On the eve of the French Open, this week?s ?The Line Judge? looks at the latest potential withdrawal from the men?s field and what is perhaps the beginning of the end of the doubles.

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Players are dropping like flies and the first ball has not even been struck on the terre battue of Roland Garros. Greg Rusedski and Marcelo Rios have already dropped out of the French Open with injuries, now comes word that the second Grand Slam of the year might lose one of its top seeds in Tommy Haas. In recent months, the German has finally been able to live up to the hype that has seemingly burdened him through his younger years. A right shoulder problem that is causing the current #3 player in the world pain when he hits forehand shots. Haas will undergo treatment this weekend, but says ?my shoulder is the most important thing and it is difficult to go out to play in a Grand Slam, where you be on the court for hours.? The German does not think the injury will have any long-term affects on his career but says it will take a "miracle" for him to play next week.

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The obituary for tennis doubles competition in tennis appears to be just about finished. First, mixed doubles at the Slams went to a ?super-tiebreaker? format if teams split the first two sets. The ATP followed suit ?testing? the same format at several tournaments earlier this year. Now comes word that the Tennis Master Series events may eliminate the doubles competition altogether rather than some intermediate cuts such as cutting down draw sizes or lowering prize money. Jon Friend, a TMS spokesperson, did not hedge saying ?Doubles sells no tickets and broadcasters show no interest in showing it. Sadly, it is a very hefty expense (an estimated $5 million per year).? With doubles specialists already upset about the format changes ? this latest news is sure to be the talk of the French Open.

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