Roddick to skip Olympics with U.S. Open in mind

WASHINGTON, March 11 (Xinhua) -- World number six Andy Roddick planned to skip this year's Olympic Games in Beijing to defend his Washington Open title.

Roddick said he wants to remain in his home country preparing the U.S. Open by defending Washington Open, which take place from Aug. 11-17 when the Olympic Games is hold in Beijing.

"My goal every summer is to win the U.S. Open," the 25-year-old American said in a statement released on Tuesday by Washington Open organizers.

"I have won the Legg Mason Tennis Classic three times and feel defending my title in Washington best prepares me for another grand slam title."

Roddick, who won his only grand slam title at the 2003 U.S. Open, triumphed in Washington in 2001, 2005 and last year.

He clinched the 2007 crown by beating fellow American John Isner 6-4, 7-6 in the final.