Tearful Andy Roddick said goodbye to the US Open, New York and his career on Wednesday in an emotional Flushing Meadows fourth-round defeat to Argentina’s Juan Martin Del Potro. The 30-year-old, the last American man to win a Grand Slam event when he claimed the US Open in 2003, had already said this would be the last tournament of a 12-year career which yielded 32 titles and $20 million in prize money.
It also brought him the world number one spot as well as three heartbreaking Wimbledon runner-up finishes, before his prospects of a permanent place at the top table were swept away by Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
“I’ve loved every minute of it — for the first time in my career I’m not sure what to say,” said Roddick, who was in tears — as was model wife Brooklyn — as he addressed the crowd after his 6-7 (7/1), 7-6 (7/4), 6-2, 6-4 loss.
“I appreciate your support along the way. I know I certainly haven’t made it easy for you at times.”
Seventh-seeded Del Potro, the champion in 2009, booked a Thursday quarter-final date with defending champion Novak Djokovic.
“It was a really tough moment for me and for him. Last point of his life. The crowd was amazing,” said Del Potro, who also defeated another former US Open winner, Marat Safin, in the Russian’s last career match in Paris in 2009.
British third seed Andy Murray reached a second successive US Open semi-final after Croatia’s Marin Cilic squandered a set and 5-1 lead to lose their quarter-final 3-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2, 6-0.
