Andy Roddick: Australian Open Injury Beginning of the End for American Star

The end is near for United States tennis player Andy Roddick.

Before you go jumping down my throat let me clarify by what I mean "the end."

Will he be able to play tennis at this high level for two or three more years? I don't doubt that he will give it a try to be frank.

He's a competitor and a fierce one at that, so I don't really see him going quietly into the night.

That being said, we aren't going to consider him to be in the top echelon of men's tennis players for much longer.

He's not elite anymore—and some would argue that he never has been with only one major win— but now it's getting quite clear that he doesn't have what it takes to be mentioned with the contenders.

Of course there is Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and to a lesser extent an aging Roger Federer, and they will always be contenders.

Than there is the next level of contenders that features players the likes of Andy Murray, Mardy Fish and even Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who are more "up-and-comers" and are threats to make a run.

Then there is Roddick, on the outside looking in nowadays. His time in the spotlight is nearing it's end.

His recent injury and subsequent bow-out of the Australian open would suggest that the clock is ticking on the American's career.

He'll turn 30 years old in August and it's more than likely that his prime has already passed.

Given the mental and physical toughness that it takes to compete in, let alone win the major tournaments, I don't think he will remain a factor for much longer.

He's a fan favorite, a great competitor and an excellent interview, but Roddick is nearing the finish line of his career.