Some personal reminiscences of Tommy:
He played Federer just twice at the Australian Open. Both matches went to 5. Haas was beloved in Australia and the crowd atmosphere at both matches was electric.
Haas was a notorious over-trainer, both in the calisthenics room and also on the court. He brutalised his body. It contributed to his injuries but also gave him confidence in matches that he would be able to go to physical zones that his opponent couldn't.
The stroke mechanics of his OHBH were near perfect and very rarely broke down regardless of conditions or opponent.
Sad that we won't see him on court now but it's great to see him have a role of international importance still in tennis as the replacement TD at Indian Wells.
Replacing the hoary old bigot Ray "Rudy" Moore with the universally loved Tommy Haas was a masterstroke by Larry Ellison.
Off-topic, but the Hall of Fame situation is going to be tricky here..... on the letter of the law he shouldn't be going in. And recently they have hinted that the entry requirements have been raised even higher. But this year's entrants seem to suggest that there is some wriggle room and even players without glittering singles tournament hauls might still be able to get in.