Mardy Fish has no plans to retire, according to his buddy, Justin Gimelstob.
Fish, seeded 23rd in the U.S. Open, had a recurrence of a rapid-heartbeat ailment and pulled out of his marquee Labor Day matchup against Roger Federer yesterday. His heart condition, which required surgery, forced him out of the French Open in May.
“He’s devastated,’’ Gimelstob told The Post. Fish was a groomsman at the May wedding of Gimelstob, the New Jersey product and Tennis Channel’s star commentator.
The Post reported exclusively in yesterday’s editions that Fish skipped his practice session Sunday because he was feeling ill due to a rapid heartbeat following his rugged late-night marathon against Gilles Simon that ended at 1:09 a.m. Sunday.
“It’s not career-threatening,’’ Gimelstob said. “It’s manageable.
“He had two very taxing matches and he’s dealing with a lot of stress of being a professional athlete,’’ Gimblestob added. “It was a perfect storm.’’
Fish released a statement that did not address his heart.
“I regret I have to withdraw from the US Open for precautionary measures,” the statement read. “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.’’
Federer also released a statement, which read, “I am really sorry for Mardy, I just want to wish him a speedy recovery. We all want to see him back on tour soon.”
Federer’s coast through the tournament continued as he guns for his sixth Open title, which would be an Open-era record. He hasn’t lost a set as he moves into the quarterfinals against sixth-seeded Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic. Though Federer leads the matchup 11-4, the two have split their last six bouts since 2010.
“It will be a tough match against Tomas,’’ said Federer, who could face Brit Andy Murray in the semifinals. “We have played many times in the past and he has always been a tough opponent.’’