Rafael Nadal officially withdraws from the US Open due to wrist injury

Today Rafael Nadal officially withdrew from the US Open with the right wrist injury he sustained in practice at the end of July. He made the announcement via his Facebook page:

I am very sorry to announce I won’t be able to play at this year’s US Open a tournament on which I’ve played 3 consecutive finals in my last participations. I am sure you understand that it is a very tough moment for me since it is a tournament I love and where I have great memories from fans, the night matches, so many things… Not much more I can do right now, other than accept the situation and, as always in my case, work hard in order to be able to compete at the highest level once I am back.

Siento anunciar que no podré participar en el US Open, torneo en el que en los últimos años he tenido muy buenos resultados. Entenderéis que es un momento duro para mi porque es un torneo que me encanta y en el que tengo muy buenos recuerdos, de los fans, de los partidos nocturnos, de tantas cosas. No me queda otra que aceptar que no puedo competir este año y como siempre trabajar para que cuando vuelva esté preparado de la mejor manera para competir.

Roger Federer, who won the Cincinnati Masters over the weekend, will take over as the second seed. Here's the potential list of the men's top eight seeds: 1. Novak Djokovic 2. Federer 3. Stan Wawrinka 4. David Ferrer 5. Milos Raonic 6. Tomas Berdych 7. Grigor Dimitrov 8. Andy Murray

It's never good news when a top baller withdraws from a major, especially when he's the defending champion. He had such a sensational season last year after dealing with another injury-induced absence from the ATP tour. Let's hope Rafa's recovery is swift and he's back in action soon.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

Knee injury knocks Li Na out of the U.S. Open

Today Li Na announced her withdrawal from Montreal, Cincinnati, and the U.S. Open on her Facebook page because of a lingering knee injury:

I wanted to let all of my great fans know that unfortunately I am going to have to withdraw from the upcoming WTA events in Montreal and Cincinnati, as well as the US Open. Since March, I have been struggling with my knee and it is just not where I need it to be in order to play at the highest level. My medical team has advised me that I need to take some time off to rest my knee so it heels. I look forward to getting back on the court this fall in Wuhan and Beijing. - LI NA

What started off as such a promising season with a win at the Australian Open, her second major title, slowly began to unravel during the spring. She reached two quarterfinals at Madrid and Rome and then was upset in the first round of the French Open by homegirl Kristina Mladenovic. The slide continued at Wimbledon where she fell to Barbora Zahlavova Strycova in the third round. It was announced soon after her exit from the All England Club that her coaching partnership with coach Carlos Rodriguez was ending. The news reportedly surprised and upset Li.

Her results after Oz were perplexing not only to me, but also anyone who watches the sport. I kept wondering how someone who just won her second Grand Slam could be lacking in that much confidence? If she's been feeling the knee since March, it would explain why after Indian Wells and Miami, where she reached the semifinals and finals, respectively, Li's form took a nosedive in the spring and the start of summer. The break will be good for her physically and mentally.

As a result of her withdrawal from the three tourneys, Simona Halep will rise one spot to a career-high number two in the rankings next week according to the WTA.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

Wrist injury puts Rafael Nadal's U.S. Open defense in jeopardy

Rafael Nadal has pulled out of the upcoming Masters 1000 tournaments at Toronto and Cincinnati with a right wrist injury. In a statement published by The New York Times, the 14-time Grand Slammer flew to Spain to have an MRI done, and based on his doctor's recommendations, will have to "be out of competition for at least 2-3 weeks." The timing puts his participation at the U.S. Open in jeopardy. During last year's North American hard-court swing, he went 17-0, including winning his second title at Flushing Meadows over Novak Djokovic.

Injuries are as common as clay-court titles for Rafa. Earlier this season, he was hindered by a back injury during his loss to Stan Wawrinka in the Australian Open final. And, of course, his knees have been a constant issue over his entire career. While the wrist hasn't been a recurring problem for Rafa, it's becoming one for the sport, with Novak Djokovic, Juan Martin del Potro, Laura Robson, and now Rafa, dealing with injuries recently.

