Andy Roddick admits defeat to injuries and calls time on glittering career

Andy Roddick announces his retirement (GETTY IMAGES)

Kim Clijsters is not the only former Grand Slam champion who will be retiring after the US Open. Andy Roddick, who won his only Grand slam title here in 2003 but was three times a runner-up at Wimbledon, announced last night that the current tournament will be his last.

The former world No 1 has struggled with injuries ever since losing his epic 2009 Wimbledon final against Roger Federer. Having spent the best part of 10 years ranked inside the world's top 10, he dropped out of the top 30 earlier this year and has suffered some crushing defeats.

"I just feel like it's time," the 30-year-old American said last night. "I don't know that I'm healthy enough or committed enough to go another year. I've always wanted to, in a perfect world, finish at this event. I have a lot of family and friends here. I've thought all year that I would know when I got to this tournament. When I was playing my first round, I knew."

Roddick, who meets Bernard Tomic in the first match in today's night session in Arthur Ashe Stadium, added: "On some big moments this year, I think I've known. Walking off at Wimbledon, I felt like I knew.

"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. I'm looking forward to those."