I was going to originally call this post “DelPo Pulls a “Safina”, but it would be unfair to compare Juan Martin Del Potro’s early round loss in the Japan Open to Safina’s current misery tour.
Citing jet leg and a mild stomach ailment (and probably a nice “hangover” from celebrating his U.S. Open), Del Potro lost to qualifier Edouard Roger-Vasselin of France 6-4, 6-4.
Although the other top seeds including Gilles Simon and Lleyton Hewitt got through their matches, one has to feel for the tournament organizers after what has been almost a “nightmare” two weeks. First the ladies event is plagued with early round exits by the big names and then a final cut short by Jelena Jankovic’s injury. Now the men’s event, which suffered two withdrawals from top seeds Roger Federer and Andy Murray, loses its top seed early.
But this could be an opportunity for those players like Simon and Jo-Wilifred Tsonga still looking to qualify for the end of the year ATP Series Finale in London.
Lost in the Del Potro news was Andy Roddick’s rather flat showing in the opening round of the China Open. Roddick lost to Polish qualifier Lukasz Kubot 6-2, 6-4.
So with all eyes now pointing to Shanghai to sort out the ATP Finale, who do you think will qualify?
Adjusting the Net 
Davydenko has been playing freaking well since his injury. He absolutely smashed Kohlschreiber last night. I am fully aware he has more than a massive mental block against the top players, but he certainly deserves to qualify for London. I am sure he would have had he not been injured.