The biggest news on Thursday at the 2012 U.S. Open wasn't a loss on the court: it was Andy Roddick announcing that he'll be retiring at the end of his U.S. Open run. Roddick announced the decision in a press conference on Thursday, his 30th birthday, and our SB Nation Studios crew reacted to it.

Roddick has just one major, the 2003 U.S. Open, and despite reaching the world No. 1 ranking early in his career, has been no better than a contender for much of it. That's sort of what happens when you play in the same era as Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, though.

But the really surprising thing is that Roddick is going out before he is rudely shaken from the game's upper echelon. With some good tennis still before him, and two titles in 2012, Roddick has chosen to retire before he has to, saying "I don't want to disrespect the game by coasting home."

To stay updated with the 2012 U.S. Open, follow this StoryStream or check out SB Nation's tennis hub for more commentary. For live scoring updates, take a peek here.

Andy Roddick Will Retire After 2012 U.S. Open

Andy Roddick entered the week ranked No. 22 in the world and the 20th-seeded player at the 2012 U.S. Open, hoping to recapture his former form and once again play deep into the draw in Flushing Meadows. On Thursday, Roddick revealed that this will be his last chance for Grand Slam glory, as the American announced that he will retiring at the conclusion of the tournament.

Roddick made the announcement on his 30th birthday.

Earlier this summer, Roddick was knocked out of Wimbledon in the third round, and bore little resemblance to the former world No. 1 of years past.

"I have decided that this is going to be my last tournament," Roddick said in a news conference on Thursday. "Walking off at Wimbledon, I felt like I knew. I couldn't imagine myself being there another year."

Roddick is still in the mix for the 2012 U.S. Open crown after winning his opening-round match against fellow American Rhyne Williams. He will face Bernard Tomic of Australia in second-round action at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday night.

If Roddick can't take home the trophy in his final tournament, he will retire with one Grand Slam title. He won the 2003 U.S. Open at the age of 21 and lost in four other Grand Slam finals over his career, falling to Roger Federer at the 2006 U.S. Open and three times at Wimbledon (2004, 2005, 2009).

To stay updated with the 2012 U.S. Open, follow this StoryStream or check out SB Nation's tennis hub for more commentary. For live scoring updates, take a peek here.