Roddick pulls out of Dubai in protest

Andy Roddick has pulled out of the ATP tournament in Dubai next week because of the tournament organizers decision to not grant Israeli player Shahar Peera visa to compete in the womens tournament this week. Roddick's decision not to compete is a big blow to the tournament, as they have already lost Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Fernando Verdasco due to injuries. Roddick has had success in Dubai, winning the title in 2008, but Roddick thought that the tournament's actions were not acceptable in any way. “I don’t think you make political statements through sports,” Roddick said. “There were a lot of factors why I should probably go, and obviously having played well there doesn’t make it any easier.” Roddick is currently in the semifinals in the R.M. Keegan Championships in Memphis.