AFP/New York

I QUIT: Andy Roddick of US speaks to the media during a press conference announcing his retirement during Day Four of the 2012 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
Roger Federer admitted he was saddened by Andy Roddick’s retirement, insisting he’ll always regard him as a “Wimbledon champion” despite the American’s epic failures to lift the All England Club title.
World number one Federer beat Roddick three times in the Wimbledon final in 2004, 2005 and 2009 with their last encounter decided 16-14 in the final set. “He could have gotten that title,” said Federer, whose stranglehold over Roddick also extended to the 2006 US Open championship match.
“That’s what I said about him in 2009. He deserves this title as well. In my mind, he is a Wimbledon champion, a wonderful ambassador for the game.
“I am thankful for everything he has done in the sport here in America. It’s not been easy after (Andre) Agassi, (Pete) Sampras, (Jim) Courier, (Michael) Chang, (Jimmy) Connors, (John) McEnroe, you name them.
“It’s been hard for him at times but I thought he always did the best he could. That’s all you can ask for from a guy like Andy.”
Roddick, the 2003 US Open champion and a former world number one, turned 30 on Thursday and marked the occasion by revealing his intention to retire once this US Open is finished.
“It’s sad. That’s how I felt when Andy told me,” added Federer.
Serena Williams, a 14-time Grand Slam title winner and a fellow 30-year-old, said she had known for a while that Roddick was going to quit.
“He told me a while ago, last year, that this would be it. He told me again when I was at his house in Austin at the end of the year,” said Williams, a triple US Open champion who won her 60th match at the tournament on Thursday.
“I was thinking, ‘Please change your mind.’ It’s tough when you don’t want to go out there and do the work to get ready and the preparation.