TENNIS in DEPTH.

Rafael Nadal’s return from injury was short but successful as he advanced to the third round of the Rogers Cup in Montreal because fellow Spaniard David Ferrer was forced to retire from the match with an injury of his own.

This was Nadal’s first singles outing after more than two months on the sidelines with a knee injury. during which time he has seen his Wimbledon title and world number one ranking snatched back by Roger Federer.

He traded breaks with Ferrer in their encounter tonight before the latter left the court after seven games with Nadal leading 4-3, apparently with a leg problem. It was Ferrer who had his knee taped, and it was Ferrer who called the trainer after 6 games to examine his knee or leg. A bizarre ending to much anticipated return for Nadal. We can draw no conclusions from the 7 games he played.

Nadal will now face Philipp Petzschner, who upset the odds to beat 15th seed Tommy Robredo 7-6 (7/3) 7-6 (7/4).

While Ferer was retiring on Centre Court, Tommy Haas was having hand problems on the National Bank Court. He had treatment with a scapel by the trainer and tried to continue with a bandage on his hand. He lost a tie breaker to Fernando Gonzalez and retired unable to continue.

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