Fish Falters, Still Has Some Work to Do By Kristen Tracy

Written by: Staff on 12th March 2013

Fish Falters, Still Has Some Work to Do By Kristen Tracy

epa03620750 Mardy Fish of the US hits a return against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France during the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament in Indian Wells, California, USA, 12 March 2013. EPA/JOHN G. MABANGLO |

Mardy Fish hasn’t had the easiest of roads since the US Open last year. Until this tournament, he had been gone from the pro tour for over 180 days. And though he had eased himself back into match play a few months ago, the competitiveness of the pro tour is something that can’t really be replicated. But in Fish’s mind, there was no better place to attempt his big comeback than the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, CA.

“There is a lot of reasons why this tournament made the most sense to try to come back for,” Fish said. “Being in the same time zone; the same climate; no flight; it being a comfortable place, a place where I have played well before; it probably being my favorite event of the year, as well…there are a lot of good things that will come of coming back for this event.”

Battling a recurring heart condition, Mardy Fish didn’t expect to really make it through his first match, let alone advance to the third round. But Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga halted the comeback of the American veteran. It was a tough match for Fish, who at several points throughout the first set could have easily swung momentum in his favor. But he narrowly missed out, losing 4-7 in a tiebreak. The second set looked to be heading in a more favorable way for Mardy though, and he was quickly up 4-1. But that comfortable lead was soon lost, and both players found themselves in yet another tiebreak. Things quickly went from bad to worse for the American who was eliminated from the tournament without winning a single point in the tiebreak.

Though clearly disappointed it wasn’t all bad news for Mardy, who remained positive about his brief time back on the court this week. “This week is a good step in the right direction…it’s a positive week, for sure. It’s still going, hopefully.”

Fish is still in the doubles draw with partner James Blake and will face Treat Huey and Jerzy Janowicz in the first match on Stadium 2 tomorrow beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Topics: BNP Paribas Open, Indian Wells, Jo Wilfried Tsonga, Mardy Fish, Sports, Tennis, Tennis News