TENNIS in DEPTH.

The year ending Barclays ATP London finals are just over 3 weeks away, and the eight participants have yet to be determined. My concern is more about the six who have been confirmed. Once again both Juan Martin del Potro and Andy Roddick withdrew from tournaments this week in Valencia and Basel with nagging injuries. Andy Murray is playing for the first time in 8 weeks after suffering from a wrist problem, and only time will tell if he is cured.. Roger Federer is back at his home event in Switzerland, how could he not play?, but is he 100%. Rafael Nadal should be fully rested and recovered, but there is still a question about his overall health. He has lost some of his motivation, and his energy level certainly seems to have diminished.

The only fully fit player remaining is Novak Djokovic, which is ironic since for many months he complained of tiredness and heat fatigue. Equally ironic is the situation with Davydenko, if he makes the top 8, as for many months he has been out of action but now seems to be back in form and healthy.

Fernando Verdasco has put off foot surgery for another month, hoping he can make his way into the event, and Soderling would be a doubtful starter even if he should happen to be included as a participant or an alternate.

The Barclays round robin format puts each player into a highly competitive match from the opening bell. There are no warm-up matches that the better players often use to get acclimated in the Grand Slams. Each match is against a top ten player, and the matches are back to back to back, with no let up!

Fitness will be the key! And fitness among many of the contenders is at an all time low.

Related Posts:

• Djokovic finds a way to win.
• It’s not exactly Wimbledon…….
• A picture for your scrapbook!

Bookmark It