Time To Say Goodbye: The Last of the Mohicans

Labelled by some as a one hit wonder, Andy Roddick, the last mohican of the American squad, was one of the most popular players of his generation. A wonder kid who quickly reached worldwide stardom following his success at the 2003 US Open, Roddick spent most of his career in the shadow of his arch nemesis, Roger Federer. 

Even though he was a later bloomer, Federer quickly established himself as the dominant force in men's tennis winning almost every Slam, leaving the American desperately searching for another crown. He came close on four occasions, but every time he failed to achieve his goal. Responsible for his misfortune was none other than the extraterrestrial Federer, who always got the best of him in those finals. Probably the most heart-breaking of them all was that epic 2009 Wimbledon final when Roddick played the match of his life, but was unable to succumb the almighty Swiss. After a marathon five-setter, Roger won 16-14 in the decider crushing his opponent to pieces. 

It might be that he never recovered from the disappointment, or maybe his body just gave in, but Andy quickly faded into the background making room for new guns such as Nadal, Djokovic or Murray to steal the limelight. 

A constant top 10 figure, the American shone the brightest on the American hardcourts where he always felt at ease. He also performed brilliantly on grass, the surface he loved most dearly, but he never got another chance to the Wimbledon title. Following a series of injuries, Andy missed the beginning of the 2012 season, making an emphatic return to form with a title in Eastbourne. Although he added another crown by winning in Atlanta, he struggled with a lack of motivation, which ultimately led him to announce his retirement at the start of the US Open. Cheered by the partisan crowd, he reached the last 16th, but his run was eventually ended by Argentinean Juan Martin del Potro, who won their clash in four sets. 

Benefitting from his immense popularity, Andy is set to follow on his wife's footsteps, making a transition to television and radio. He married actress Brooklyn Decker in 2009. His retirement leaves a huge void in the American tennis with no one really up to take his place. Following generations of fabulous champions like Connors, McEnroe, Courier, Chang, Sampras or Agassi, the Americans have failed to give another Grand Slam champion since Roddick. Mardy Fish or John Isner can be extremely dangerous, especially on hardcourts, but they are yet to reach the same heights as their predecessors. Consequently, Roddick's retirement is more than a sad news for his numerous fans, it marks the end of an era. 

A look back at Andy's golden career

North American season 2003: A former Australian and US Open junior champion, Andy Roddick made a glorious transition to the ATP tour. The American  quickly establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with, winning back-to-back Masters titles in Montreal and Cincinnati in 2003. 

US Open 2003: Andy's ultimate moment of glory came after a sensational 2003 North American hard court season. Riding on an impressive run of form, the new American wonder kid claimed his sole Grand Slam of his career by defeating Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero in the Flushing Meadows final.

2003: Quickly after winning his first Grand Slam trophy, Roddick rose to the top of the ATP rankings. The American maintained his position till the end of the season, securing the year-end number 1 finish.

Wimbledon 2004: Andy's dynamic game made him a very dangerous opponent on grass. Relying on a vintage serve and volley display, Roddick fought his way to his first Wimbledon final in 2004. He was unable to stop Federer from a successful defence though, as the Swiss proved too good for his American opponent.

Wimbledon 2005: Desperately seeking a Wimbledon crown, Roddick got another shot a year later. Unfortunately for the American though, he run into his extraterrestrial nemesis, Roger Federer, again. The Swiss prevailed once more, leaving his opponent broken hearted as he witnessed another opportunity go by. 

US Open 2006: Andy played another Grand Slam final in front of his home crowd, but once again came out empty handed, being defeated relatively easy by Roger Federer.

Davis Cup 2007: Andy established himself as the best American player of his generation, winning all six matches to lead his country to its most recent Davis Cup success in 2007. Roddick also brought in a vital point in the final against Russia, defeating Dmitry Tursunov.

Wimbledon 2009: Probably the saddest memory of Andy's career came on his beloved London grass. In an epic final against nemesis, Roger Federer, the American gave it his all, but he was unable to subdue the powerful Swiss. Having been so close to collecting his first Wimbledon trophy, Roddick was left broken-hearted after losing a nail-biting marathon, which ended 16-14 in the decider. The final will always be remembered as one of the most dramatic battles of all time.

Miami 2010: Andy's last big victory came in front of his home crown in Miami. The American produced a vintage performance managing to overcome Spaniard Rafael Nadal in the semis and powerful young hope, Czech Tomas Berych, in the final to clinch his 5th and final Masters 1000 title.

Miami 2012: Roddick got the sweetest victory of his late career in Miami earlier this year,  defeating nemesis, Roger Federer, to end their legendary rivalry on a high.

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