So, what about the Spaniard's chances of making the U.S. Open? Based on the carefully worded statement Team Nadal put out, it's a big question. They said "at least 2-3 weeks" away from the tour which means it could be longer depending on his recovery. According to the statement, his return is "initially scheduled for the U.S. Open" but it all depends on how the wrist recovers, doctor's recommendations, and another MRI. They certainly left it open.

The U.S. Open begins in about three-and-a-half weeks. Even if he decided to play, Rafa would certainly be lacking in match play. If it heals quickly, he could theoretically take a wild card into Winston-Salem the week before the Open starts to try to get in some matches. I don't see that happening, though. The more likely scenario, if he plays, would be for the defending champion to try and work his way into match shape. If Rafa can get through his early matches, he'll be able to find his rhythm, feel more confident his game going forward, and be with colm - a winning recipe for the Spaniard.

There's no doubt Team Nadal is doing everything they can to get him fit in time for the year's final major. One other thing is for sure; if Rafa is given the go ahead to play, he will leave it all on the line. No question about it.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]

Rafael Nadal! On a tennis court! Again!

Happy much? Why, yes, yes I am. So is he and the other he, as he should be. Rafael Nadal's hand, head, abs, infamous ass-ets and that wonky left knee all returned to action today in Vina del Mar, Chile. He paired up with Juan Monaco to win his first match in over 7 months, albeit in doubles, over Frantisek Cermak and Lukas Dlouhy 6-3, 6-2 in the VTR Open clay-court tournament. Here are some highlights:
 

Tomorrow is Rafa's knee's first big test as he plays his first singles match against Federico Delbonis.

So, how did his knee hold up today?  Here's what he had to say after the win: "At the end of the day the doctors have said it's OK. There is no risk of making it worse. My knee keeps hurting. But the fact I am playing here is a thing of joy."

"I am not 100 percent, I need some weeks. If it hurts, it hurts and we'll put up with it. I am here to play tennis, with or without pain. ...I'm happy to have played an official game, although it was doubles."

Bottom line, there's pain and he's dealing with it. It should come as no surprise since Uncle Toni said there could be discomfort for a few more weeks. But Rafa's smiling big and so am I. And, if I had to bet, I'd say you are, too. Unless you're a robot. But, even robots have mechanical hearts.

[Photo(s) credit: @RafaelNadal Twitter account]

Down, but not out. Yet.

Bloody hell.

Andy Murray turned his right ankle during his third round match today and dropped to the court in pain before requiring lengthy on-court treatment for the injury. He ended up defeating Michael Berrer 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 but his participation in his next match against Victor Troicki is not certain.

At 2-1 in the second set Muzz ran for a drop shot by Berrer and turned his right ankle. He hopped to the side of the court before lying down in apparent agony. Here's a clip of the incident:



The Brit baller told the BBC in a video interview that he felt "a pretty big, sorta, click" after turning his ankle. Oh boy. He's lucky Berrer felt badly enough to stop using the drop shots and running him around or he might well have been out of the tourney. I'm sure if he makes it to his next match the Serb won't be so kind - and that's still a big 'if'.

[Photo(s): Alex Livesey/Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: Tale of the tape

"Who needs support when you've got this?"

Varvara Lepchenko may have been partially mummified during her first round match at Roland Garros but it didn't stop the 25-year old from pulling an opening day upset. The American defeated 18th seed Flavia Pennetta 6-3, 2-6, 6-3 needing five match points to close it out. Unfortunately for the U.S., she faces off against Bethanie Mattek-Sands, who also went the distance against Arantxa Parra Santonja, in the second round.

Unluck of the draw, I suppose.

[Photo(s): AFP PHOTO / JACQUES DEMARTHON]

PHOTO OP: A helping hand

"Uh, that's not my hip, sir."

Remember last week when I said, "I can't wait to see what [Juan Martin del Potro] does at Roland Garros. Could be kinda awesome (no jinx, really)" in this post? Now, I'm pretty sure my words don't have magical powers (that I know of) but look what happened.

