Andy Roddick Announces his Retirement

Andy Roddick, winner of the 2003 U.S. Open and a former No. 1 player in the world, has decided to retire from tennis, announcing that the 2012 U.S. Open would be his last tournament.

Roddick used a Thursday press conference to announce his retirement on his 30th birthday, and left to a standing ovation from reporters.

"I'll make this short and sweet: I've decided that this is going to be my last tournament," said Roddick.

"I just feel like it's time. I don't know that I'm healthy enough or committed enough to go another year," he said. "I've always wanted to, in a perfect world, finish at this event."

It was a rather straight-forward announcement from Roddick, but the American admitted that he will probably be emotional when he takes the court for the last time

Roddick has struggled in recent years, and hasn't made a grand slam final since the 2009 Wimbledon, when he lost an epic match against Roger Federer.

Tennis legend and commentator John McEnroe said he sensed that a retirement announcement was coming. ESPN tennis broadcasters praised Roddick's sportmanship and showmanship.

Roddick, seed 20th, will face Australian 19-year-old Bernard Tomic on Friday in a second-round match at Arthur Ashe Stadium.