Andy Roddick to play doubles with Mardy Fish at Atlanta Open

Andy Roddick is coming out of retirement this week to play doubles with his compatriot Mardy Fish at the Atlanta Open, according to Fox Sports.

Atlanta is special in Roddick’s career. The 32-year-old won his first tour title here in 2001 and also his last one in 2012. Fish recently announced that he will retire after this year’s US Open. He siad he will compete in Washington and Cincinnati before the last Grand Slam of the year.

Fish has had health problems before and returned to the tour after three years. He will also compete in singles competition at Atlanta Open.

Roddick is keen to help his friend Fish as he bids goodbye to the tour later this year.

"It seems like since he made his announcement and he can kind of see the finish line, it's almost a weight has been lifted off his shoulders a little bit," Fox Sports reports Roddick as saying.

"If I can be a small part of kind of helping him this week, I'm happy to do it. We have a very long history. It's something I wanted to do," he added.

Roddick also played a singles exhibition match against 17-year-old Francis Tiafoe whom he beat 6-3, 6-4. His powerful serve was intact in the match as he hit 13 aces and was never broken in the match.