Game, Set, Career: Andy Roddick Retires

Andy Roddick Retires: Video Of His Post-Match Address

Andy Roddick, following the conclusion of his match against Juan Martin Del Potro at the 2012 U.S. Open Tennis Championship, addressed the crowd of cheering and tearful fans. Roddick announced earlier in the tournament that it would be his last, opting to retire after his U.S. Open run came to an end.

Roddick lost to Del Potro, 6-7(1), 7-6(4), 6-2, 6-4, in the Men's Round of 16 in an entertaining match that saw Roddick give it his all to extend his career for one more round. The popular American was aggressive early yet appeared to tire as the match progressed and failed to take advantage of prime opportunities in the crucial fourth set to take back control of the match.

Del Potro would state after the match how thankful he was for the respect shown by the crowd and by Roddick in what was an incredibly emotional moment for all involved. Afterward, Roddick was handed the microphone and addressed the crowd with a tearful yet thankful goodbye.

This is what he had to say:

Here's video of the ovation Roddick received following the conclusion of the match.

Andy Roddick Is Lying To Us All

U.S. Open Scores: Andy Roddick Loses To Juan Martin Del Potro

Andy Roddick lost to Juan Martin Del Potro on Wednesday afternoon, 6-7(1), 7-6(4), 6-2, 6-4, bringing an end to the career of the popular 30-year old American. Roddick stated he would retire following the 2012 U.S. Open Tennis Championship.

If this was going to be Andy Roddick's final match of his career, then it's fitting it was against someone like Juan Martin Del Potro, a player that matches up well with Roddick's strengths and provided an evenly-contested match that turned out to be immensely entertaining..

No. 7 Del Potro rebounded from a first-set loss to take the second and third sets, gaining momentum with each game won and was clearly dominating Roddick in the third. The American appeared to be tiring as the match wore on after an aggressive approach to the first set, with Roddick storming back in the opening of the fourth.

With the crowd cheering him on, knowing this might be the last chance to see him play, Roddick's emotional approach to the game was on full display with each point won and lost. Unfortunately, Roddick was unable to keep Del Portro from pulling away as he was clearly tiring with each progressive game, despite the emotional charge the crowd and possible end to his career would give him.

Roddick would be undone by 46 unforced errors, compared to just 31 for Del Potro, and his inability to take advantage of several wide open point opportunities in the crucial fourth set.

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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."

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U.S. Open 2012: Serena Williams On Andy Roddick's Retirement

Serena Williams had nothing but praise for fellow tennis pro Andy Roddick on Thursday, according to reports. The No. 22 player in the world announced on Thursday that, win or lose, he will retire following the 2012 U.S. Open.

Noting that she has known Roddick since she was 10 years old, Williams praised Roddick and said she had hoped he would change his mind.

"I love him, and we all love him here," Williams said. "He's been so amazing for American men's tennis."

Roddick made it through the first round of the 2012 U.S. Open with ease, beating fellow American Rhyne Williams in straight sets. His second-round match against Australia's Bernard Tomic will take place at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday night.

Stick with this StoryStream for scores, news updates and more 2012 U.S. Open coverage from Arthur Ashe Stadium. For all things tennis, SB Nation's dedicated tennis hub has you covered. And don't miss SB Nation on YouTube: