Roddick to skip Olympics with U.S. Open in mind

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - World number six Andy Roddick has decided to miss this year's Olympic Games in Beijing to defend his Washington Open title.

Both events take place from August 11-17 and Roddick wants to remain in his home country to help his build-up for the U.S. Open which begins two weeks later.

"My goal every summer is to win the U.S. Open," the 25-year-old American said in a statement released on Tuesday by Washington Open organizers.

"I have won the Legg Mason Tennis Classic three times and feel defending my title in Washington best prepares me for another grand slam title."

Roddick, who won his only grand slam title at the 2003 U.S. Open, triumphed in Washington in 2001, 2005 and last year.

He clinched the 2007 crown by beating fellow American John Isner 6-4 7-6 in the final.

(Writing by Mark Lamport-Stokes in Indian Wells, California; Editing by Ed Osmond)