Agassi, Venus, Roddick eliminated

WIMBLEDON, England -- First, a tearful Andre Agassi bowed out of Wimbledon for the final time.

Then, defending women's champion Venus Williams departed. Two-time finalist Andy Roddick soon joined them as light faded on Centre Court in a stunning day of upsets Saturday at the All England Club.

By the end of the first week, only one American was left in the men's and women's singles at Wimbledon -- Shenay Perry, who is ranked 62nd and has advanced to the fourth round.

Playing in his 14th Wimbledon before retirement later this year, the 36-year-old Agassi couldn't keep up with the relentless power of 20-year-old Rafael Nadal and fell 7-6 (5), 6-2, 6-4.

In a bigger surprise, three-time champion Williams fell to Jelena Jankovic of Serbia 7-6 (8), 4-6, 6-4. With sister Serena out injured, there will be no Williams in the Wimbledon final for the first time since 1999. The sisters have won five of the last six titles.

"It definitely feels really weird," Venus said.

Finally, third-seeded Roddick -- runner-up the last two years to Roger Federer -- was dumped in straight sets by Britain's Andy Murray, 7-6 (4), 6-4, 6-4.

Roddick served 21 aces but was outplayed by Murray, a 19-year-old Scotsman who has replaced Tim Henman as Britain's best hope of a first homegrown champion since Fred Perry in 1936.

Murray saved 11 of 12 break points and converted three out of 12 break points against Roddick. Murray also had 35 groundstroke winners, nearly twice as many as Roddick.

Roddick's ouster means no U.S. men have reached the fourth round for only the second time since 1922. The other time was in 2002. American men are used to struggling on clay at the French Open, but not on the grass at Wimbledon.

"There's just that intangible quality right now, that edge that's not there," he said. "That's what I'm searching for."

For one last time, Agassi stood in the middle of the court after the match and blew kisses and bowed to all corners of the arena. Then, he addressed the crowd by microphone to say goodbye.

"It's been a lot of incredible years here," Agassi said, wiping away tears. "I'll never be able to repay you for how you've embraced me over the years and I thank you for that. ... You guys are awesome tennis fans; you have shown me so much love."