Fish fit for title defence in Atlanta

Top seed Mardy Fish says a week of rest for an abdominal strain has him fit to defend his title at the ATP Atlanta Championship starting on Monday.

Fish, the top-ranked American at ninth in the world, lost both of his singles rubbers a week ago as the US went down to Davis Cup defeat against Spain in Texas.

But Fish skipped a TeamTennis obligation this week and rested under doctor's orders to be ready for the start of the pre-US Open hardcourt season.

He earned the inaugural Atlanta title a year ago at the event which replaced Indianapolis on the calendar, beating Wimbledon marathon man and friend John Isner in the final.

Fish had been troubled by his abdominal strain since he was injured at Roland Garros nearly two months ago. He managed to soldier on into the Wimbledon quarter-finals.

AFP