In disappointing news for tennis fans everywhere, the London Times is reporting that Andy Roddick has withdrawn from the ATP’s year-ending championships in London next week:

The American world No.6 has withdrawn from the eight-man extravaganza – which starts on Sunday at the 02 Arena in south-east London – having been unable to overcome the knee injury that forced him to pull up lame against Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland in his opening round of the Shanghai Masters last month. It had been feared for some days that the 27-year-old would not have enough time to recover sufficiently to give his all and he had to bow to the inevitable today.

Andy Roddick will reportedly stop by the O2 Arena to say hello to some of the British fans who fell in love with him during this year’s Wimbledon final vs. Roger Federer.

Robin Soderling will fill in for the ailing Roddick and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga will become first alternate. At least the Sod is sure to add a little drama to the affair – especially if he’s in Rafael Nadal’s round robin group. The two have avoided playing each other since the Sod took Rafa out of this year’s French Open.

The World Tour Finals draw will be held tomorrow morning at the London Eye. Click here for the WTF website.

(BTW: Andy Roddick’s foundation fundraiser with Elton John is scheduled for November 30, the day after the WTF final. Click here for more info.)

The AFP reported today that both Yanina Wickmayer and Xavier Malisse have been suspended from tennis for a year (and fined 1000 euros) by the Flemish Doping Tribunal. Wickmayer, world No. 18 and a US Open semifinalist, was punished for failing to report her whereabouts to drug testers on three occasions. Malisse was punished for not listing his whereabouts twice and for missing one drug test. The players can appeal their suspensions to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Both Wickmayer and Malisse will likely appeal the rulings.* According to Nieuwsblad.be (and my Google-assisted translation), Wickmayer is blaming her lack of compliance on a computer password that didn’t work in the system log. Malisse says a lack of internet access at hotels and tournaments made it impossible to record his whereabouts and says he missed a drug test scheduled during French Open qualifying because he forgot to tell anti-doping officials that he decided to stay in the States. (Hmmmm. . .)

As the suspensions are immediate, Wickmayer is out of the Tournament of Champions in Bali, where she was in the running to be a semifinalist. Malisse was playing this week at the AXA Belgian Masters event.

Reuters is reporting that neither the ITF or WTA are able to comment as of post time:

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) said it had not been informed of the suspensions while the women’s WTA Tour said it was also unable to comment.

“Before we can comment on doping cases until we have been notified in writing by the Belgian anti-doping agency and that has not happened as yet,” an ITF spokesman said.

These bans come as a surprise. As recently as October 23, the AFP reported that both players were off the hook:

Wickmayer, Malisse escape bans in doping row: Belgium’s Yanina Wickmayer and Xavier Malisse will not face suspensions despite falling foul of drug-testing rules. The disciplinary commission of the Flemish Doping Tribunal (VDT) has instead requested a reprimand for the duo.

This is obviously mere speculation on my part, but could the tribunal’s sudden change of heart be the first example of the Agassi Effect?

*UPDATES as of November 6:

Xavier Malisse says an appeal is too costly for him, and that his career is likely over (via the AFP):

“A procedure before CAS is very costly and lasts a very long time,” said the 29-year-old, who has won three career titles and was ranked 19 in 2002.

“I currently don’t have the financial means to take on such a battle. I still don’t know what I’m going to do, but if the suspension is maintained that means the end of my career.”

Yanina Wickmayer’s sometimes coach, Ann Devries, tells Belgian TV that Wickmayer “sounded shattered and hysterical and was in tears when I spoke to her over the phone.“

“Just like that she will lose all that she has gained from several years of hard work. In a year’s time she will have lost all her WTA points and will have to start again from zero,” said Devries. (via tennis.com)

***UPDATES as of November 9

The ITF has accepted the Belgian tribunal’s ruling. Here’s Francesco Ricci Bitti, the ITF president:

“This reminds me of the cases of Italian players involved in betting a little while ago,” Ricci Bitti said. “These players need to be aware of their responsibilities. If they don’t know, this is the result.