Delpo defeated Mikhail Youzhny 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 in the first round of Madrid today but aggravated a hip injury he suffered during his run to the title in Estoril:

It’s a pain that I've had since Estoril and maybe it could be because it has been a long time since I played on clay. I always want to win and I think of winning no matter the amount of pain and it's a type of pain that allows me to play. It’s a Masters 1000 where there are lot of people looking at me to do the best I can and that’s why I continued on the court, because I knew I could win the match.

He also said he doesn't want to take a chance of missing out on Roland Garros by playing with the injury:

I will be careful for my future - I am playing really well last week and this, but my first goal is to play healthy. I want to be safe this week so I don't want to risk my presentation in French Open.

I agree. If it's bothering you, Delpo, pack it up. You're playing some top level ball right now and getting better each match. Even Nole said you'll be Top 5 by end of year. So don't be a hero. Save that for RG you big lug.

[Photo(s): AFP PHOTO / DANI POZO]

PHOTO OP: Now what's wrong with a little love between two girlfriends?

"I wish I knew how to quit you..."

As you guys know I'm a huge proponent of MOMA on the ATP World Tour. There's just something about two boy ballers basking in the afterglow of their intensely physical and heated tennis making. It always brings a big smile to my face and a few other places to see them whispering sweet nothings in each other's ears while embracing in a pool of sweatiness, muscles protruding and eyes firmly locked at the net. Uh *ahem*, where was I?

Oh yes. The girls. Let me be clear: I have no, I repeat NO, problem with LOLA (Exhibit A.) It doesn't make me want to grab my tissue box (I'm a clean freak) but I can see how it would for some. I guess there's some sort of HAWTNESS given off when two lady ballers - that being besties Caroline Wozniacki + Agnieszka Radwanska - get all huggy-huggy and their mammies get all squoosy-squooshy at the net particularly when one is forced to retire from a match with injury (A-Rad) in the quarterfinals of an event like Tokyo.

This LOLA moment should come as no surprise to their fans since these two are very close and do lots together. Now I didn't say they do EVERYTHING together because that would be a complete fabrication on my part. But they have been known to vacay together topless on occasion:

Geez, must be uber-awesome to have a friend, who you'd feel completely comfortable flashing your mammies at, on tour with you for support. Kinda like your fave bra!

You see? That's what friends are really for.

More Woznieszka Tokyo LOLA after the jump (click the headline damnit.)

(UPDATED) Ana Ivanovic's struggles continue, suffers foot injury in Cincinnati

Ana Ivanovic finally seemed destined to get her game back in track after hitting through her draw and reaching the semifinals in Cincinnati. But, after sustaining a left foot injury during her match against Kim Clijsters, she's in a race against time to be fit for the Pilot Pen where she grabbed a wild card and the U.S. Open.

The former top lady baller suffered the injury while hitting her fave forehand in the fourth game of the first set. After receiving on-court medical treatment she tried to play but could only get through two points before leaving the court in tears. Here's what she had to say about that moment in the match (via AnaIvanovic.com):

"All of a sudden on that one shot I felt like something crack a little bit. I was very scared. I'm obviously disappointed the way it finished, because I felt like I had a really good run and it was a good start to the match for both of us, I think.

(photo courtesy of GVTennisNews)

And just on that one forehand when I went to step around it, I just felt like pain all of a sudden, so much pain in my foot and I couldn't step on it anymore. I tried a bit of tape, but I could not put any weight on it, and there was no point in me continuing."

She left afterward to have an MRI done on her foot and said she would release a statement after the tests were completed.

As if the Serb needed more frustration and disappointment here comes more. You've got to feel for NaturAna right now - she's really going through it with her struggling game, the Montreal brouhardyha and now this injury. She was playing confident, inspired tennis and for the first time in a long time looked happy and relaxed out there.

Ironically, Kimmie also suffered a similar injury earlier in the season and described hearing a "crack" in her foot. Unfortunately it knocked her out of the entire clay season including Roland Garros. Let's hope there's better news for NaturAna. *fingers crossed*

UPDATE: It appears based on the MRI that she's suffered strained ligaments in her ankle and not a bone fracture according to her website. No word on the recovery time as of yet.

