Andy Roddick is regarded as one of the most colorful characters in tennis. Through his dry sense of humor, engaging personality and willingness to voice his uncensored opinions, he is one of the most well-liked players among his peers and chief rivals.

On his 30th birthday, Thursday, August 30, the former world No. 1, 2003 US Open titlist, 2007 Davis Cup champion and winner of a tour-level title in 12 straight seasons announced he would retire after the US Open.

The impact Roddick has made on his sport became evident when he received an outpouring of responses from the tennis family. Below you will find a running collection of messages congratulating the American on his outstanding career.

Paying Respect

James Blake: “His career has been incredible. He's been such a stalwart in Davis Cup. I can never repay him for winning me a Davis Cup, for being the anchor on that team, clinching every match that year, just about. It's a great friendship. That will continue, but we'll miss his career, his charisma on the court, his excitement, what he brought to the game. Like he was talking about, the mentorship, he was a leader in the locker room, leader hanging out at Davis Cup, playing cards, doing whatever. He's definitely just a great leader.”

Novak Djokovic: “I admired his career. He was one of the greatest competitors around. Probably [had the] biggest serve ever. I'm sure that he's proud of his career, and all American tennis [fans] should be. I mean, he definitely made history in our sport. I guess he felt that it's time for him to move on, to stop playing tennis, and to do something else. The great thing that he said yesterday is that he wants to continue on his legacy of playing tennis and try to transfer that knowledge to somebody that is coming up that needs help from such a champion. So that's great. You want to kind of share the love for the sport and your knowledge and experiences with somebody else that wants to become like you.”

Roger Federer: “I'm thankful for everything he's done for the game, especially here for tennis in America. It's not been easy after Agassi and Sampras, Courier, Chang, Connors, McEnroe, you name it. … It's been hard for him, as well, at times. I thought he always did the best he could; that's all you can ask from a guy.”

John Isner: “When this tournament is over for him, he's going to be able to look back on an incredible career, a Hall of Fame career in my opinion. He chose a good tournament to go out with, too. Whether he wins this title or eventually succumbs to someone, it's going to be a good moment.”

Mark Knowles: “Congrats to a great friend on a tremendous career. Congrats, Andy! Look forward to seeing you on the golf course!”

Sam Querrey: “He's been my biggest role model the last 10 years playing tennis, watching tennis. He's been a great guy, a great leader to us all. Nice and kind, really generous to the up-and-comers. For me, for Harrison, for the 18-year-olds now, he's just an unbelievable champion, a Hall of Famer, just a great guy, great person for the sport the last 12 years.”

Milos Raonic: “He's done great things. He did a lot for tennis in a part where it was struggling a little bit after [Pete] Sampras and [Andre] Agassi were getting a little bit older, were struggling a little bit. He had a magnificent career. I think he was eight or 10 years in the top 10, which is very impressive. He's done a lot of great things for himself and the sport. It's sad, but I'm sure he has a lot of exciting things to look forward to.”

Maria Sharapova: “It was fun watching his career. He always had so much energy on the court, especially in New York. I think everyone embraced him as an athlete and as a personality. He worked extremely hard. It puts things perspective a little bit, because you think, ‘Well, tennis does come to an end at some point?’, and you actually start thinking about that. It's crazy how two great players are going to be out after this tournament.”

Jack Sock: “He was a guy I watched growing up a lot, especially when he was winning this tournament, playing really well. I mean, I was just coming up as a junior, so he was definitely a guy I watched and looked up to and idolized. It's definitely going to be a big loss to the tour. He's a great guy, always nice to me. I thought we were friends. I wish him the best after this. Hopefully he can do something here this week, as well.”

Serena Williams: “Andy's been great. He's been great for American men's tennis, great for the US Open, doing so much, playing so well so often, just being such a great player. A great attitude, incredibly fun to watch. I know a lot of people look up to Andy Roddick, That's who I want to be like. It's very incredibly, incredibly, incredibly sad for me to lose a friend on tour that I look forward to seeing every Grand Slam and every shared tournament. It's going to be hard."

Venus Williams: “He's had a wonderful career. I think winning here was amazing for him. I think playing the Olympics was great, as well. He's an American champion. I mean, I'll miss him. Definitely leave something out for American men's tennis."

