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NEW YORK -- Roger Federer is not just impressed by the newly-fit and vastly-improved Mardy Fish. The man many believe is the best men's tennis player in history is very happy for the revitalized American."I mean, his talent was never questioned, was it?" Federer asked rhetorically on Saturday after dismissing Paul-Henri Mathieu in straight sets. "I played him back in maybe was it 2003, 2004, when I won my first couple Wimbledons. He was the only guy to take a set off me.
"I always thought Mardy was an incredibly good player -- regardless of his weight, to be honest. I think it's great to show maybe other players, too, to see what's possible at a later stage in your career -- if you come up with some new ideas."
In an attempt to resurrect his career, Fish lost 30 pounds prior to this season. The result has been the best year in the career of the man from Edina, Minnesota. Fish won in Newport and Atlanta and was the runner-up last month in Cincinnati -- beating Andy Murray and Andy Roddick before losing to Federer in the final.
Federer gives Fish credit for such a radical change in his conditioning during the latter stages of his career.
"Change it up and see what happens ... I think that's what he's doing," said Federer, who will play Jurgen Melzer in the fourth round. "That the results follow, it's not always a guarantee. But with him now, it's happened. Obviously this is the big stage for him now, the U.S. Open.
"This is what it's about for him now. This is where it's really going to pay off for him -- not in Washington or something. It's great to see him playing well, doing well. He's a nice guy, and he's always been talented."
Fish was flattered when Federer's praise was relayed to him after his five-set victory Saturday over Arnaud Clement.
"It feels nice," said Fish. "You want the respect of the guys you're competing with -- maybe him more so than anyone else. Roger's a class guy, there's no doubt. I mean, we've played six or seven times now, and he's kicked my butt almost every time, so ..."
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