Mardy Fish withdrew from his fourth round match against Roger Federer today less than three hours before the match was scheduled to highlight the Labor Day card.
“I regret that I have to withdraw from the U.S. Open for precautionary measures,” Fish said in a statement. “I was reluctant to do so, but am following medical advisement. I had a good summer and look forward to resuming my tournament schedule in the fall.”
The Post reported in today’s editions that Fish was not able to practice Sunday as he was still dealing with a medical condition related to his heart.
Following his victory over Gilles Simon on Thursday, Fish did not attend his post-match press conference.
He was then scheduled to talk to reporters Saturday, but was absent due to health issues believed to be related to his rapid heartbeat ailment.
A statement released by the U.S. Open read, “Mardy Fish has withdrawn from the 2012 US Open due to health concerns. Roger Federer advances to the quarterfinals via a walkover.”
Fish did not play in the French Open earlier in the year, later revealing to the media that he had been hospitalized with arrhythmia. He had said that the condition made it hard for him to sleep and his heart felt like it was going to burst from his chest. After undergoing a procedure to correct his rapid heart rate, Fish returned to Wimbledon where he lost in the fourth round.
With Fish’s withdrawal, Andy Roddick, who advanced to the fourth round on Sunday remains the only male American left in the draw.
david.satriano@nypost.com