Tweeting Their Tributes

Compatriots

Bob Bryan (@bryanbros): “Sad to see @andyroddick announce his retirement but excited for him to start his new life. I'm happy to call Andy my friend and was always honored to share the Davis Cup team with him. There's never been a greater competitor or leader and I congratulate him on his incredible Hall of Fame career. He bravely carried the flag for US Tennis and inspired a new generation of American players. We'll miss you buddy...thank you for the good times!”

Mike Bryan ‏(@Bryanbrothers): “Love ya big man. What a hell of a career! Happy B Day to a future Hall of Famer and great friend.”

Mardy Fish ‏(@MardyFish): “Fav @andyroddick moments... 1. 2003 US Open 2. Davis Cup '07 3. When he went from visor to regular hat.”

Ryan Harrison ‏(@ryanharrison92): “Incredible career Andy. Thanks so much for everything you have done for me and all of American tennis. Can't thank you enough #HallOfFame”

Bethanie Mattek-Sands ‏(@BMATTEK): “So sad to hear Andy is retiring after the Open!! Grew up playing juniors with him! Will miss hearing him "tell it how it is". #IHeartAndy”

Other Players

Rohan Bopanna ‏(@rohanbopanna): “Sad to see the great @andyroddick announce his retirement. A player with immense talent and true spirit.

Tommy Haas (‏@TommyHaas13): “Just an outstanding career @andyroddick has had.a dream for most of us.It truly was a pleasure competing against you.New chapter baby time:)”

Sabine Lisicki ‏(@sabinelisicki): “Wow Andy Roddick will retire after this Us Open... His press conferences are always funny. Even today...”

Jurgen Melzer (@jojomelzer) “@andyroddick congrats on a great career. All the best for the future. Proud to have shared the court with you! will miss you”

Andrea Petkovic ‏(@andreapetkovic): “Can't believe Andy Roddick was so cool announcing his retirement while I cried like a little crybaby watching his press conference.#mimimi”

Laura Robson (‏@laurarobson5): “Wow. Roddick announces this US Open is his last tournament. Sad but wish him all the best in whatever he does next.”

Coaches, Commentators & Community

Paul Annacone ‏(@paul_annacone): “Congrats AR. Great career, great life ahead enjoy next chapter well deserved” 

Boris Becker (‏@Becker_Boris): “Listen all, I really respect Roddick! Classy,intelligent,funny fighter that gave the game a lot of heart and soul!!!”

Jonas Bjorkman ‏(@BjorkmanTennis): “Congrats 2 @andyroddick on an amazing career and for being such a good ambassador for the sport. #USOpen”

Jimmy Connors (‏@JimmyConnors): “Andy Roddick retiring. A great champion, 10s ambassador, crowd favorite and my friend. You worked hard enough, time to enjoy your life”

Darren Cahill ‏(@darren_cahill): “He started his career the same way he will finish it. Gutsy, loyal, committed, brash, honest and entertaining. Andy Roddick. #respect”

Justin Gimelstob ‏(@justingimelstob): “Congrats 2 @andyroddick on an amazing career/everything he has done 4 tennis, 1st ballot Hall of Famer. Over achiever NOT UNDER”

Billie Jean King (‏@BillieJKing): “Roddick-love U-Will miss U.Good Luck in the US OPEN and Ur next chapter.xox”

Patrick McEnroe ‏(@PatrickMcEnroe): “Thanks @andyroddick for all you have done for American tennis”

A message from ATP Executive Chairman and President Brad Drewett:

“I would like to congratulate Andy on an outstanding career and thank him for 13 years of fantastic memories. A former ATP World Tour No. 1, Andy is one of the greatest competitors this game has ever seen, and his presence at the top of the men's game for more than a decade is a testament to his talent and determination.

“Perhaps even more important than his accomplishments on the court, Andy has dedicated himself to raising millions of dollars to help children in need through the Andy Roddick Foundation.

“Andy will be sorely missed by his fellow players, tournaments and not least his millions of fans around the world. Everyone at the ATP wishes Andy and his family all the very best in the future.”

A statement from USTA Chairman of the Board Jon Vegosen:

“Andy has been an outstanding ambassador for our sport and our country, always carrying himself with the character and class that define a champion. In addition to representing the U.S. on the world stage, he was a Davis Cup stalwart and standout. We could not be more proud of Andy and all that he has accomplished in his brilliant career, and we wish him every success and happiness in his retirement from the pro game.”