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

(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]

Serena Williams in danger of missing U.S. Open due to injury

After already announcing Serena Williams would need surgery on her foot and, consequently, miss three tourneys leading up to the U.S. Open, the WTA's spokesman Andrew Walker said she is now questionable for the season's final major.

I thought the jousting was a bit much. Now I'm sure of it, just like mama Oracene is sure ReRe's being a baby about it all though she doesn't agree.

WTA Tour: Serena's status questionable [ESPN]

Photo(s): Getty Images

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Delpo

el medico esta contento por la evolucion..ahora hay q seguir con el fortalecimiento un tiempo mas y dps estare listo para la raqueta

- Juan Martin del Potro on the progress of his wrist via Twitter

Translation (via Tennis.com): "The doctor is happy with the progress. Now we have to keep strengthening [it] and then be ready for the racquet."

Hell yeah.

[Photo(s): Sportinglife.com]

Nadal to attend World Cup final, drops racquets for pom poms

Rafael Nadal is set to announce his plans to attend the World Cup final in South Africa this Sunday!

After Spain reached its first EVAH final yesterday defeating favored Germany 1-0 there was much speculation about whether the Wimbledon champ would make the trip. He already decided to skip this weekend's Davis Cup tie versus France to undergo lengthy treatment on his knees so it wasn't a given he would attend.


It's a World Cup final, though, and a possible once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see his friends and compatriots take home the title. His next tourney isn't until Canada in about a month which seems like enough time to get treatment and recover even if it needs to be pushed back a bit for this trip. I imagine his boys on the DC team would understand and would want someone to go and support the team, too. And who better than the bigger cheerleader of 'em all - Rafa?

But, really, how could he miss this?! Well, now he won't.

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

Justine Henin out two months with partial ligament fracture, will miss U.S. Open

Justine Henin has suffered a "partial ligament fracture" to her right elbow and will need two months to recover forcing her out of next month's U.S. Open and the "Best of Belgium" exhibition match with Kim Clijsters on July 8.

The injury occurred during the opening set of her fourth round match against Kimmie at Wimbledon this week. She received medical treatment for the elbow but continued to play on. She eventually lost 2-6, 6-2, 6-3.

"This injury will keep me away from the courts for roughly two months, with the consequence that I have to withdraw from my US round of tournaments, including the US Open," said the 7-time Grand Slammer. "In four weeks, I'll take complementary medical examinations that will give me certainty about the end of this season."

Kimmie just confirmed Serena Williams as the replacement for Justine at the "Best of Belgium" exhibition over Twitter.

Let's hope she recovers well!

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

Dementieva pulls out of Wimbledon with injury

Elena Dementieva has pulled out of next week's Wimbledon with the calf injury she sustained in her second round match at Roland Garros. The Russian was forced out of her semifinal against eventual winner Francesca Schiavone because of the injury, her first retirement in 43 major appearances.

I still have fond memories of that epic Wimby semifinal last year between Elena + Serena Williams, the best ladies' match of 2009. *sigh* The World No. 5 will take a huge hit in the rankings since she won't be able to defend those points.

Can you imagine a WTA Top 10 without a single Russian holding court? Bizarro.

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Rafa

I felt something after he handled it.

- Rafael Nadal discussing the injury scare to his Rafarse at Queen's Club today

'Something'? The word is 'fulfilled' Rafa.

Trust.

[Photo(s): AFP/Getty Images]

Gulbis + Martinez Sanchez came in with a roar, went out with a wimper

Two ballers who made big impressions during the warm-up tourneys leading up to Roland Garros had their campaigns come to a crashing halt today, destroying my racket brackets in the process.

Ernests Gulbis had his best result in Rome defeating Roger Federer for the first time en route to the semifinals where he ran into Rafael Nadal - and lost. He also grabbed quarterfinal appearances in Barcelona + Madrid.

