London - A day after his heartbreak five-set Wimbledon finals loss to Roger Federer, injured Andy Roddick Monday withdrew from the American Davis Cup quarter-final date with Croatia starting Friday. The absence will be the first time in 18 ties that the world number six will miss a start for his country, with his place on the squad alongside James Blake and the Bryan brothers taken by Mardy Fish for the contest in Porec, Croatia, on indoor clay.
Roddick dropped out after suffering a hip injury in his four-and- a-quarter-hour ordeal against Federer on Centre court as Federer claimed an all-time 15th Grand Slam trophy.
The Americans are bidding to defeat Croatia for the first time, having lost to them in the first round in 2003 and 2005.
"Andy had a great run at Wimbledon. He battled for more than four hours yesterday and fought hard to reach the final," said US captain Patrick McEnroe. "Understandably, his body is not up for the rigours of Davis Cup in such a short turnaround.
"Andy has been a stalwart for this team the past nine years and his dedication to Davis Cup and his team mates is unquestioned. Mardy has been playing well and we are glad to have him back in the singles line-up.
Croatia will field Marin Cilic, Wimbledon quarter-finalist Ivo Karlovic, Roko Karanusic and Lovro Zovko.
