Tennis-Roddick targets London 2012 Olympics

By Martyn Herman

LONDON, Nov 24 (Reuters) - When injured American Andy Roddick was caught on camera watching the action at the ATP World Tour Finals, the applause that rang around the cavernous O2 Arena spoke volumes for his popularity in London.

No wonder the world number six is already setting his sights on the 2012 London Olympics when the tennis event will be staged at the All England Club, scene of Roddick's epic Wimbledon final against Roger Federer this year.

"I certainly look at that 2012 year, the prospect of playing an Olympic event on grass, it's very interesting for me," Roddick, who dropped out of the eight-man season finale because of a knee injury, told reporters.

"Certainly I feel like or at least I hope there will be many good memories still for me here in London."

Roddick lost to his Swiss nemesis Federer for the third time in a Wimbledon final in July, when he finally succumbed 16-14 in a mind-boggling fifth set, but in defeat he won the hearts of thousands of British fans for his gutsy display.

Judging by the reaction of the crowd inside the O2 when he gave a bashful wave on Monday, Roddick will be welcomed back next year with open arms although he admitted it was tough to be sitting on the sidelines watching the action unfold on a dazzling stadium court with 17,500 fans wedged in.

"To be able to come here and see just the energy that's around it, just the great event that's being put on, I definitely am envious towards those guys out there, that they're able to play and participate in this event," said Roddick after confirming a four-year contract extension with clothing sponsors Lacoste.