WASHINGTON — World No. 6 Andy Roddick has decided to miss
this year’s Olympic Games in Beijing to defend his Washington Open title.
Both events take place from Aug. 11-17 and Roddick wants to
remain in his home country to help his build-up for the US Open which begins
two weeks later.
"My goal every summer is to win the US Open," the
25-year-old American said on Tuesday.
"I have won the Legg Mason Tennis Classic three times and
feel defending my title in Washington best prepares me for another grand slam
title."
Roddick, who won his only grand slam title in the 2003 US
Open, triumphed in Washington in 2001, 2005 and last year.
He clinched the 2007 crown by beating fellow American John
Isner 6-4, 7-6 in the final.
Meanwhile, world No. 1 Roger Federer could face his nemesis
Andy Murray of Britain in the Pacific Life Open quarterfinals after being
seeded No. 1 in Tuesday’s draw.
The 26-year-old Swiss is a three-time champion at Indian
Wells but has lost to Murray twice in three career meetings, most recently in
this month’s Dubai Championships.
Federer, edging his way back to full fitness after
contracting glandular fever at the end of last year, was beaten 6-7, 6-3, 6-4
by Murray in the opening round in Dubai.
"I definitely could have played much better tennis but
you’ve got to give credit to the guy who beat you and came up with shots," the
12-time grand slam champion said after his premature exit.
"It was always going to be a tough draw. He’s played many
matches already this season whereas I come in a little bit cold."
Murray, 20, has won ATP titles this year in Doha and Marseille while
Federer’s only other tournament appearance came in the Australian Open where he
lost in the semifinals.
