SITTING OUT — Rafael Nadal has been advised to sit out a month [or more] to settle the flaming tendinitis in his knee that forced him to retire during the Australian Open. Tests also showed a small tear at the back part of Nadal’s right knee, and shorts creeping up his ass.

Before I move on from the world number 1, I’d like to say that I wasn’t overly impressed with Federer’s speech during the ceremony. “I can cry like Roger,” Murray said. “It’s just a shame I can’t play like him.” How many players do you think nodded their heads when they heard this?

What a crazy first quarterfinal between Marin Cilic and Andy Roddick.

Sean Randall breaks down the first day of the Australian Open men’s quarterfinals.

Credit to Andy Roddick for hanging in long enough to allow a red-hot Fernando Gonzalez self destruct.

Sean Randall recaps Saturday play at the Australian Open and looks ahead to Sunday.

What a crazy day it could have been for the men at the Australian Open on Friday.

Sean Randall gives his third round take on the Australian Open.

“Yeah, I feel like if I play well I’m really tough to beat,” Williams said. “Still definitely feel that way. I’m so happy to see [Justine] Henin back and doing well. She’s such a good player and a fighter. I think she brings just a totally different theme to the game. Obviously Kim [Clijsters] is fun to have back on the tour, and her winning the US Open is awesome.”

After almost 4-1/2 hours of effort, Blake was left pondering his hard luck and a 6-4, 6-7(3), 5-7, 6-3, 10-8 loss which leaves him 4-13 in career five-set matches.