Weekend Wrap Up: Fed Out of Dubai, Sharapova Wins in Memphis.

Probably the biggest news coming out this weekend is Roger Federer’s sudden withdrawal from the Dubai event next week. Federer said he is dealing with a lung infection that affects his breathing so he will take the next few weeks off and hopes to be ready for Indian Wells in early March. But he offered no guarantees.

“I can’t play, it’s too risky,” said Federer. “It’s a lung infection. It’s the first time I’ve had it. The breathing was difficult. I’m still very tired and a bit slow with everything. “Indian Wells, I hope to be back. Right now, there’s no guarantee. I will do tests and see what the doctors say.”

Federer’s absence, along with that of Rafael Nadal, Juan Martin Del Potro and Andy Roddick, leaves a dent in what is usually a stellar field each year. Look for Marin Cilic to try and win his third title of the year. Meanwhile injuries and overall health continue to be an ongoing story for both the WTA and ATP. Smaller tournaments will feel the brunt of this trend as players will skip them to save themselves for the Masters events and Slams.

In the tallest ATP tour final ever, Sam Querrey took the only service break in the third set against doubles partner John Isner to finally win the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships in Memphis 6-7 (3), 7-6(5), 6-3. It’s the third title of Querrey’s career. Despite the win, Querrey is still a spot behind in the ATP rankings to Isner who now finds himself at No. 21. Querrey and Isner went on to win the doubles as well. On the women’s side, Maria Sharpova’s title win was just what she needed after her shocking first round loss at the Australian Open where she was criticized for lack of match play leading up to the Slam.

Other winners this weekend were Michael Llorda in Marseilles and in Argentina a second title this year for Juan Carlos Ferrero who now jumps back into the top 20. With his steady play on the clay early on this year, could Ferrero, a former No.1, be a sleeper for the French Open? Time will tell.

Related posts:

1. Weekend Wrap – Venus Loves Acapulco & Djokovic Repeats in Dubai.
2. Weekend Wrap – Estoril Gives Federer a Bad Taste While Rome Says “Ciao Bello Ana!”
3. Weekend Wrap Up – Isner Wins First ATP Title.
4. Isner vs. Querrey in Memphis; Change Underway for U.S. Men?
5. Roddick Edges Blake; Oudin Continues Good Form in Memphis.

Tagged as: John Isner, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Maria Sharapova, Roger Federer, Sam Querrey