Washington - Andy Roddick will mark a quiet return to tennis one month after his dramatic Wimbledon finals loss to Roger Federer, a struggle which has lifted the American's standing on the world stage.

"I didn't realize the magnitude of interest in the match back in US," he said. "It was nice to see that level."

Roddick will be back in action on Wednesday when he opens play after a bye at the Legg Mason Classic facing the winner from compatriot Robby Ginepri and Germany's Benjamin Becker.

The quick-fire adopted Texan, while admitting the defeat at the All England Club stung him badly, said Monday he's not much for dwelling on the past.

And he would be keen to again test his 2-19 record anytime against the Swiss master. "I'll always want a rematch with world number one Federer, that means you're pretty far along in the tournament."

Roddick kept some of his feelings under wraps regarding the days after the defeat, when he suddenly found a hip flexor injury which has kept him on the sidelines for the past four weeks, including Davis Cup the week after Wimbledon.

But his focus is looking forward to the start of the US Open - his only Grand Slam title in 2003.

"I have a hard time looking too far ahead," said Roddick, the three-time losing finalist at the grass major. "And I don't sit around crying in my Cheerios about losses either. I have confidence going into the Open from being able to navigate a major event like Wimbledon."

"That can only help on a short-term basis. Noting is guaranteed but I'd love nothing better than to go on another (winning) run."

The number five said that even in the emotional seconds after his loss four weeks ago, the enormity of the match he had played was already sinking in.

"It (his perception of the defeat) changes every day. It was heartbreaking for me, but not a lot of people get the chance to play for that title.

"Ten seconds after the final you realize it's a pretty special thing. Normally I don't get hurt by tennis losses. But it's pretty good to be able to go out and play a match like that."

Seeds all have byes at the Washington event, where Roddick leads the field ahead of Argentine defending champion Juan Del Potro and number three Frenchman Jo- Wilfried Tsonga.

Chilean Fernando Gonzalez takes the fourth seeding trailed by French Open finalist Robin Soderling and Croatia Marin Cilic on sixth.(dpa)