MASON, Ohio — The last time Mardy Fish played in the United States Open, he departed crumpled in anxiety, fear and tears.
Facing Roger Federer in a marquee fourth-round matchup in 2012, Fish had a severe panic attack. He could not take the court and withdrew.
Three years later, he is back for one last hurrah — and a chance to give his disquieting story a softer landing. If recent form is any indication, his last event before retirement could carry on longer than expected.
This month at the Western & Southern Open here, Fish dismantled a top-20 player, Viktor Troicki, 6-2, 6-2, and then pushed No.