Mardy Fish Skips Olympics to Play American Tour

Written by: Staff on 6th July 2012

Mardy Fish Skips Olympics to Play American Tour

epa03293914 Mardy Fish of the US returns to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France during their fourth round match for the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, in London, Britain, 03 July 2012. EPA/ANDY RAIN |

Beaten tenth seed Mardy Fish was glad to leave the dicey weather of London and head to the US for a blast of summer as the American prepares to miss the London Olympics and play at home over the coming weeks.

The low-pressure hardcourt swing might be just the tonic for the 29-year-old who recently underwent a medical procedure to steady his heartbeat after spring health scares.

Fish, who was caught out several times during his Wimbledon matched by rainy weather, said that more roofs over showcourt at the All England club would be a good thing. “I think they need more roofs, though, with this weather,” said the player whose only Grand Slam is building a stadium without any covering despite rainouts of the last four men’s finals.

Fish said he has made his decision to stay at home and skip the Olympics and will not worry particularly if his 12th ranking falls.

“I used to literally stress over it. I’m not going to do that anymore. I achieved a lot of my goals as far as my ranking is concerned,” said the one-time Top 10 players. “I had maybe seven tournaments in a row where I won at least three matches in every event.

“I have a tonne of points to defend (this summer). I don’t care what my ranking is after the US Open. But I’ll certainly enjoy playing, I just love playing that time of the year.

“That’s why I’m staying in the States. I love playing D.C. and Atlanta and these tournaments. It’s super hot there. I love the weather. Usually doesn’t rain all day.”

Topics: American tennis news, London Olympics, Mardy Fish, Wimbledon 2012