Big news coming through today: http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/tennis/28839815 Nadal is out with an injury. Injuries have nagged him, especially on hard court since it comes at the end of the year and is more difficult on Nadal's knees and what not. I also think Nadal is trying to preserve himself to chase Federer's record by staying healthy enough for clay. He is just 3 back to tie Fed and is still a threat when healthy on other surfaces. This obviously opens the field up big time. Djokovic has to be considered the favorite. Federer must have a big smile on his face too. After Wimbledon, he showed if he can play to a top level, he can compete with the younger guys. This could also be a big break for a non Murray, Nadal, Djoker, Fed winner? Wawrinka could repeat, Tsonga, Ferrer?! Or most likely, it comes from Murray, Djoker, Fed group. On the women's side, well wideeeeeee open. Serena as been having a rough year at majors. Li Na pulled out of the US Open. Azarenka is getting treatment and could miss getting a top 16 seed. If she doesn't get one, it could really throw a wrench in the women's draw. Draws come out end of this week. Play starts next week, Monday August 25th.
Rafa out? That sucks. Both ATP and WTA not in good shape at present. Djoko not in the best of form, Murray can't beat 33-year old Federer and no Rafa. Not good. I wanted to see if Nadal could get closer to Fed's 18 Grand Slam number. WTA-wise, I hope Serena wins. Her blowing out that krunt Shriekapova (yet again) would be nice although it would be even better to have she upset in the early rounds, the better to not to have to listen to her (and Azarenka's) howling and shreiking.
