Roddick's French Open build-up hit by illness

Published November 20, 2014

MADRID (Reuters) - Andy Roddick's preparations for the French Open were dealt a blow on Wednesday when he was forced to withdraw from the Madrid Masters due to a virus.

The American world number eight suffered bouts of vomiting and sweating this week and said he found it hard to focus on the ball during his first-round men's doubles loss on Tuesday.

"Playing well there isn't out of the question but it's just going to be a little bit tougher," he added.

Roddick recorded his best performance at the French Open last year when he reached the fourth round and said a lack of practice on clay would not necessarily stop him repeating the feat when the tournament gets underway on May 23.

"First and foremost I have to get better and rest and make sure I'm ready to go and get on the practice court."

(Reporting by Iain Rogers, editing by Ken Ferris)

URL

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/roddicks-french-open-build-up-hit-by-illness