Del Potro to miss rest of season?

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(CNN) -- Juan Martin del Potro is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after the world No. 8 announced he will undergo wrist surgery on Monday.

The 2009 U.S. Open champion, who needs surgery to fix a problem with his left wrist, had a similar operation on his right wrist in 2010 and was subsequently out for eight months.

The Argentine first felt pain in his left wrist in August 2012 and he took painkillers to deal with the injury at last year's U.S. Open.

But the problem resurfaced at January's Australian Open, the first grand slam of 2014, where Del Potro lost in the second round to Roberto Bautista Agut.

"I want to tell you that after a period of medical treatment, in which we tried to be competitive on a tennis court, and following new examinations done today, my doctor Richard Berger, decided that I should have surgery to fix the problem on my left wrist," the 25-year-old said on his official Facebook page.

"Obviously, it's not the easiest choice or the happiest moment of my career. I experienced a similar situation and I know how hard it is to be out of the tour, the desire to return, the endless weeks of recovery and how difficult it is to start fighting for the top spots in the rankings again."

Since returning from his right wrist injury in 2010, Del Potro has claimed 11 titles -- most recently defeating Bernard Tomic to win January's Sydney International event.

"As always, thank you to those who express their support in any part of Argentina and the world, during tournaments, on the streets or social networks," added Del Potro.

"The strength you send me and my desire will be crucial during my recovery."

The highlight of Del Potro's career so far came at Flushing Meadows five years ago, when he beat Roger Federer in five sets to win his first grand slam title.

Read: Andy Murray cuts ties with coach Ivan Lendl

Via: Del Potro to miss rest of season?

'Toughest conditions I've played in'

(CNN) -- The toughest conditions she has ever played in. That's how one of tennis' biggest stars described this year's scorched Australian Open.

And it's not hard to see why.

With temperatures in excess of 40 degrees, and after four days of players fainting, vomiting and tirelessly icing themselves to keep cool, Li Na was feeling hot and flustered.

The fourth seed, a runner-up at last year's Melbourne grand slam, was facing match point and a shock early exit at the hands of world No. 26 Lucie Safarova.

But the Czech sent a backhand five centimeters long of the baseline, letting Li back in to take a second-set tie break and then take advantage of the extreme heat contingency plan.

In light of the oppressive weather, tournament organizers have allowed for an extra 10 minutes between the second and third sets of women's matches, a break which rejuvenated the 2011 French Open champion.

Read: Del Potro feels the heat in Melbourne

"After the second set, lucky thing we had the 10 minute break," China's Li told reporters after her 1-6 7-6 (7-2) 6-3 victory set up a fourth round match with Russia Ekaterina Makarova.

"I think five centimeters saved my tournament. If she hit it in, I think me and my whole team would be on our way to the airport now.

"At least I won the match, and I'm still in the tournament now. It was a difficult day for me but I was really happy with the way I was fighting on the court from the first point until the last point."

While Li Na went to cool down, tournament doctor Tim Wood had defended organizers' refusal to halt play during the sunniest parts of the day, saying that, while playing in the heat might be terribly uncomfortable, human beings "evolved on the high plains of Africa chasing antelope for eight hours under these conditions.

"There will be some players who complain and no-one is saying it is terribly comfortable to play out there, but, from a medical perspective, we know that man is well adapted to exercising in the heat. Whether it is humane or not is a whole other issue," Wood told the BBC.

Words that might not be music to Britain's Jamie Murray's ears, who was treated for heatstroke.

Whatever the conditions, world No. 1 Serena Williams continues her peerless dominance of the women's game.

The top seed has now won more matches at the Australian Open than any other woman in history after registering her 61st success at Melbourne Park by beating Daniela Hantuchova 6-3 6-3.

"I feel good to have gotten through that one because it was tough conditions out there, but I was happy to win," said the 32-year-old.

"Today actually wasn't as hot. I think it was hotter yesterday. So it wasn't as bad today. Honestly, on the one end I felt it was like a cool breeze coming over, so that was a good sign."

Williams' fourth round opponent will be the resurgent Ana Ivanovic, who reached the fourth round after coming from one set down to end Australian Samantha Stosur's hopes of a home grand slam triumph.

In the men's draw, defending champion Novak Djokovic remained on course for his fourth Australian Open title in a row as he eased into the fourth round with a 6-3 6-3 7-5 victory over Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan.

"I feel better on the court as the tournament is progressing," Djokovic, who played under the cool conditions of the Rod Laver Arena's closed roof, told reporters.

"Of course, I played three matches in different conditions. The roof was closed and the temperature dropped by at least 10 degrees, and you could feel that. It affected the play, it was much slower."

Victory for the Serbian, who won his first grand slam in Melbourne in 2008, sets up a meeting with his old friend Fabio Fognini, after the Italian beat American Sam Querrey.

"I'm going to try to win against him regardless of whether he's a friend or not," Djokovic continued. "I have a real friendship with him for more than 10 years but once we get on court we're both professionals and we want to win."

Spanish third seed David Ferrer, Tomas Berdych, the Czech seventh seed, and South African Kevin Anderson also booked their places in the next round of the sizzling Australian Open.