“These cases create discussion because they’re not reliant on positive tests, but there are rules to respect,” Ricci Bitti added. “We’re awaiting the details from the Belgian federation. These kids need to wake up. They’re professionals and they earn a lot of money. They don’t need to merely know the rules, they should also respect them.”

Wickmayer speaks:

“I learned the news around 2:00 a.m. on Thursday night,” Wickmayer told VRT’s Sportweekend. “I think I woke up the whole hotel with my screams and I didn’t stop crying for two days.”

“It was not until June that I learned from the federation that my whereabouts had not been in order,” she added. “Since July, my whereabouts have been in order daily and let’s be clear: I have never failed or refused a test. I have been tested 10 to 15 times this year. I find it such a pity that my name is now associated with doping.”

Kim Clijsters via Twitter:

“It[']s very unfortunate what’s happened to Yanina and Xavier this week… While they may not have followed correct administration, they did not register a positive doping offense either… To receive a one year ban because of this seems extremely harsh and is potentially career-ending for both of them… I hope the authorities and athletes can work together on finding better solutions to keep our sports clean.”

Yikes! Sam Querrey required emergency surgery on Monday, after cutting his forearm after a practice session in Bangkok. Here’s the story via the AP:

Sam Querrey cut his right forearm in a freak accident after practicing for the Thailand Open in Bangkok and will be out at least four to six weeks, the U.S. Tennis Association says.

USTA spokesman Tim Curry says the 21-year-old Querrey sat on a glass table after practice Monday and fell through, hurting his arm. The injury required emergency surgery.

Not sure if it was Sam or his intern Twittering but here’s his message today around 2pm ET.

After this week’s Thailand Open, Querrey was scheduled to play the China Open in Beijing and the Shanghai ATP Masters.

**UPDATES** 11:21p.m. PT

The Los Angeles Time spoke with Querrey’s agent:

John Tobias, president of the tennis division for Blue Entertainment Sports Television (BEST), who represents Querrey, said Querrey sat on a glass table in the locker room at the site of this weeks’ ATP tournament in Bangkok. “He was just bending over to tie his shoes,” Tobias said, “and the table shattered. A piece of glass slashed his right forearm.”

Tobias said Querrey underwent surgery to close the wound but that no ligaments were sliced. “He’ll most likely be shut down for the rest of the season,” Tobias said, “but this is an injury that will heal. He was lucky.”

And via Querrey’s website:

Sam will head back home to LA on Wednesday from Bankok where he will work with his doctors on healing his arm as soon as possible to get back in the swing of things.

Sam’s arm has healed enough to make Twittering possible – his latest message reads: “I will fight the good fight ”

And a word on glass tables - they are an accident waiting to happen! One of my earliest childhood memories (I was probably 4 years old at the time) is of goofing around the dining room table (made of glass) until the top fell off in huge jagged pieces. I still remember my mom crying while she cleaned it up  – at first I thought she was mad at me for breaking the table but she was really just grateful I hadn’t sliced myself in two! Remember, mom?

So I’d suggest staying away from the glass – at home and in the locker room!

Roger Federer has withdrawn from two upcoming tournaments: the Japan Open – an ATP 500 level tournament beginning on October 5 – and the new Shanghai Masters tournament which begins on October 12.

Here’s the message via www.rogerfederer.com.

Dear Fans

I am disappointed that I have to withdraw from Tokyo and Shanghai as they are two of my favorite cities in the world and the fans have been great to me over the years.  After consultation with my team and doctors, I decided to take the difficult decision to withdraw from both tournaments so that I can give my body a chance to rest, rehabilitate and fully recover from a physically challenging year.

