REUTERS/Michael Fiala via Daylife
It’s the incredible shrinking draw! Juan Martin Del Potro and Fernando Gonzalez are both confirmed “nos” for Indian Wells. Gonzalez, who is playing Davis Cup in Chile this weekend, has decided to stay in his country to help with earthquake relief (his efforts reportedly include organizing a Hit for Chile in Miami with Federer and Nadal – click here). I know it’s an obvious statement but: good for him! I guess there’s a real reason the Chilean fans follow him from court to court with their flags and patriotic chants.
Poor Del Po is still suffering from that wrist injury that’s plagued him since last fall – he’s skipping Davis Cup this weekend and won’t be making it to the desert, either. Gosh, is there such a thing as a wrist replacement?
Speaking of wrist replacements, Nikolay Davydenko is on the entry list but will likely be a no show due to his own wrist problems.
Tommy Haas is already out due to hip surgery. Roger Federer is not 100% definite, but thinking positive. Rafael Nadal, at least, is a sure thing.
On the women’s side, Dinara Safina has pulled due to her back and the Williams sisters will maintain their boycott of the tournament. I say add Navratilova, Davenport and Graf, since they will already be there for the Hit for Haiti!
The real wildcards have already been determined:
On the men’s side, Carlos Moya and David Nalbandian headline the wildcard entrants along with Americans Robby Ginepri and 17-year-old Ryan Harrison.
On the women’s side, Justine Henin headlines the WC field, along with Americans Christina McHale, Alexa Glatch and Bethanie Mattek-Sands. Alicia Molik, Eleni Daniilidou, Tamira Paszek and Alja Tomljanovic are also WC recipients.
Click here for more on the wildcards. Click here for the entry lists. The draws will be posted in the next couple days here.
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