TENNIS in DEPTH.

Tournament director Bob Kramer said Friday that Djokovic, the world’s second-ranked player, withdrew from the Farmers Classic because of undisclosed personal reasons. Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic, the 2007 winner, withdrew because of a knee injury.

Joining the field is fourth-ranked Andy Murray, who received a wild card and will be seeded No. 1 when play begins Monday at the Los Angeles Tennis Center on the UCLA campus.

Juan Martin del Potro has clarified that he has not yet begun hitting on court after wrist surgery in May but did not give a timeline on his return.

“I haven’t picked up a racquet yet so I can’t tell an exact date,” del Potro wrote on his Twitter account. “When I know I’ll tell you the news here. I’m improving, that’s a good thing.” 

Earlier in the day, del Potro’s physiotherapist told Argentine media that his player would only return at the ATP tour event in Bangkok, which takes place after the U.S. Open. On Thursday, the USTA said it had been told del Potro was recovering faster than anticipated and was expected to play the U.S. Open.

Two-time French Open runner-up Robin Soderling has pulled out of next month’s Legg Mason Tennis Classic for personal reasons.

Tournament organizers announced his withdrawal Friday night. The hard-court tournament featuring Andy Roddick and Wimbledon finalist Tomas Berdych begins Aug. 1.

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