Kind regards
Roger

This could have something to do with the leg injury he mentioned after last weekend’s Davis Cup matches and/or a serious need for some serious R&R. It’s pretty rare for Roger to cross two tournaments off his calendar at once – but this has been an extraordinary season for Roger Federer.

Justine Henin announced live via Belgian television today that she will be returning to professional tennis in 2010.

I followed the live chat on Le Soir, and picked up some quotes. I did my best to translate the quotes they put up:

“I’ll return to tour very quickly. I’m very excited.”

“It’s amazing, it’s true. There was a long personal journey. I’m refocused. More mature.”

“My inner voice was tickling me, and I took a little time to talk to (coach) Carlos Rodriguez.”

“My goal is to return in January in Australia, but I do not know what tournament”

That last one is a little confusing – I’d say she isn’t yet confirming her definite participation in the Australian Open. But to return to the Magic 8 Ball, all signs point to “yes.”

Le Soir does the 8 Ball thing:

To meet the rules of the World Anti-Doping Code ratified by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), every player who appeared in the top 50 world rankings and who wishes to resume his career must inform the Federation at least three months before his return. Justine Henin will begin again as early as January. She should attend the Australian Open (from 18 to 31 January) that she had won the tournament in 2004 … against Kim Clijsters.

I’m sure there will be more available soon*, along with some clarifications. The good news is: JuJu’s BACK!

*Here are some new quotes via the BBC (thanks Lorrie, for the article!):

“I’m really happy and deeply moved to be able to announce tonight that I’m coming back to competitive tennis.”

“These past 15 months have been enriching but there is a flame that has been re-lit. I thought it had been put out forever.”

Her old coach Carlos Rodriguez will be back in the player’s box, with the ultimate goal of winning Wimbledon (wonder what Venus and Serena think about that?):

“She has entrusted me (to be her coach) once again and I will try to never let her down.”

“I’m very happy to be helping her to restart her new life. It’s a super challenge for her. The desire to win Wimbledon is one of the main reasons she’s come back and I’ll do everything to help her do it.”

The BBC also says that Justine will play the Australian Open.

AP Photo/Virgina Mayo

The Justine Henin comeback rumor is moving out of the rumor realm and into reality. If Justine Henin was a Magic 8 Ball, all signs would be pointing to YES!

According to the AP, the Belgian media is reporting that Justine Henin will announce her return to pro tennis tomorrow (Tuesday.):

Former top-ranked player Justine Henin will announce her return to competitive tennis Tuesday, according to two top Belgian newspapers.

La Derniere Heure and Le Soir reported the comeback Monday

Her spokeswoman did not return phone calls and Henin’s Web site had no comment on the rumors.

Reading the tealeaves at tennis.com:

Belgian press also report that Henin has agreed to be a guest on Belgian news program RTL-TVI on Monday or Tuesday night, after previously declining interview requests.

Here’s the clincher - a “Tweet” from Daniel Kaplan, a reporter at Sports Business Daily:

(Thanks to Global Village Tennis News for the Tweet alert.)

It’s all about the “Oui!” WHEEEE! Or is it just wee wee?

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Juan Martin Del Potro just won the 2009 US Open: 3-6, 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, 6-2. It was his first ever Major final and his first win over the five-time defending champion, Roger Federer. Before today he had a 4-4 record in five set matches and hadn’t even won a Masters-level event.

What a time to add one to the win column.

Looking back, it’s been a steady progression for Del Potro this season- he started the year being routed by Federer in the Australian Open quarters, was up two sets to one before going down to him in the French and now, sweet victory is finally his. He showed remarkable poise and resilience in today’s match, fighting off over 20 break points on his serve and keeping his nerves in control at the end.

Lovely quote from Del Potro after the match:

“I have two dreams with this sport. One is the US Open. The other one is to be like Roger Federer. One is done, but I have to improve a lot to be like (him.)”

As a Fed fan, I think this win is a fair trade for Paris.

