Britain's Andy Murray lost Monday to Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut in the first round of the Australian Open.

Murray had seemed down and out at two sets and a break down to the 22nd-seeded Spaniard but he fought back with all he had to take the game to five sets. That&nbsp;however was as far as he could take it.&nbsp;

He finally lost 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 6-7 (4-7), 6-2.&nbsp;

"Amazing. That was incredible, thank you so so much to everyone that came out tonight," Murray said after the game.&nbsp;

"Maybe I'll see you again."

Murray had said before the tournament that he will be retiring after Wimbledon this year. But that the constant pain in his hip may allow him to go no further than the Australian Open.&nbsp;

"I'll do everything possible to try. If I want to go again I'll need to have a big operation which there's no guarantees I'll come back from. But I'll give it my best shot," Murray said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Honestly I've loved playing here over the years. If this was my last match, an amazing way to end. I gave everything I had and it wasn't enough tonight."&nbsp;

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In his last <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> match, Andy Murray fights incredibly hard to comeback from two sets down in extreme pain but falls just short. 
 
Roberto Bautista Agut wins 4-6 4-6 7-6(5) 7-6(4) 2-6. <a href="https://t.co/CoiObtKQue">pic.twitter.com/CoiObtKQue</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1084783634941239296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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He went out in the most Andy Murray way possible. 
 
Fighting until the end 🙏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/aI28iEJ64T">pic.twitter.com/aI28iEJ64T</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1084792440869908485?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The audience gave Murray a standing ovation before he started serving in the fifth set.

And an emotional tribute to him from the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and&nbsp;Novak Djokovic was played out on a big screen after the match.&nbsp;

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An amazing tennis player. 
 
But an even better person. 
 
Thank you, <a href="https://twitter.com/andy_murray?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@andy_murray</a> 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/uRPBLC2zY6">pic.twitter.com/uRPBLC2zY6</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1084789880360554496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Bautista Agut will face the unseeded John Millman of Australia in the second round of the tournament.&nbsp;

Britain's Andy Murray lost Monday to Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut in the first round of the Australian Open. Murray had seemed down and out at two sets and a break down to the 22nd-seeded Spaniard but he fought back with all he had to take the game to five sets.

Britain's Andy Murray lost Monday to Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut in the first round of the Australian Open. Murray had seemed down and out at two sets and a break down to the 22nd-seeded Spaniard but he fought back with all he had to take the game to five sets. That however was as far as he could take it. He finally lost 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 6-7 (4-7), 6-2. "Amazing. That was incredible, thank you so so much to everyone that came out tonight," Murray said after the game. "Maybe I'll see you again." Murray had said before the tournament that he will be retiring after Wimbledon this year. But that the constant pain in his hip may allow him to go no further than the Australian Open. "I'll do everything possible to try. If I want to go again I'll need to have a big operation which there's no guarantees I'll come back from. But I'll give it my best shot," Murray said. "Honestly I've loved playing here over the years. If this was my last match, an amazing way to end. I gave everything I had and it wasn't enough tonight." In his last #AusOpen match, Andy Murray fights incredibly hard to comeback from two sets down in extreme pain but falls just short. Roberto Bautista Agut wins 4-6 4-6 7-6(5) 7-6(4) 2-6. pic.twitter.com/CoiObtKQue — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 14, 2019 × He went out in the most Andy Murray way possible. Fighting until the end 🙏#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/aI28iEJ64T — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 14, 2019 × The audience gave Murray a standing ovation before he started serving in the fifth set. And an emotional tribute to him from the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic was played out on a big screen after the match. An amazing tennis player. But an even better person. Thank you, @andy_murray 👏#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/uRPBLC2zY6 — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 14, 2019 × Bautista Agut will face the unseeded John Millman of Australia in the second round of the tournament.

His last game? Andy Murray out of Australian Open after five-set thriller

Spain's tennis star<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-open-rafael-nadal-roars-past-james-duckworth-to-enter-2nd-round-190137"> Rafael Nadal defeated James Duckworth</a> 6-4, 6-3, 7-5 to make a winning start at this year's Australian Open.&nbsp;

While speaking to media at his post-match news conference, Nadal stopped listening to a journalist's question and pulled a hilarious face when he caught a sleeping journalist.&nbsp;

On spotting the napping journalist, Nadal asked, "It's not interesting today?"&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/who-will-win-the-australian-open-this-is-what-the-dna-says-190006">Who will win the Australian Open? This is what the DNA says</a>

Nadal, who played his first ATP Tour match after withdrawing from the US Open semi-finals last September with a knee injury, was in a good mood after the comfortable first-round win at Rod Laver Arena.&nbsp;

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A journalist was sleeping during Rafael Nadal's post-match press conference. 
 
