TENNIS WATCH: Kei Nishikori, Rogers Cup, Kim Clijsters

Kei Nishikori withdrew from the US Open.

According to IMG, Nishikori underwent a small microscopic surgery to remove a minor bone spur last week under the care of. Dr. Saito in Tokyo.

Kei is expected to be back on the court and start practice in about 4-6 weeks.

IMG is currently finalizing Nishikori’s protected ranking with the ATP, which will enable him to participate in most of the big tournaments in the first half of 2010.

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Back to Montreal, Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic all won their opening matches at the Rogers Cup.

Federer defeated Canadian Frederic Niemeyer 7-6(3), 6-4.

Djokovic overcame another home favourite, Peter Polansky, 6-4, 7-6(6).

Murray had an easy won against Jeremy Chardy 6-4, 6-2.

In the doubles event, Rafael Nadal and Francisco Roig was defeated by doubles specialist Max Mirnyi and Andy Ram in a super tiebreak round 2 match with the results 6-4, 3-6, 8-10.

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Congrats to comeback queen Kim Clijsters for winning her first WTA match in straight sets, defeating world no.13 Marion Bartoli 6-4, 6-3.

It'll be interesting to see her dominate women's tennis again.

Rafael Nadal's comeback a 'double surprise'

The Montreal Masters draw is out.

Playing in his first comeback tournament after suffering from knee injury for 2 months, Rafael Nadal could face Viktor Troicki or compatriot David Ferrer in the second round.

If everything goes well, Nadal could potentially meet Tommy Robredo in the 3rd round, Juan Martin del Potro in the quarterfinals, and Andy Roddick, Fernando Verdasco, or Novak Djokovic in the semifinals.

Now here's something we didn't expect.

While everyone is still in doubt over Nadal's fitness and readiness for this tournament, he surprised us by participating in the doubles event with 40 year-old Francis Roig who is Nadal's friend and coach!

They are scheduled to play on Monday against Novak Djokovic and Dusan Vemic.

(Image by Reuters via menstennisforums.com)