Via: 'Toughest conditions I've played in'

Djokovic retains ATP title

(CNN) -- Rightly billed as a clash of tennis titans, World No.1 versus World No.2, few were expecting the comprehensive manner of Novak Djokovic's defeat of Rafael Nadal to retain the ATP World Tour Finals title Monday night in London.

Nadal will still end the year as the top ranked player in the world, but he was given a timely reminder that on the fast indoor surface of the 02 Arena, Djokovic reigns supreme, retaining his title with a 6-3 6-4 victory.

It came after just one hour 36 minutes on his third championship point, with Nadal putting a forehand wide, rounding off an uncharacteristically tame display from the Spaniard.

Djokovic has been undefeated since losing to Nadal in the final of the U.S. Open in September and he deservedly lifted the trophy, named in honor of former ATP president Brad Drewett, who died earlier this year.

Read: Tennis stars pay homage to Drewett

After the gladiatorial style entrants by both men, it was Djokovic who struck the first blows, racing to a 3-0 lead with an early break of Nadal's service.

He had a point for a double break, but the Spaniard weathered the storm before making inroads on Djokovic's next service game to draw them level at 3-3.

But Djokovic was not to be denied and after holding his own service, he broke Nadal again, the decisive point seeing both men at full stretch with scarcely believable retrieving.

Djokovic finally put away a decisive volley then held his own service, clinching the set with an ace.

He was immediately on the front foot in the second set, breaking Nadal early again to take a lead he never relinquished.

Read: Top pair set for ATP showdown

Nadal was under pressure as he served to stay in the match at 3-5, saving the first match point and forcing his opponent to serve out for the championship.

Nadal at last showed glimpses of his true quality by saving a second championship point, but any hopes of an unlikely revival were quickly snuffed out as Djokovic sent down an ace to bring up his third chance to take the title for a third time.

Nadal still leads their career meetings 22-17 and will be looking to revenge the defeat when the 2014 season starts with the Australian Open in January.

Before that, Djokovic will lead Serbia in the final of the Davis Cup against the Czech Republic, hoping to continue his unbeaten end to the season.

Read: Djokovic and Troicki slam doping procedures

Earlier, Fernando Verdasco and his Spanish compatriot David Marrero lifted the doubles title, beating the top seeds and three-time former champions Mike and Bob Bryan of the United States.

Verdasco and Marrero won a close final 7-5 6-7 10-7 in one hour and 44 minutes, succeeding Marcel Granollers and Marc Lopez as winners of the end of season finale.

They shared $335,500 in prize money, while the Bryans -- five-time finalists -- split $195,500. The losing pair have the consolation of comfortably ending 2013 as the top pair in the world, winning three of the four major titles with a 70-13 record.

Via: Djokovic retains ATP title

'Emotional' Nadal is year-end No. 1

(CNN) -- Rafael Nadal sealed a remarkable comeback in 2013 by beating Stanislas Wawrinka at the ATP World Tour Finals on Wednesday to ensure he will finish the year as world No. 1.

The Spaniard also qualified for the semifinals of the only major tennis tournament he has never won, with the 27-year-old boasting a career grand slam in addition to an Olympic gold medal.

Since returning to the sport in February after seven months out with a knee injury, the 13-time grand slam champion has won 10 titles in a year which he has described as one of his best.

Beating Wawrinka in London confirmed that he finishes on top of the world for the third time in his career, with Novak Djokovic now forced to settle for second place. The Serbian had held the honor the past two years, while Nadal is the first player to win it back twice.

Read: Serb stars slam anti-doping procedures

"A lot of emotions today," Nadal said following his 7-6 (7-5) 7-6 (8-6) over the Swiss eighth seed. "It's the perfect scenario to be finally the year-end No. 1 in this fantastic stadium, in front of this unbelievable crowd, so many thanks for making me feel like this.

"This has been an unbelievable comeback year."

It certainly has.

When he returned to action in Chile in February, Nadal moved so gingerly at times that he felt it better to leave some points as he attempted to protect his troublesome knee.

A first title since the 2012 French Open followed later that month in Brazil, and these were soon followed by further triumphs in Mexico and Indian Wells.

Comprehensive confirmation of the fact that "the King of Clay" had fully recovered his abilities came at the French Open when he beat Djokovic in a compelling semifinal before defeating compatriot David Ferrer to claim a record eighth title at Roland Garros.

Humiliation followed at Wimbledon as the former champion was beaten by Belgium's 135th-ranked Steve Darcis, the first time Nadal had exited a grand slam in the first round.

Yet he recovered to clinch the U.S. Open in September, beating Djokovic in the final, and before a packed crowd at London's O2 Arena on Wednesday, Nadal said his extraordinary return would have been impossible without his family.

"The team is everything for me," he explained.

"Without them, I would never have the chance to be back where I am today -- being the No. 1 at the end of the season when there are such unbelievable competitors in front of me.

"Without my family team behind me, it is impossible to think like this, especially after what happened last year."

Swiss finals debutant Wawrinka now has a win and loss ahead of his final round-robin match against Ferrer, while Nadal will close against Tomas Berdych.

