Friday News and Notes

Fabrice Santoro "The Magician" who is known for his awkward shots and unusual slices and spins on his ground strokes that can be compared to a knuckleball pitcher in major league baseball may not be done as planned.  Santoro is set to retire at the end of the year, but he may make one more appearance in 2010.  It was brought to his attention recently that if he played in the 2010 Australian Open he would be the first to achieve playing in a grand-slam tournament in each of 4 consecutive decades.  So that has sparked his interest, but has not made a definitive decision.  The 36 year old Frenchman said "We'll see how I feel.  I'll have to be able to go 5 sets."  The Magician may just have one more trick up his sleeve.

David Nalbandian the Argentine who's game is as up-and-down as his weight is set to be back in January.  Nalbandian who when in shape and focused is easily a top 10 player and can beat anyone is recovering after missing most of the 2009 season after having hip surgery.  The same surgery Lleyton Hewitt had a few years ago.  Hewitt hasn't been the same player as he once was, but is still very servicable.  I wonder if Nalbandian has the motivation to do the work to come "all the way back" to where he once was.  We'll have to wait and see.

                                            

James Blake who had a pathetic 2009 season highlighted by losing in the 1st round of both the French Open at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, has parted ways with his long time coach Brian Barker.  Barker was the only coach Blake has ever had, so I'm sure it was a tough move, but the one time top 10 player has sank to #24.  Jobber-journeyman Kelly Jones will be his coach for the rest of the season.  No word on if Jones will be with Blake in 2010.

Novak Djokovic and Dinara Safina have both moved up in the rankings.  Djokovic has passed Andy Murray and taken back the #3 mens spot from Andy Murray.  Safina is now ranked #1 again in the womens world rankings.  She is only 5 points ahead of Serena Williams who was bumped to #2.  With Safina losing and pulling out of Doha, and Serena's success so far at the year end championships Serena will undoubtably take over the #1 ranking once again.  Look for these 2 to "flip-flop" all during the 2010 season barring injury or a Serena suspension.