Rafael Nadal and Juan Martin del Potro aren’t the only two players taking time off to recover.  Roger Federer, who was last seen winning the Australian Open, has withdrawn from Dubai next week, leaving Novak Djokovic, world number 2, as the top seed.  Andy Murray had been in the same half of the draw as Roger Federer.

The reason given was a lung infection.  Federer said he was having some problems breathing and doctor’s recommended he take two weeks to rest.

Roger Federer is expecting to return to play at Indian Wells, which is likely when Rafael Nadal will return as well.

In this week’s tournament, Sam Querrey beat Ernests Gulbis in straight sets to reach the finals of Memphis where he will meet John Isner.  Isner needed three sets to beat German, Philipp Petzschner.  Surprisingly, the doubles partners have never met in tournament play.  Isner recently won his first tournament in Auckland, prior to the Australian Open.  He is currently ranked 25 just a few spots ahead of Sam Querrey at 31.  Memphis is one of a handful of titles which hosts men and women at the same time.  It is an ATP 500 event.

In Marseille, unseeded Frenchman, Michael Llodra beat fellow countryman, Julien Benneteau, 6-3, 6-4.  Marseille is an ATP 250 event.

Juan Carlos Ferrero reaches his second consecutive final in Buenos Aires and will play fellow countryman and top seed, David Ferrer, in the final.  Buenos Aires is an ATP 250 event.