Third-ranked Ferrer lost out to Czech Berdych in Wednesday's late game 6-4 6-4.

Via: 'Emotional' Nadal is year-end No. 1

Murray gives thumbs up after op

(CNN) -- Andy Murray has given the thumbs up after undergoing surgery on his back.

The two-time grand slam winner took to Twitter just after the operation, writing: "Thanks for all the well wishes, means a lot to me."

He added: "First thing I said when I came round was 'did I win?'"

Murray, 26, is hoping to return to training in Miami in November following a period of rehabilitation.

Read: Djokovic joins elite group at summit

Thanks for all the well wishes, means a lot to me... pic.twitter.com/KokbiW8Y4M

The British No.1 has suffered with back injuries throughout his career and was forced to withdraw from May's French Open before going on to win Wimbledon.

His failure to play at Roland Garros was the first time he had pulled out of a grand slam since the 2007 clay-court tournament where he was suffering with a wrist injury.

Read: Murray set to miss the rest of 2013

He failed in his defense of the U.S. Open earlier this month, losing out in the quarterfinals to Switzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka in straight sets.

World No. 3 Murray will hope to return to competitive action ahead of next January's Australian Open before turning out for Great Britain in its Davis Cup tie with the U.S. the following month.

Via: Murray gives thumbs up after op

Nadal 'had doubts' before U.S. Open triumph

(CNN) -- Crushing a string of opponents before dispatching Novak Djokovic in four sets in the U.S. Open final, Rafael Nadal was back to his ruthless best, with not a hint of the injury problems which have threatened to blight his career, even during a year which has seen him claim two grand slams.

But the Spaniard has admitted to CNN that he had real fears that as he made yet another comeback he would fall short of his own incredible standards.

"Sure I had doubts, everyone has doubts," said the 27-year-old Mallorcan.

"When you are injured you doubt if you going to be able to come back and play at 100%."

Closing fast on Djokovic's No.1 spot, Nadal has spent two lengthy spells on the sidelines through knee injuries, both times making a strong comeback.

Read: Nadal crashes to stunning Wimbledon defeat

Returning to the ATP Tour in February, Nadal clicked straight into gear, culminating in his eighth victory in the French Open.

But come Wimbledon his battered body could take no further punishment and Nadal was a shadow of his normal self as he crashed out in the first round to unheralded Steve Darcis, clearly troubled by knee problems.

The doubters were out in force again and with Nadal sidelined yet again, Djokovic and Wimbledon champion Andy Murray were predicted to share the grand slams between them in the foreseeable future.

They were reckoning without Nadal's incredible determination and joining the circuit again for the pre U.S. Open hard court series, the Mallorcan looked as if he had never been away, claiming titles in Montreal and Cincinnati before his Flushing Meadows triumph.

The mixture of joy and relief were there for all to see as Nadal savored every moment on the Arthur Ashe Stadium Court in claiming his 13th career grand slam.

"When you are coming back after low moments victories are all the more special and more emotional," Nadal admitted.

Read: Nadal wins 13th grand slam crown

"I enjoy it now because in a few years I won't have the chance to play like I did in the U.S. Open final."

The manner of his victory suggested that Nadal could easily outstrip all-time grand slam record holder Roger Federer, who has 17 in his trophy room.

But always at the back of Nadal's mind is the possibility his knee tendon problem might flare up again so he is taking nothing for granted.

"We need our knees, without our knees it is impossible to play well, sometimes I still have pain, but the most important thing is that at the moment I am able to play without limitations," said the newly crowned U.S. Open champion.

Nadal has been a force on the circuit for approaching a decade since bursting to prominence as a precocious teenager, particularly on his favorite clay surface.

Read: Nadal back to No.2 with Cincinnati triumph

His all action game was an immediate crowd pleaser but he admits that he takes a more measured approach these days.

"When you are a kid you are able to play with a different style, crazy jumping and all that," added Nadal.

"That moment has passed but my love and passion for the game is still the same."

All that spells bad news for those battling him at the elite end of the men's game with plenty to play for still in 2013, including the ATP World Tour Finals in London, just about the only title which has eluded him.

Via: Nadal 'had doubts' before U.S. Open triumph

Nadal beats Djokovic to win U.S. Open

(CNN) -- Rafael Nadal confirmed his status Monday night as the dominant force in men's tennis with a four-set win over world No. 1 Novak Djokovic in the U.S. Open final.

Nadal won 6-2, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1.

For Nadal, it was his second U.S. Open title and, as importantly, marked a triumphant return to the peak of his powers after a long battle to overcome a knee injury.

READ MORE: Serena Williams triumphs in U.S. Open

The Spaniard also avenged his defeat to Djokovic in the 2011 Flushing Meadows final to clinch his 13th grand slam title. That puts him one grand slam behind American Pete Sampras and four behind Roger Federer of Switzerland.

In the 37th meeting between the two players, the sixth in a grand slam final, world No. 2 Nadal extended his hard-court winning streak to 22 matches.

Serbia's Djokovic has now tasted defeat in two consecutive U.S. Open finals after his five-set loss to Andy Murray in 2012.

Via: Nadal beats Djokovic to win U.S. Open