Roddick decides against gold bid

WASHINGTON -- Andy Roddick will not be taking part in this summer's Olympic Games in Beijing, instead opting to play in an ATP tournament in the United States.

The big-serving American would have been among the favorites for gold, but will stay at home to contest the in Washington, which clashes with the Olympic tennis event.

Roddick, who bounced back to form with a superb win at the ATP tournament in Dubai last week, beating Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, says he wants to prepare properly for the U.S Open.

"My goal every summer is to win the U.S. Open," Roddick said in a statement released by Legg Mason organizers.

"I have won the Legg Mason Tennis Classic three times and feel defending my title in Washington best prepares me for another Grand Slam title."

The Washington tournament runs August 11-17 with the U.S. Open beginning on August 25.

Roddick, world ranked number six, won his lone major championship at the 2003 U.S. Open. He claimed Legg Mason titles in 2001, 2005 and 2007.

Roddick, who has been a regular on the U.S. Davis Cup team, lost in the third round of the 2004 Athens Olympics and said at the time: "Some guys really don't care that much. I cared a lot. It's not the biggest thing in our sport, but it's the biggest thing in sports."

He parted company with coach Jimmy Connors just ahead of his win in Dubai. E-mail to a friend

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