Australian Open 2012 Scores: Andy Roddick Proves He Is Past Prime by Retiring

Andy Roddick has not won anything—with the exception of Brooklyn Decker's heart—since 2003.

He was on top of the world after his US Open victory almost nine years ago, but has failed to live up to his hype as some great American savior of tennis since then.

The 29-year-old further proved his career as a top player is over when he was forced to retire in the second round of the 2012 Australian Open today.

Roddick fell to Lleyton Hewitt after an awkward fall in the second set forced him to retire in the third.

The Australian was leading 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 before Roddick hobbled over to the tournament doctor and then conceded defeat shortly after by walking over and shaking hands.

Hewitt was well on his way to victory and was forcing Roddick to run around on a lame leg for much of the third set. Roddick decided to end the embarrassment and misery by bowing out.

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"It is a nightmare for both of us," Hewitt said. "Obviously he stretched something. I wasn't sure if it was an ankle problem (but I) think it is something higher in his leg. It is hard to concentrate in those circumstances.

"Obviously he is such a great competitor, such a great fighter and you know he is hurting but I had to try to block that out as much as I (could)."

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The 30-year-old Aussie will be advancing to take on Canadian Milos Raonic in the third round of the Australian Open.

It’s going to be one of the last tournament runs he makes in his career, as he has been a pro since 1998 and as Roddick noted, they both have been playing full seasons since the dawn of the new millennium.

Hewitt is going to need all the luck he can get and was fortunate that he did not have to expend energy after Roddick retired.

Now Roddick needs to figure out what his plan is going forward, because he is no longer an elite-level competitor.