AP
That's my guy:
Andy Roddick won't defend his title in Dubai next week because he doesn't agree with the decision to deny Israeli Shahar Peer a visa to play in a women's tournament.
"There were a lot of factors why I should probably go, and obviously having played well there doesn't make it any easier," Roddick said after beating fellow American Sam Querrey 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 to reach the semifinals of the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships.
The mixing of politics and sports was a big part of Roddick's decision to pull out of Dubai where he won his second of three titles in 2008. Roddick said he has enjoyed himself when visiting the United Arab Emirates but was disappointed to see the government make a decision that reflects poorly on a great tournament.
"I don't think you make political statements through sports," Roddick said.
That wasn't so difficult, now was it? As far as I'm aware, Andy is the only Jewish player in the top rung of men's tennis and he's always been outspoken, so this doesn't come as a great surprise. But it seems like such a courageous stand given the deafening silence of the other top players.
And he gets Lleyton Hewitt in the semifinals? Talk about an ancient rivarly.
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