Tuesday’s match was just Fish’s second on the ATP World Tour this year, following his loss to Ryan Harrison at Indian Wells in March. He recently announced that the US Open will be his last tournament, and he also disclosed details of his battles with anxiety disorder.
Advertisement
Roddick is keen to help his friend Fish as he bids goodbye to the tour later this year.
Roddick is coming out of retirement to play doubles with friend Mardy Fish in the Atlanta Open.
Roddick even tried to provide an assist to his buddy during the singles match. Roddick, sitting nearby, took off his socks and offered them to Fish.
The tournament rust was obvious for Fish, who said it was “very difficult” to return from the long layoff.
“A big part of it, probably the most encouraging part of my first two months on the job is to see the willingness that our past champions like Andy and Mardy and James (Blake) have to give back and to mentor and to make themselves available”, Blackmon said.
“If I’m going to play like that, it’s going to be pretty tough”.
Fish also plans to play in Cincinnati before the US Open.
“I love the fact that he is comfortable walking people through what he has overcome”.
The 32-year-old admitted that he has seen a change in Fish since he announced his retirement and believes he is feeling less pressure.
Sela lost to John Isner in the 2014 Atlanta final.
Fifth-seeded Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus earlier downed America’s Austin Krajicek 6-4, 6-0, while No 6 seed Steve Johnson of the United States ground out a 6-1, 6-7 (3), 6-2 victory over Slovakia’s Lukas Lacko.
Advertisement
Roddick also played a singles exhibition match against 17-year-old Francis Tiafoe whom he beat 6-3, 6-4.
