Roger Federer sad to see Mardy Fish sidelined – Tennis News
World number one, Roger Federer, was scheduled to take on the former American number one, Mardy Fish, in the fourth round clash of the US Open Championship on the eve of Monday. However, the American suffered an injury that allowed
a walkover to the Swiss Maestro into the quarter-finals of the tournament.
Fish was struggling from health issues and didn’t want to put pressure on his body and fight through pain. So he decided to let the opportunity go and allow his rival an easy route into the last eight players of the event at Flushing
Meadows. Federer talked to the media representatives after hearing the bad news about his rival and commented, “I am really sorry for Mardy. I just want to wish him a speedy recovery. We all want to see him back on tour soon."
Fish has been struggling with the heart problem and wasn’t seen in action for two months at the starting phase of the current season. He is 30 years of age and the toll is probably hampering the recovery process. So, he didn’t
want to take more chances and wait for the rehabilitation process to finish before going out for a tough battle.
Czech superstar, Tomas Berdych, eased into the quarter-finals as well. He is drawn against the top seed Swiss superstar for a shot at the semi-final berth. It will be an exciting match to say the least and Federer himself confessed,
"It will be a tough match against Tomas. We have played many times in the past and he has always been a tough opponent. I will have to continue to serve well and dictate the points."
On withdrawing from the encounter, Fish stated, "I regret that I have to withdraw from the US Open for precautionary measures. I was reluctant to do so, but am following medical advisement. I had a good summer and look forward
to resuming my tournament schedule in the fall."
It was a major disappointment for the spectators who wanted to witness two class athletes lock horns against one another. However, the quarter-final clash will be interesting.
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