Delray Beach, Florida, 22 February 2011 | AFP

Australian qualifier Marinko Matosevic has taken Andy Roddick’s place in the draw of the Delray Beach International.

The US top-seed Roddick pulled out of the tournament on Monday, a day after complaining that he felt ill following his 30th career ATP victory in Memphis.

Roddick made his pro debut at Delray Beach in 2000 but has not played in the USD$442,500 Florida event since 2003.

After battling mononucleosis last year, the 28-year-old American wants to take no chances with what has him feeling bad this time.

“I felt like I got hit by a bus,” Roddick said. “I woke up this morning and my bed was soaking wet from sweat. It’s just unfortunate timing for this sickness. I honestly don’t feel like I can go out there and give it my best.

“I need to get better before I can play again.”

Roddick, who will head home to Texas to meet with doctors, is set to lead the US Davis Cup team next in a first round tie at Santiago, Chile.

Matosevic, 25, will play Israel’s Dudi Sela in the first round.

Mardy Fish is the second seed at Delray Beach followed by US compatriots Sam Querrey and John Isner.

Querrey, a wild-card entrant, opened with a 6-3 5-7 6-3 victory over Germany’s Dustin Brown while Frenchman Florent Serra dispatched Ryan Harrison, another American wild card, by 3-6 6-3 7-5.