Nadal's reaction: 👇🏾😂<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SleepIsForTheWeak?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SleepIsForTheWeak</a> <a href="https://t.co/dFf8yCWpie">pic.twitter.com/dFf8yCWpie</a>
— Biola Omowanle (@Beeorlicious) <a href="https://twitter.com/Beeorlicious/status/1084713966620852224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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He suggested one possible reason for the journalist's appearance, "I know who you must focus on, closing your eyes to be more focused on what I'm saying."&nbsp;

Second-seeded Nadal will meet Australia's Matthew Ebden in the second round.&nbsp;

Spain's tennis star Rafael Nadal defeated James Duckworth 6-4, 6-3, 7-5 to make a winning start at this year's Australian Open. While speaking to media at his post-match news conference, Nadal stopped listening to a journalist's question and pulled a hilarious face when he caught a sleeping journalist.

Spain's tennis star Rafael Nadal defeated James Duckworth 6-4, 6-3, 7-5 to make a winning start at this year's Australian Open. While speaking to media at his post-match news conference, Nadal stopped listening to a journalist's question and pulled a hilarious face when he caught a sleeping journalist. On spotting the napping journalist, Nadal asked, "It's not interesting today?" Also Read: Who will win the Australian Open? This is what the DNA says Nadal, who played his first ATP Tour match after withdrawing from the US Open semi-finals last September with a knee injury, was in a good mood after the comfortable first-round win at Rod Laver Arena. A journalist was sleeping during Rafael Nadal's post-match press conference. Nadal's reaction: 👇🏾😂#AusOpen #SleepIsForTheWeak pic.twitter.com/dFf8yCWpie — Biola Omowanle (@Beeorlicious) January 14, 2019 × He suggested one possible reason for the journalist's appearance, "I know who you must focus on, closing your eyes to be more focused on what I'm saying." Second-seeded Nadal will meet Australia's Matthew Ebden in the second round.

Australian Open: Rafael Nadal wins, journalist sleeps at press conference, watch what happens

Caroline Wozniacki launched her title defence at the Australian Open with a comfortable 6-3, 6-4 win against Belgian Alison Van Uytvanck in the first round on Monday.&nbsp;

The third-seeded Dane broke Van Uytvanck once in each set and kept her unforced errors down to win the baseline battle in an hour and 33 minutes in the first match of the evening session at the Rod Laver Arena.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/who-will-win-the-australian-open-this-is-what-the-dna-says-190006">Who will win the Australian Open? This is what the DNA says</a>

The 24-year-old Van Uytvanck, ranked 52, troubled Wozniacki with some well-disguised drop shots but did not have enough to register her maiden win at Melbourne Park in her fifth appearance in both singles and doubles.&nbsp;

Wozniacki, who is battling rheumatoid arthritis, sealed the match with a forehand winner on her third match point and will next meet Sweden's Johanna Larsson, who progressed after Vera Lapko of Belarus retired while trailing 7-6(5) 3-0.&nbsp;

Caroline Wozniacki launched her title defence at the Australian Open with a comfortable 6-3, 6-4 win against Belgian Alison Van Uytvanck in the first round on Monday.

Caroline Wozniacki launched her title defence at the Australian Open with a comfortable 6-3, 6-4 win against Belgian Alison Van Uytvanck in the first round on Monday. The third-seeded Dane broke Van Uytvanck once in each set and kept her unforced errors down to win the baseline battle in an hour and 33 minutes in the first match of the evening session at the Rod Laver Arena. Also Read: Who will win the Australian Open? This is what the DNA says The 24-year-old Van Uytvanck, ranked 52, troubled Wozniacki with some well-disguised drop shots but did not have enough to register her maiden win at Melbourne Park in her fifth appearance in both singles and doubles. Wozniacki, who is battling rheumatoid arthritis, sealed the match with a forehand winner on her third match point and will next meet Sweden's Johanna Larsson, who progressed after Vera Lapko of Belarus retired while trailing 7-6(5) 3-0.

Australian Open: Caroline Wozniacki through to 2nd round with comfortable win

Angelique Kerber brandished her credentials as a title contender at the Australian Open with a straight-forward 6-2 6-2 victory against Slovenia's Polona Hercog on Monday.

The Wimbledon champion minimised her time under the hot sun, where temperatures surpassed 30 degrees celsius (86°F) during the day-time matches in Melbourne, securing the straight sets win in just over an hour.

Her opponent, a former top-50 player, was too erratic to trouble the three-times Grand Slam winner, committing almost three times as many unforced errors as Kerber.

Kerber said her form improved during the match and her ball-striking was not side-tracked by the at-times inconsistent opponent.

"I played a lot of matches here already in Australia ... I have my rhythm," said Kerber, who played lead-up events in both Perth and Sydney.

Kerber was rarely challenged, and stepped up her relentless, grinding style on the handful of occasions she faced break points to move into the next round without losing any service games.

She will play Brazilian qualifier Beatriz Haddad Maia in the second round in a battle between two left-handed counter-punchers who have not previously met.

Angelique Kerber brandished her credentials as a title contender at the Australian Open with a straight-forward 6-2 6-2 victory against Slovenia's Polona Hercog on Monday.

