Ailing Roddick to Sit Out Event
INDIAN WELLS — An ailing Andy Roddick is facing a $20,000 fine from the ATP Tour for his withdrawal from the Pacific Life Open, even though it was obvious he was in discomfort during Sunday’s final at Delray Beach, Fla.
To avoid the penalty, Roddick, seeded 11th here, would have to fly to the tournament site by Wednesday to be examined by a doctor. His agent, Ken Meyerson of SFX, said Monday that Roddick would not appear, indicating a fine would be appealed.
“He’s definitely got an ear infection,†Meyerson said. “It’s pretty bad. He’ll be bedridden at least today, tomorrow and the next day. He’s clearly sick.â€
Ordinarily, the fine is $10,000, but because Roddick is ranked in the range of 11-25 and was seeded, the fine is doubled. Had he retired in the final against Davide Sanguinetti of Italy, Roddick would have been examined and presumably would not have been fined.
The rule was put in place to prevent players from abusing the system, damaging tournaments with last-minute withdrawals. Richard Ings, the tour’s executive vice president of rules and competition, said an appeal of the fine would go through chief executive officer Mark Miles.
Ings said successful appeals are rare.
Roddick was replaced in the draw by Francisco Clavet of Spain, who lost in the first round.
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