Andy Roddick has stepped away from the tennis court, marking his retirement in the sport after losing to Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro in the fourth round at the U.S. Open on Sept. 5.

His defeat at Flushing Meadows Park, N.Y., came after Roddick's announcement last week that he would retire after the year's Grand Slam.

He lost to del Potro 6-7, 7-6, 6-2 and 6-4.

Del Potro won the U.S. Open in 2009 against Roger Federer. His win against Roddick advanced him to the quarterfinals against Serbia's Novak Djokovic. The Roddick/del Potro match began Tuesday but was suspended until Wednesday because of a downpour in New York. Following his final career match on Wednesday, Roddick gave a on-court speech.

"It has been a road with a lot of ups, a lot of downs and a lot of great moments. I've appreciated your support along the way. I know I certainly haven't made it easy for you at times, but I really do appreciate it and love you guys with all my heart," Roddick said. "Hopefully I will come back to this place some day and I will see all of you again." 

Roddick said he now plans to work on a tennis-education foundation in Austin, according to the Los Angeles Times. 

Del Potro is the only man other than Federer, Rafael Nadal or Djokovic to win any of the past 30 Grand Slam titles, according to ESPN.

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