For Roger, it’s the end to a sweet streak of five US Open titles. He hadn’t lost a match at the US Open in 2,200 days. His last defeat in NYC came at the racquet of another Argentine, David Nalbandian, in 2003.

Speaking of Argentines, Juan Martin is only the second South American to win the US Championships since his countryman Guillermo Villas did it in 1977 – back when it was played on clay. Del Potro also adds his name to another exclusive list. Since 2004, only four men other than Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have won a Major championship: Gaston Gaudio, Marat Safin, Novak Djokovic and now Del Potro. That’s just four times out of 24 Majors, folks.

So Del Potro’s got his first. Do you think there are more Major titles to come for this talented 20 year-old?

It was truly a remarkable accomplishment. Congrats to the new champ, Juan Martin del Potro.

Just wondering – did anyone else go to lunch after the second set of today’s Roger Federer vs. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Montreal quarterfinal, only to have a “has the Internet gone mad?” moment upon returning to your desk?

“Actually it was quite surprising.” Federer concurred after the match.

You gotta hand it to Roger – the guy knows how to lose a match! Concede the first set in a thrilling tie breaker, take the second 6-1, go up 5-1 in the third and then – uh – how exactly do I describe what happened next?

To put it in terms Charlene and Myla will soon understand: Daddy went night-night.

And Tonsga woke up – or at least perked up after a dive volley in the first set breaker seemed to knock him out completely. The Frenchman fought back to 5-all in the third, breaking Roger twice, and had three match points on Roger’s last service game. Fed forced the tiebreaker, earning a standing ovation from the Montreal crowd, but ended up winning only three points thereafter.

“I never should have allowed it, but it did happen so it’s a pity,” Federer said.

I’m going to focus on the positives – Jo-Wilfried Tsonga is in the semifinals of Montreal, and will take on Andy Murray (who “routined” Davydenko in his quarterfinal) in the semis on Saturday. Assuming Jo’s forearm is not injured too badly from that dive, this should be another sizzler of a match. And hopefully a preview to what will become one of the best new rivalries in tennis! (Tsonga and Murray’s head-to-head is tied at 1-1, with the last victory earned by Tsonga in the 2008 Australian Open.)

And Fed fans can take heart – Roger did a heck of a lot better than last year, when he lost to another Frenchie, Gilles Simon, in the second round.

“It’s one of those matches I can live with, you know.”

I agree with Roger.

Interview via Rogerscup.com

Roger Federer baby photos!! Roger posted this on his Facebook page!

*thanks to GTT reader Judy for the tip! ***And all our other fab readers who emailed us, too!

No. 23 ranked Zheng Jie kicked defending champ and World No. 1 Dinara Safina out of the third round of the LA Women’s Tennis Championships on Thursday night. It was Zheng’s second career win over a No. 1 player, her first coming against then-No. 1 Ana Ivanovic during the Chinese player’s historic semifinal run at last year’s Wimbledon.

“It’s amazing for me because I’ve never beaten Safina before.” Zheng said after the match. She now has a 1-4 head-to-head against the Russian. “You could tell that I was 110 percent on every point. I tried to be more aggressive.”

Safina, who said on Wednesday that a now tendinitis-free knee was giving her renewed confidence on her serve, blamed this shot for her flame-out on Thursday:

“I was not going for the aces,“ said Dinara, who had a 70% first serve percentage for the match but only 2 aces to 3 double faults for the match. “I was just bringing the ball in play. That was a mistake. In set two, I tried to go for the aces and it just didn’t work.”

Zheng will face big-serving Sam Stosur in the quarterfinals on Friday afternoon. Zheng won their only previous meeting this year in Dubai in three sets.

“It is a very tough match (coming up),” Zheng said, “But I just want to enjoy today’s win and get a good night’s rest.”

If you’re not a member of the Zheng Jie fanclub yet, click here. She puts the “Hero” in the WTA’s “Looking for a Hero” campaign.