Nadal Pulls as ATP Basel Begins Tuesday

Another poor year for Basel officials, losing homecountry hero and world No. 1 Roger Federer to an ankle turn, and now Rafael Nadal to knee tendonitis.

Argentine Guillermo Coria is left to head the field when play kicks off Tuesday at the Davidoff Swiss Indoors, joined by fellow seeds David Nalbandian, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Fernando "Gonzo" Gonzalez, Dominik "The Dominator" Hrbaty, Tim Henman, Jiri Novak and Tommy Haas.

Opening-round matches of interest are (5) Hrbaty vs. Juan Ignacio Chela, (6) Henman vs. (WC) Andy Murray in a match that will have all Britain standing at attention, (8) Haas vs. (Q) Waske in an all-German meeting, and (2) Nalbandian vs. the monster-serving Croat "Dr." Ivo Karlovic.

On court Tuesday in Basel are (4) Gonzalez vs. Seppi, Srichaphan vs. C.Rochus, (8) Haas vs. Waske, Vliegen vs. Wawrinka, Volandri vs. (3) Ferrero, Zib vs. Berrer, Baghdatis vs. MacKin, and Moodie vs. Mayer.