And They All Go Tumbling Down: Feliciano Lopez Retires, Nadal and Davydenko Advance

Today Feliciano Lopez became the 9th casualty in Shanghai ATP Masters 1000.  Did you hear me?  NINE players injured in 1 Tournament.   I have never seen so many injuries, and it is terribly disappointing for tennis fans.  The hard court season is always rough on the body, with the courts in Shanghai being reportedly rougher than most, but it is especially tough if it is also the LAST season of an 11 month calendar.  I initially didn't have a strong opinion about the ATP calendar, but now the ranting of Andy Roddick is becoming all too clear.  The calendar needs to be shortened. 

The first Semi-final today went the distance with Novak Djokovic surprisingly being defeated by Nikolay Davydenko 4-6 6-4 7-6 (7/1) .  Because Davydenko has reached the final, he has solidified his spot in the ATP World Tour Finals in London.

The second Semi-final lasted all of 50 minutes.  Feliciano Lopez was seen limping various times in 1st set.  He required the assistance of the trainer twice before retiring in the 2nd set with Rafa leading 6-1, 3-0.  Since both of Rafa's last two matches have ended by retirement, he should be fresh coming into the final.  Head to head, Rafa leads Davydenko 4-2.