Roddick retires, Federer storms into US Open round 3

PanARMENIAN.Net - Andy Roddick celebrated his 30th birthday by announcing his retirement as Roger Federer, the great Grand Slam tormentor of the American, eased into the third round at the US Open, AFP reported.

Roddick, a former world number one, who won his only major title in New York in 2003, admitted his level was struggling to match the big three of Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic and he will quit once the US Open is over.

"I have decided that this is going to be my last tournament," said Roddick, who is guaranteed an emotional reception on Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday, Aug. 31 night when he plays Australia's Bernard Tomicfor a place in the last 32.

"I feel it is the right time to do it. These other guys have gotten really, really good and I'm not interested in just existing on tour. I don't want to disrespect the game by coasting home."

Roddick's announcement came a day after Kim Clijsters, a four-time Grand Slam champion, suffered a second round defeat which sent her into retirement.

Roddick, whose ranking is now down at 22 in the world, lost to Federer in the Wimbledon finals of 2004, 2005 and 2009.