Why Roddick and Safin rejected offer to play in Olympics?

Question

Anyone know why? Is it to participate in the U.S. Open?

Answer 1

The open was more important to Andy. Marat just comes and goes as he sees fit.

Answer 2

I know Roddick is brushing aside the Olympics to prepare better for the US Open and have more rest. Safin?! I had no idea he isnt playing in Beijing. Hmm.......  

Answer 3

Well this question jumped out at me because they're my two favorite players. Roddick said that he wants to better prepare himself for the US Open. Safin simply wasn't ranked high enough.

Answer 4

thinking there are other better players that there country team needs...or maybe Roddick and Safin think they will lose horribly and get it to them.. i mean cmon Blake is playing and he and Roddick ARE evenly match.  Or even they have "personal matters" to attend.  

Answer 5

Roddick is preparing for the US Open (i suppose he wants to stay in the area 'cause it must be quite a horrible jetlag from Beijing to New York. Besides, let's say that Roddick would've gone far in the Olympics ---which could've happened 'cause he;s a good player-- then he would've gone to the US Open quite tired ---three sets matches!) and...maybe he's still recovering from his back (or arm? whatever) injury?

About Safin, just didn't make it. Like, when the players for each country were selected (and the players had to be in the top50 or something), he was around 70 in the rankings and that wasn't enough to get selected. Besides, there are also many good russian players to choose over him. Ah well.

Answer 6

Contrary to all of the hype surrounding the Olympics, the olympic tennis tournament is not very presitigious. That's why the ATP is offering points, sort of to bribe players to participate.

I can't speak for Roddick or Safin. If Nadal has chosen not to play, I'd say it was to prepare for the US Open. But Roddick and Safin have no chance of winning the US. I thought the olympics would have been a good opportunity for them to salvage something of their sorry careers.

Answer 7

Roddick is playing in L.A. right now so he can get used to the hardcourts  like the ones of the U.S Open. Not sure bout Safin