[MatueHarton]

INDIANAPOLIS… Wimbledon runner-up and two-time Indianapolis Tennis Championship presented by Lilly champion Andy Roddick, 26, has announced his withdrawal from this year’s tournament. Roddick’s coach Larry Stefanki made the call late today citing a right hip flexor injury that also kept him out of the US Davis Cup match against Croatia.

“We are obviously very disappointed that Andy will not be able to return to Indianapolis, but we support his decision 100 percent to put his health first. We know that some fans have planned their vacations and a night out with friends around Andy’s Tuesday night play and potential to earn his third title on finals weekend, so we can only imagine how disappointed they are also,” said Indianapolis Tennis Championships Tournament Director Kevin Martin.

“On a positive note, however, fans will still be able to see great tennis at the tournament this year and enjoy numerous fan friendly events throughout the week. In addition we are working to secure one additional player into the main draw. Robby Ginepri’s acceptance into our main draw freed up his wildcard. The # 17 player in the world and the second highest ranked American James Blake is our leading candidate.

“This is one of those instances where our tournament must support the decision by Andy and his medical team to do what’s best for Andy and American tennis versus what’s best for Indianapolis. We will look forward to seeing Andy back on the hardcourts very soon and performing at the high level we saw him during Wimbeldon. We wish him a speedy recovery for this hip injury, and of course we hope to see him headlining for us at next year’s Indianapolis Tennis Championships.”

The Indianapolis Tennis Championships, the first tournament in the hardcourt season, will feature several ATP tour veterans, including 2007 Champion Dmitry Tursunov, 2005 Champion Robby Ginepri, Sam Querrey, Taylor Dent, Marcos Baghdatis and many others. This year’s Indianapolis Tennis Championships will be held July 18-26 at the Indianapolis Tennis Center on the campus of IUPUI. Tickets for the Championships can be purchased online at tennisindy.com or by calling 800-622-LOVE.

The Indianapolis Tennis Championships Presented by Lilly is a world-class ATP Tour event held annually in Indianapolis and is a part of the Olympus US Open Series. The event traces its roots back to 1921 and has hosted such notable players as Pete Sampras, Arthur Ashe, Jimmy Connors, and Andre Agassi. For more information, please visit http://www.tennisindy.com.

[bikersfan]

B***h better show up to DC, 'sall I'm gonna say.

[duceswild]

From @AndyRoddick

really upset that i won't be able to play in indy this year. i love the tournament up there, but i am not properly prepared at this point
my focus will as always, will be to be 100 percent ready to go before i step out on court...

[Uvgsgssu]

Sam really needs to take advantage of these tournaments. Losing to Rajeem Ram in the final last week was a missed opportunity, luckily he should have more chances this summer to make an impact in these tournaments, and hopefully bag one

[hacyOrgachbic]

I am sorry to hear this. I just found out that Tennis Channel would be broadcasting the US Open Series and was really looking forward to seeing Roddick on the hardcourts.

Still.....It's wise of him to take the time off to heal properly. As long as he's in shape for a showdown at the US Open.....

[altosburg]

In what universe is James Blake a suitable substitute for Andy Roddick.

From twitter, it sounds like he ain't really that hurt, just out of form, so a week on the practice courts, and hopefully he'll be back.

[celddiskend]

Flashback: Second set of the Wimby final, Andy fell while reaching for a wide forehand. It looked kinda bad on the slow motion replay. Then Roger aced him mercilessly on the fifth set (Andy did not move well laterally) and we know the rest.
I wonder if he injured himself there and it was one of many factors in that defeat.
Hope he comes back fast.

[tarmpriopay]

Any injury dealing with the hip scares me...I think about Guga

[MatueHarton]

Flashback: Second set of the Wimby final, Andy fell while reaching for a wide forehand. It looked kinda bad on the slow motion replay. Then Roger aced him mercilessly on the fifth set (Andy did not move well laterally) and we know the rest.
I wonder if he injured himself there and it was one of many factors in that defeat.
Hope he comes back fast.

I distinctly remember seeing him grab one of his ass cheeks right after that incident, as if he were checking it for pain.

Makes sense to give it another week and start the hard court season a little late.

[AssinHT]

Yes, makes perfect sense for Roddick to start in Washington.

[harriettvanders]

I distinctly remember seeing him grab one of his ass cheeks right after that incident, as if he were checking it for pain.

I distinctly remember then Kirkus having to be revived with smelling salts and the delicate waving of a hanky.

(P.S. Betcha if we grabbed one of Andy's ass cheeks we'd feel no pain. )

[MatueHarton]

I distinctly remember then Kirkus having to be revived with smelling salts and the delicate waving of a hanky.

You'll get no argument from me. I'm old. My heart almost gave out.

Alternate Post: Ass-monkey.