By McCarton Ackerman
Former US Open champion and world No. 1 Andy Roddick has announced a one-off comeback from retirement to compete this summer in the BB&T Atlanta Open, the first event in the Emirates Airline US Open Series, held July 28-August 3.
Roddick confirmed that he will take a wild card into the doubles draw with close friend and fellow American Mardy Fish. It will mark his first time competing on tour since retiring from professional tennis at the 2012 US Open.
“We just wanted to play together one last time. I wanted to play with my friend and share in his comeback a little bit,” said Roddick. “Atlanta seemed like the obvious choice. We both had success there. We both love that tournament. I’m just jumped. I hope I don’t embarrass myself out there.”
However, the former world No. 1 said the impending arrival of his first child with wife Brooklyn Decker will prevent any chances of the pair competing together at this year’s US Open.
The American duo paired up regularly in doubles throughout much of Roddick’s career. They won two ATP World Tour titles together during their career, including the Masters Series event in Indian Wells, Calif. in 2009. They also paired in doubles at the 2010 BB&T Atlanta Open.
Roddick will also play a singles exhibition during this year's BB&T Atlanta Open against rising American star Frances Tiafoe, while Fish will compete in the singles draw.
Fish began his comeback to the pro tour in February after taking 18 months off to deal with an anxiety disorder. After competing in doubles this February at the $100,000 USTA Pro Circuit event in Dallas, Texas, he narrowly lost his opening-round singles match the following month in Indian Wells.
The former world No. 7 said he hopes to play in other Series events this summer, as well as the US Open, but has not made any firm commitments.
“[I’m] still fighting the battle of the anxiety disorder, trying to get a firm grip on how I feel after matches,” said Fish. “Obviously it’s no secret that I’d love to go back to the US Open, but it all starts in Atlanta for me."