The Lost Round

Rolling into the second week of the year's final Grand Slam tournament, the lack of play over the first 7 days has seemingly taken center stage over the displays of brilliance around the National Tennis Center.

Commencing with Robin Soderling before play even started, 17 additional pros have retired from a 2011 U.S. Open match before the end of the 3rd round. Many players in the past have talked about the unique challenges of the U.S. Open, from noisy fans, to the choking traffic delaying their commutes, to the distractions of New York City. But none of those complaints can explain any of the fallen. While none of us can or should assume the severity of any of the retirement-causing injuries including muscle pulls, cramping and food poisoning, it is rather telling that each concession came while the player was already behind in the match.

Roger Federer, who has conceded merely one match in 973 over his illustrious career, has been forthcoming in his skepticism, questioning, "Could some guys finish the matches? I'm sure, but they didn't decide to. It's shocking to see so many retirements. For me it doesn't matter how bad I'm feeling, I will be out there and giving it a try, because you never know what's going to happen."

Not only do the retirements make us wonder what could have been for those players defeated in a prior round, but also begs questions upon both the negative and positive impacts on the coming week. For instance, former world #1, Juan Carlos Ferrero, triumphed through two grueling 5-setters only to be handed a third round victory over Marcel Granollers. Granted, the short time on court was certainly appreciated, JCF's abilities are not to be questioned and, as such, a true victory may appear more valid.

Aside from Ferrero, both Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have been handed wins before their third round matches. Is that even fair? The two most highly favored to take the crown need not receive a free point from a double fault, let alone a complete walkover.

Even though the need to string together a series of 7 consecutive wins makes a fluke victor unlikely, it is still difficult to accept so many retirements. As the Round of 16 begins, we've already lost more than a round's worth at 18.