Roger Federer through, Andy Roddick to retire after US Open

Roger Federer

There were no shocks for Roger Federer as he sealed his place in the third round of the US Open, but Andy Roddick delivered the biggest surprise of the day.

After turning 30, the American has announced that he will retire from the game when his US Open campaign comes to an end.

Flushing Meadows is a rather fitting venue for Roddick to call time on his career, as this was the scene of his greatest triumph back in 2003 when he won his one and only Grand Slam and became the world No.1.

“I'll make this short and sweet,” Roddick opened with at his press conference. “I've decided that this is going to be my last tournament. It's been a process.

“Certain parts throughout the year, I've thought about it, just with the way my body feels, with the way that I'm able to feel like I'm able to compete now, I don't know that it's good enough. I don't know that I've ever been someone who's interested in existing on tour. I have a lot of interests and a lot of other things that excite me,” he added.

Roddick has been troubled by injuries over the last couple of seasons, and he will now turn his attentions to a sports and learning centre that he will be opening up in Austin, Texas, through his foundation, next year.

“I'd like to be hands on with that and not see it periodically,” he said. “I'd like to be kind of onsite every day. There's some other projects, kind of side projects, that I've been doing. Those excite me a lot right now, so I'm looking forward to it,” said Roddick.

The news was one that Federer didn’t expect.

“A bit of a shock to be honest,” said Federer after his 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 victory over Bjorn Phau. “I thought maybe he was going to get past this US Open and maybe play one more year, so obviously a disappointment, but I think big celebrations for him because he’s had a wonderful career. He told me one hour before the press conference and he seemed extremely happy and at peace and excited, so I wish him the best US Open he’s ever had.”

Federer was in cruise control against Phau and kept up his 100% record of playing at night. The current world No.1 and reigning Wimbledon champion is seeking a sixth US Open crown, and will now take on Fernando Verdasco in the next round.

Home favourite Mardy Fish superbly came from two sets down to defeat Nikolay Davydenko in five, but fifth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga was dumped out of the competition by Slovakian Martin Klizan, losing 6-4, 1-6, 6-1, 6-3.

There were also wins for James Blake, Nicolas Almagro, Sam Querrey, Milos Raonic, Tomas Berdych, and Marin Cilic.

İsmail Vedat

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