A-Rod Turns Off All of the Lights

Since shocking the world with his announced that this would be his last tournament before stepping into retirement, Andy Roddick experienced a pretty emotional run at Flushing Meadows. Although he won comfortably his first round tie with compatriot Rhyne Williams, many were fearing for him during her second round clash with young gun, Bernard Tomic. However, Roddick produced a vintage performance to dispose of the Australian 6-3,6-4,6-0, proving he is not done just yet. He carried the good form going forward and even though he showed some nerves against Fabio Fognini, he was still too strong for the Italian, claiming a hard-fought 7-5,7-6,4-6,6-4 victory.

Cheered on by an entire nation, A-Rod went on to tackle former champion, giant Juan Martin del Potro in the last 16. Although he won two titles this season, at Eastbourne and Atlanta, the American looked pretty much like a spent force during the past 12 months or so. He just doesn't have enough fuel in his tank to challenge the big guys and this showed during his battle with del Potro. Although he won the first set in a tiebreak, Juan Martin came back strongly and, after levelling the dispute, he run away with the victory.

The loss marks the end of Andy's career, a sensational career that is, the American being one of the leading figures in men's tennis for more than a decade now. "For the first time in my career I'm not sure what to say," Roddick told his supporters during the on-court interview. "Since I was a kid, I've been coming to this tournament and I felt lucky just to sit where all of you are and watch this game and see the champions that have come and gone. "And I've loved every minute of it."

With Kim Clijsters' departure and Andy's sudden retirement, this year's US Open saw the exit of two of tennis' brightest stars. It will be extremely difficult to fill the void they leave behind.

In the place he loved the most, surrounded by friends and family, an emotional Roddick took time to thank the Arthur Ashe crowd for all the support they have given him throughout his career. His retirement leaves a huge void that will be very difficult to fill.

Disputing his last match, Andy Roddick was beaten 6-7,7-6,6-2,6-4 by Argentinean Juan Martin del Potro in the last 16 of the US Open. 

photos: GETTY IMAGES