In a match that was forced to restart after rain disrupted play on Tuesday evening, No. 20 Andy Roddick could not pull off a victory over No. 7 Juan Martin del Potro in a four-set loss in the round of 16 on Wednesday evening (6-7 (7-1), 7-6 (7-4), 6-2, 6-4).
The 30-year-old Roddick, who announced before the Open that this year's event would mark his final tournament as a pro tennis player, dropped a pivotal second set tiebreaker that could have given him a two to love lead overall. Instead, a visibly worn down Roddick labored through a frustrating third-set loss to drop control of the match.
Even though he put forth a valiant effort down the stretch after losing serve in the final set, Roddick could not find a way to crack del Potro's rock-solid all-around game. As expected, the former No. 1 overall embraced his opportunity to address fans one final time after the loss. "For the first time in my career I don't know what to say," Roddick said.
"I loved every minute of it. It's been a road of ups and lots of downs and lots of great moments. I appreciate all you have done for me."
For his efforts del Potro will now move on to face No. 2 Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals, as the 23-year-old Argentina native seeks to claim his second career major after reigning supreme at Flushing Meadows back in 2009.
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