So, upon entering Roland Garros, Curlbis was favored to make a deep run and give Fed another tussle in a potential quarterfinal match. Well, the top seed is probably breathing a bit easier (not to mention Marin Cilic + Robin Soderling) now that the Latvian lad is out of the tourney and the top quarter, suffering a leg injury and retiring from his opening round match against Julian Benneteau.

"I stretched my leg, my hamstrings, and I heard two cracks," he said about the moment the injury occurred. "I don't know why, so I'm going to go to MRI to hospital in 20 minutes and check it. I hope it's nothing serious, because it can be anything, but it's for sure a little stretch of the muscle.

"It's also an experience I never [had during] a match before. I always finish the match until then but this time it was I think a little bit worse than I ever had for injuries."

This so sucks. I was expecting not only a deep run but precious presser quotes all fortnight. Now? NOTHING. Absolutely fucking nothing. *super sad face*

Get better Curlbis.


Rome was also the site of Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez's biggest tourney win defeating then World No. 2 Caroline Wozniacki before outplaying an in-form Jelena Jankovic in the final. The Spaniard then landed in the bottom quarter of the RG draw where the highest seeds are No. 2 Venus Williams, who hasn't been past the third round since 2006, and the slumping fifth seed Elena Dementieva.

Unfortunately, MJMS felt discomfort in her neck during the warm up for her first round match against Akgul Amanmuradova and had to call the trainer later on eventually losing 6-2, 6-4.

I fought till the end, it's the most important tournament for me," she said afterwards.

What a way to go out. At least they'll always have Rome which is more than I can say for me and my wrecked racket bracket. Ugh.

[Photo(s): Getty Images]

Del Potro undergoing wrist surgery, could be out 3-6 more months

Juan Martin del Potro, who hasn't played since losing to Marin Cilic at the Australian Open, has confirmed he will be undergoing surgery to his right wrist today according to a report by ESPN Deportes.

The 21-year old has traveled to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota to be treated by a specialist.

“I decided to write because I want them to know by my own words of what is happening to me. Throughout this year I wanted to avoid surgery with different treatments, but obviously the injury was more serious," said Del Potro.

He also denied rumors the long break was due to panic attacks or "stage fright." The recovery may take 3-6 months.

Here's to a 3-month recover Delpo though stay out if you need more time to rehabilitate the wrist. That's your career right there.

[Via: Tennis-X.com]

Beautiful Bolelli continues seasonal slump - but not everything seems sad

Aw, poor Simone "The Beautiful" Bolelli.

Not only is the Italian having the tennis season from absolute HELL, traveling between Challenger-level events and winning only one match on the ATP World Tour by way of an injury withdrawal by Tommy Robredo earlier this week in Barcelona, he also retired from his third round match today against David Ferrer with a wrist injury. He was trailing his Spanish foe by the scoreline of 0-6, 0-3. Double drats.

Beautiful looks so sad in this picture, no? But at least his nipple is happy. That makes me kinda happy now too.

[Photo(s): Reuters]

Rafa out four weeks with knee injury, pulls out of Rotterdam

Rafael Nadal will be out a total of 4 weeks to recover from the knee injury he sustained during his quarterfinal match against Andy Murray at the Aussie Open.

The Majorcan Matador suffered a minor tear to a tendon in his right knee and will need 2 weeks to rehabilitate the knee and will return to training over the following 2 weeks. He has pulled out of Rotterdam which begins on February 8.

He said this injury is different than the one that forced him out of his Wimbledon defense in 2009:

"As I said in Melbourne after the game... I knew the injury wasn't the same as the one I suffered last year.

"I am feeling well and am only thinking about how long it will take me to recover. I am disappointed to be missing the Rotterdam tournament. It is an event I would like to have won as I nearly did last year.

"I'm not overly worried about my ranking... all I want to do is to feel good on the court again, something I had achieved in Abu Dhabi, Doha and Melbourne where I was competing to a high standard."

I'd say this news is pretty good Rafanatics. Yeah, it's a month but the injury could've been a lot worse and taken a longer time to recover.

Here's to a speedy recovery Rafa!

[Photo(s): Getty]