Blake backs Roddick no-show

2008-08-08 14:24

Beijing - American tennis player James Blake has backed compatriot Andy Roddick's decision to skip the Olympics and concentrate on the US Open.

He said the world number nine, who has admitted having a few regrets about missing the extravaganza, needed to suit himself.

"I totally understand his decision to prepare for the US Open, especially with the injury he picked up in Cincinnati," Blake, the top-ranked American man in the Olympic tournament, said on Friday.

"If he goes out and wins the US Open and gains a little confidence in not coming out here and changing time zones and dealing with the pressures of the Olympics, he made the right decision."

Roddick made a winning start at the Los Angeles Classic on Thursday where he is bidding to kick-start his hard-court campaign.

The big-serving Texan was a second-round loser at the Toronto Masters and pulled out of Cincinatti with a stiff neck. The US Open starts on August 25.

Boycotting

"I'm sure when I'm watching the opening ceremony on television, I'll miss it," Roddick said in Los Angeles.

"Of course a part of me will want to be there."

Blake, who missed the 2004 Games after breaking his neck in training, also rejected any talk of boycotting Friday's opening ceremony.

Sudanese-born Lopez Lomong has been chosen as the US flag-bearer in a move with strong political overtones given international criticism of China's role in the African state.

US President George W. Bush, who will attend the ceremony, has also hit out at China's attitude to human rights and on Friday took a swipe at freedom of expression and religion in the country.

"I'm really looking forward to it," Blake said of the opening festivities.

"These are memories that I'll have forever so I feel very strongly about being a part of it and taking it all in."

- AFP