Andy Withdraws from Countrywide Classic

After consulting with his Athletic trainer, Doug Spreen, and both Jimmy Connors and John Roddick, Andy has withdrawn from the Countrywide Classic due to a left side muscle strain incurred in his second round match Thursday evening.

While reaching for a shot, Andy strained the muscle late in the third set. He was barely able to finish the match, but fought through the pain to advance to the quarterfinals over Scott Oudsema 6-7(3), 6-3, 6-2. After receiving on court treatment from the ATP Trainer and post match treatment from Doug Spreen, the decision was made this afternoon to avoid further injury and withdraw from tonight’s quarterfinal match.

“During the next couple of days we will focus on treatment to reduce the pain and inflammation,” Athletic Trainer Doug Spreen told ar.com. “Overall, we just want to make Andy as comfortable as possible and we will evaluate the strain on a daily basis.”

In his post match press conference Thursday evening, Andy said he planned for “lots of ice,” and would discuss the situation with Jimmy, John and Doug but ultimately “It will be my decision,” he concluded. With the US Open less than one month away, Andy stressed his decision would be heavily influenced by the potential to further aggravate the injury. “If there’s a chance that I’d risk doing serious damage, I’d pull out. I have to look at the big picture.”

Following a successful run at the RCA championships in Indianapolis, and having already reached the quarterfinals of this week’s Countrywide Classic, Andy was very candid about the frustrations of having to withdraw. “It’s really disappointing.”

Andy has been given a Wednesday start at the Legg Mason Tennis Classic in Washington D.C, allowing for five full days of treatment before his next match.