Apparently the risky decision to skip the Olympics has paid off for Americans Mardy Fish and Andy Roddick, both having reached the quarterfinals at the 2008 U.S. Open.

Although seeing mediocre returns at the tournaments leading up to the Open, both players are making their final stands and bold statements in New York.

27-year-old Mardy Fish overran Paul Mathieu, James Blake and Gael Monfils for his best showing at the U.S. Open to date, losing only two sets in the tournament.

Following a five-set struggle against Ernest Gulbis in the second round, Andy Roddick breezed into the quarterfinals overcoming Andreas Seppi and F Gonzalez in straight sets.

Both players relied on big serves and aggressive net play to make short work of the overtaxed field, primarily due to the arduous pro season, which was extended this year due to the Beijing Olympics.

For these two aging players, it looks like a short nap before a Slam is a recipe for success.

(Photo: AP/Ed Betz)