Roddick fined for quick getaway

The twice Wimbledon finalist left in such a hurry that he was fined by the ATP, the players’ union. Roddick, 24, who made £1million last year and has career earnings of seven times that

much, did not bother to stay for a media conference. He left with coach Jimmy Connors in a limousine after he and fellow American Robby Ginepri lost 7-5, 6-1 against the Australian duo of

Chris Guccione and Nathan Healey. ATP official Tom Kinloch said: “He will be fined the maximum amount allowed at this tournament, which is 500 euros [£338]. “Players are supposed to make

themselves available for interview, win or lose.” Roddick also forfeited his first-round loser’s  money of £105 and the rest will be taken from whatever he wins at the Artois Championships

in London next week. Loose change for Roddick, the world No3, who had wanted to get back on grass after his shock defeat in the French Championships where he took £10,000 as a first-round

loser. But for much of the match he treated it as fun in the sun, although afterwards Connors appeared embarrassed. The coach searched for Roddick but came back saying: “I think he must be

out front.” It was the American’s first match on grass since losing to British No1 Andy Murray during Wimbledon last year, which was when Connors stepped in as coach and adviser. Roddick has

been practising at the National Tennis Centre  at Roehampton, where  Murray has picked up a racket for the first time  since damaging a wrist in Hamburg last month.