There are still some things you can count on

The sun will rise in the east, summer rains will appear when you don't have an umbrella.....and Simona Halep--having gone deep in one tournament--will sustain an injury in the next one. Today the world number 3 retired during the second round of the Topshelf Open because of a shoulder injury (there may have been a wrist injury, also). The number 1 seed's retirement isn't a surprise. After going deep in one tournament, Halep is likely to retire in the next one. Whatever is going on, it needs to be addressed; evidence indicates that--so far--it has not been adequately addressed at all.

The transition from clay to grass is always difficult. 3rd seed Genie Bouchard went out in the first round to Vania King. Today, 6th seed Kirsten Flipkens, who is a good grass court player, was eliminated in the second round by Elina Svitolina.

Meanwhile, in Eastbourne, Heather Watson served out of her mind to defeat Flavia Pennetta 6-7, 6-4, 6-2. It was a masterful performance by Watson, who beat Tsvetana Pironkova in the opening round. Pironkova knows her way around a grass court, so Watson has now had two excellent wins.

Also in the second round, Ekaterina Makarova--always a threat on grass--defeated Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, who upset top seed Aga Radwanska in the first round. Defending champion Elena Vesnina was defeated 7-5, 7-6 by Madison Keys, who upset Jelena Jankovic in the first round. Victoria Azarenka (making her return to the tour), Francesca Schiavone and Sara Errani were all beaten in the first round.

Caroline Wozniacki is making a statement at this tournament. She beat Sam Stosur in the first round, and Sloane Stephens in the second. Also winning her first two matches was Petra Kvitova, who will next play Watson.

Defending doubles champions Kveta Peschke and Katarina Srebotnik have advanced to the semifinals, as have Martina Hingis and Flavia Pennetta.