Roddick surprised by Federer's change of plans

LONDON, June 16 (Reuters) Andy Roddick was surprised by Roger Federer's decision to pull out of the Wimbledon warm-up tournament in Halle this week.

The Swiss won the event from 2003 to 2006 and every time he went on to capture the top prize at Wimbledon.

However, after losing the French Open final to Rafael Nadal on Sunday, the 10-times grand slam champion chose not to travel to Germany.

''I was as surprised as anybody,'' Roddick said today after reaching the Queen's Club final.

''I promise you that if I had done something four times and it had resulted in four Wimbledon titles, I might have done it again.

''But that being said, the one thing we are not privy to is how his body is feeling. He is the only one who knows how he feels.'' Roddick, however, did not think Federer's lack of match practice would hurt his title prospects at the grasscourt grand slam, which begins on June 25.

''Roger's a smart guy and I don't feel he would jeopardise his Wimbledon over something minor,'' said the American, who plays Frenchman Nicolas Mahut in tomorrow's Queen's final.

Federer will be bidding to become the first man since Bjorn Borg in 1980 to win five successive crowns at the All England Club.

Reuters SBA VP0150