Roddick’s last night.

The Nebraska-born star bid farewell to professional tennis in the presence of his fans and family after succumbing to Del Potro in the fourth round.

Andy Roddick has served his last ace. The Nebraska-born player yesterday bowed out of professional tennis after his defeat at the hands of Juan Manuel del Potro in Flushing Meadows in the fourth round of the US Open.

Andy was in no mood to retire without a good fight, however, and took the first set 6-7 in the tie-break. The second fell to the Argentinian by the same score and from then on Del Potro closed out the match, taking the next two sets 6-2, 6-4, sealing his place in the quarter-finals and drawing a curtain on Roddick’s twelve-year professional career.

The American big-hitter was uncharacteristically lost for words in the press conference that followed the game: “For the first time in my career I’m not sure what to say. Where do I begin? Since I was a kid I’ve been coming to this tournament and I always felt lucky to be able to sit there in the stands watching the great champions. I’ve loved every minute”, he said.

Those watching the match on the Arthur Ashe court witnessed Andy’s emotion as he mishit the definitive forehand which gave Del Potro the victory. The Aregntinian spoke of his mixed emotions in that instant. “It was a difficult moment for both of us. The last point he’ll ever play. The crowd was great to both of us. That was what I really enjoyed, but it was a difficult match to play. I was nervous”, admitted the Argentinian.

Roddick, winner of the American Grand Slam in 2003, leaves a legacy of 32 titles over 612 wins and 213 losses. As well as said US Open, Roddick took a further 31 titles, five of which Masters Series (Montreal, Cincinnati twice and Miami twice). He also reached a further four Grand Slam finals: Wimbledon in 2004, 2005 and 2009, as well as the US Open in 2006. His powerful serve and his strength on the court have characterised this athletic right-hander.