Roddick’s last trip to Wimbledon?

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 09: Andy Roddick of the United States of America in action during a practice session ahead of the AEGON Championships at Queens Club on June 9, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 09: Andy Roddick of the United States of America in action during a practice session ahead of the AEGON Championships at Queens Club on June 9, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)

Published Jun 10, 2012

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London – Former world number one Andy Roddick admits this year's Wimbledon could be his last appearance at the All England Club as he struggles to cope with the wear and tear of so many years on the ATP Tour.

Roddick is well established as one of the best grass-court players of his generation after reaching the Wimbledon final three times, losing on each occasion to Roger Federer, and also winning four titles at Queen's Club.

But as the 29-year-old American prepares to launch another grass-court campaign at Queen's next week, he is aware time is beginning to take its toll on his body.

A series of injuries over the last 18 months have sent Roddick slipping down the rankings and he is currently 27th in the world after a dispiriting year reached a new low with a first round exit from the French Open against Nicolas Mahut.

In an ideal world, Roddick, who won his only grand slam title at the US Open in 2003, hopes to play on for a few more years, but he knows his time at the top could run out sooner than expected.

“I'm just trying to play in the moment. I'm just here trying to win some matches. But do I think this could be my last Wimbledon? Possibly – but that's so much of an unknown,” Roddick told the Mail on Sunday.

“Of the guys I started with, it's only Roger (Federer) left now. We were in the top 10 for so long, and everyone else's body has been banged up.

“I can't do what Rafa (Nadal) does with his racket, I can't do what Roger does with his racket.

“I guess I have to believe my coach, Larry Stefanki, when he says I can't run through walls any more. We're trying to find the fine line and work against nature a little bit.” – Sapa-AFP

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