Excluding the ill Ivanovic, 16 of the Top 16 players are in Beijing this week. Jankovic is the defending champ, and Serena Williams is projected to take over the No. 1 ranking if she can progress further in the draw than Safina.

Rafael Nadal has healed and he’s ready for the fall season.

What’s happening in tennis right now? On the court, not much!

Federer has historically let the Swiss squad flounder in World Group play, then swooped in to save them from falling out of the World Group Qualifying, as he did this month. Now with a strong No. 2 player in Stan Wawrinka, Federer could have the impetus to attempt to capture his first Davis Cup for Switzerland in 2010.

Thus former No. 1 and seven-time Grand Slam winner Justine Henin of Belgium, following on the heels of countrywoman Kim Clijsters, has announced she will make a return to the women’s professional tour in 2010.

Spain, without injured Top 10 players Rafael Nadal or Fernando “Hot Sauce” Verdasco, topped Israel 3-0. In the Saturday doubles, Feliciano “F-Lo” Lopez and Tommy Robredo beat Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram 7-6(6), 6-7(7), 6-4, 6-2.

Sean Randall analyzes the men’s US Open final between Roger Federer and Juan Martin Del Potro.

Sean Randall breaks down the men’s SF from the US Open.

Rafael Nadal needed just over 30 minutes to finish off Fernando Gonzalez to reach the US Open semifinals.

Can Rafael Nadal play four straight days at the US Open, and win?