Thems are the breaks for Nadal

Rafael Nadal couldn't catch a break, or rather covert a break, when it really mattered today and was sent packing from the Bangkok semifinals by compatriot Guillermo Garcia-Lopez.

The World No. 1 was only able to capitalize on 2 of 26 break point opportunities during the 2-6, 7-6(3), 6-3 defeat to his compatriot, bringing back memories of the US Open final - the last tourney he played - where he only converted 6 of 26 against Novak Djokovic. Of course he managed to win that (big) one but made a telling prediction during his post-match presser saying, "Yeah, on the statistics of the ATP I was No. 1 on breakpoints converted, so I think after this tournament I [won't] be No. 1 on breakpoints converted." No doubt.

Could it be possible his opponents have begun to find a chink in Rafa's muscular armor e.g. his lack of a strong return on hard courts? He seems to have difficulties with the backhand return on the rough stuff, opting for a chip rather than a drive, giving his opponents time to set up an aggressive stance off his return. From that point on it becomes very difficult for him to grab the initiative in the rally.

It's too early to say yet whether this is a coincidence or the beginnings of a worrying pattern for Rafa. He's playing the next two tourneys on the hard stuff - Tokyo + Shanghai - so it's surely something we'll all be watching.


[Photo(s): Getty Images]

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Juan Martin del Potro

The most important thing today was the wrist, and it was perfect.

- Juan Martin del Potro after going down to Olivier Rochus 7-6(7), 6-4 in the first round of Bangkok. It was his first match since losing in the fourth round of this year's Aussie Open to Marin Cilic

That's the news I was hoping to hear. I couldn't have cared less if you ended with a win or a loss today - just very happy to have you back you big boob!

[Photo(s): AP]

SIGHTING: Nadal makes a tour of it in Thailand

Rafael Nadal finally hit the practice court after winging it into Thailand and taking a lengthy vacay with family and friends. He has a bye into the second round of Bangkok and was drawn to face a qualifier on Thursday.

Before returning to the courts, though, the World No. 1 participated in an anti-global warming project called "One Million Trees for the King" which featured a tree-planting ceremony in Hua Hin in honor of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej today. He'll be visiting with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva at the Government House tomorrow.

Over the weekend Rafa traveled to a beach in the Prachuab Khirikhan province and offered lotus flowers to a Buddhist monk. He doesn't speak much about his spirituality but recently gave some insight to Sports Illustrated's Jon Wertheim on his beliefs:

"It's hard to say, 'I don't believe in God'" said the 24-year old. "I would love to know if God exists. But it's a very difficult thing for me to believe. I don't know. It's private and I don't want to speak about it, but I say, "If God exists, you don't need [to cross yourself] or pray." If God exists, he's intelligent enough to [do] the important things, the right things."

More images from the practice and the tree-planting ceremony after the jump (click the headline y'all.)

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SIGHTING: Nadal flies into Bangkok in more ways than one

Rafael Nadal and his aerodynamic hair - it's got wings! - were spotted arriving at Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok. The World No. 1 is taking a bit of holiday with friends and family there according to his website and will be competing at the Thailand Open next week.

The big news, however, doesn't belong solely to him. Juan Martin del Potro is slated to make his return to the ATP World Tour at the tourney after being sidelined for most of the season with a wrist injury. I had some doubt as to whether he would actually play here but as of today he's still on the player list.

Don't get me wrong. I will absolutely blow a load if Delpo actually makes his return next week, and all signs say he'll be there. But I also want him to take his time and come back when his game and fitness are on point. The tour needs him healthy because when he's in full flight he can beat anyone at any time, including the Spaniard.

In the meantime, check out more images of Rafa's arrival below and after the jump (click on the headline.)

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(UPDATED) Juan Martin del Potro readies his return to the ATP World Tour

Juan Martin del Potro is preparing to make his comeback to the ATP World Tour after undergoing wrist surgery back in May. *cheers*

According to a statement released by the USTA the U.S. Open champ will be in Flushing Meadows to defending his title. Now, there hasn't been confirmation from his camp so I wouldn't be too quick to assume the 21-year old will be there. It could be a wait-and-see situation from all sides.

Delpo, though, has confirmed he will be competing at the Thailand Open, alongside Rafael Nadal, which begins on September 27. "I am looking forward to playing the PTT Thailand Open on my return from injury," he said. "I really enjoyed myself on my last visit to Bangkok and hope for good results at this year's tournament."

Believe me, I would be ecstatic to see Delpo at the U.S. Open but the USTA may be hedging their bets in the hopes they can get him in full health by August 30, the start of the year's final major.

We'll see. *everything crossed*

P.S. - Anyone have a spare ticket to Bangkok they'd like to throw at me? Just askin'.

UPDATE: I guess the USTA is really, really intent on pushing the story of Delpo's likely return to the tour in defense of his U.S. Open title. Via Tennis.com:

The USTA's announcement that Juan Martin del Potro will try to defend his U.S. Open title is no fantasy: The Argentine is already hitting, according to USTA spokesman Tim Curry. USTA officials have kept in contact with del Potro, who had wrist surgery earlier this year. At this point, his wrist is healing ahead of schedule.

But mega-blog Fue Buena, who happen to be based in Buenos Aires, had something different to say in response to tennis scribe's corresponding tweet about the USTA claim:

Intrigued, much? It seems there are a few things happening here. As I mentioned above, the USTA would love nothing better than to have the defending champ at the tourney for obvious reasons. No one wants the biggest headline of the days leading up to the U.S. Open to be his absence. Pretty empty stuff.

On the other hand, Delpo's team probably wants to keep all the options on the table for the slim chance their boy actually recovers in time to play at Flushing Meadows. It's hard to imagine that scenario since he just tweeted about his continuing recovery only last week and has mentioned nothing yet about a return to training. And then he's supposed to enter a defense of a Grand Slam? With the U.S. Open a little over a month away, he'd be coming in on a wing and a prayer.

But stay tuned.

[Photo(s): Zimbio]

SEPARATED AT BIRTH: B. Becker vs. N. Kiefer

We think Thailand Open finalist Benjamin Becker, whose greatest claim to fame is defeating Andre Agassi in the final match of his career, is a dead ringer for Germany's Nicolas Kiefer. Conspiracy or coincidence?