Angelique Kerber brandished her credentials as a title contender at the Australian Open with a straight-forward 6-2 6-2 victory against Slovenia's Polona Hercog on Monday. The Wimbledon champion minimised her time under the hot sun, where temperatures surpassed 30 degrees celsius (86°F) during the day-time matches in Melbourne, securing the straight sets win in just over an hour. Her opponent, a former top-50 player, was too erratic to trouble the three-times Grand Slam winner, committing almost three times as many unforced errors as Kerber. Kerber said her form improved during the match and her ball-striking was not side-tracked by the at-times inconsistent opponent. "I played a lot of matches here already in Australia ... I have my rhythm," said Kerber, who played lead-up events in both Perth and Sydney. Kerber was rarely challenged, and stepped up her relentless, grinding style on the handful of occasions she faced break points to move into the next round without losing any service games. She will play Brazilian qualifier Beatriz Haddad Maia in the second round in a battle between two left-handed counter-punchers who have not previously met.

Angelique Kerber untroubled as Australian Open campaign gets underway

John Isner, the United States number one tennis player, was sent crashing out of the first round of the Australian Open by compatriot Reilly Opelka 7-6(4) 7-6(6) 6-7(4) 7-6(5), on Monday.&nbsp;

Ishner, who is Wimbledon semi-finalist, fell at the first hurdle at Melbourne Park for the second year in a row. Last year, he was beaten by unseeded Australian Matthew Ebden. &nbsp;

The 21-year-old Opelka broke the ninth seed's perfect 9-0 winning record against Americans at the Grand Slams in a match featuring 87 aces.

"You keep working and put your head down and kind of disappear once I leave here and just work." And, you know, trust that that's going to pay dividends for me in the future," Isner said.

Opelka will next play 102nd ranked Italy's Thomas Fabbiano in the second round.

John Isner, the United States number one tennis player, was sent crashing out of the first round of the Australian Open by compatriot Reilly Opelka 7-6(4) 7-6(6) 6-7(4) 7-6(5), on Monday.

John Isner, the United States number one tennis player, was sent crashing out of the first round of the Australian Open by compatriot Reilly Opelka 7-6(4) 7-6(6) 6-7(4) 7-6(5), on Monday. Ishner, who is Wimbledon semi-finalist, fell at the first hurdle at Melbourne Park for the second year in a row. Last year, he was beaten by unseeded Australian Matthew Ebden. The 21-year-old Opelka broke the ninth seed's perfect 9-0 winning record against Americans at the Grand Slams in a match featuring 87 aces. "You keep working and put your head down and kind of disappear once I leave here and just work." And, you know, trust that that's going to pay dividends for me in the future," Isner said. Opelka will next play 102nd ranked Italy's Thomas Fabbiano in the second round.

Australian Open: America's John Isner stunned by compatriot Opelka

Serena Williams, Andy Murray, heat and tiebreaks, here's a list of talking points at Australian Open 2019

Swiss tennis star Roger Federer said was shocked to hear that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-andy-murray-breaks-down-at-press-conference-as-he-announces-intention-to-retire-189518">Andy Murray might end his career</a> after this year's Australian Open, due to a long-standing hip condition which has been hampering the British player's career for the last two years.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-star-andy-murray-to-retire-this-year-due-to-injury-189468">Emotional&nbsp;Murray revealed</a> that he hoped to end his storied career at Wimbledon, but admitted the Australian Open may be his last event because the constant pain was so bad.

"I was disappointed and sad, a little bit shocked, to know now that we're going to lose him at some point. But we're going to lose everybody at some point," Federer said while speaking at a press conference.&nbsp;

He added, "We are going to lose everybody at some point. It's just now that it's definite."

He wished Murray for the first Grand Slam of the year, which will start from Monday, saying: "I hope that he can play a good Australian Open and he can keep playing beyond that, really finish the way he wants to at Wimbledon. That's what I hope for him."

On Murray's retirement decision, Federer said, "He's a great guy. It's a tough one, but one down the road he can look back on and be incredibly proud of everything he has achieved."&nbsp;

"Of course, it hits us, top guys, hard because we know Andy very well. We like him. He doesn't have many enemies, to be quite honest," the world number three said of the three-time Grand Slam champion and double Olympic gold medal winner.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Murray was the first British man to win Wimbledon in 77 years&nbsp;and will be remembered for battling his way to world number one in 2016 during a golden era for men's tennis alongside Federer, Djokovic and Nadal.&nbsp;

Defending champion hopes to put himself "in contention" for another title run at the 2019 Australian Open as he prepares to face Denis Istomin in the first round on Monday.&nbsp;

Swiss tennis star Roger Federer said was shocked to hear that Andy Murray might end his career after this year's Australian Open, due to a long-standing hip condition which has been hampering the British player's career for the last two years.

Swiss tennis star Roger Federer said was shocked to hear that Andy Murray might end his career after this year's Australian Open, due to a long-standing hip condition which has been hampering the British player's career for the last two years. Emotional Murray revealed that he hoped to end his storied career at Wimbledon, but admitted the Australian Open may be his last event because the constant pain was so bad. "I was disappointed and sad, a little bit shocked, to know now that we're going to lose him at some point. But we're going to lose everybody at some point," Federer said while speaking at a press conference. He added, "We are going to lose everybody at some point. It's just now that it's definite." He wished Murray for the first Grand Slam of the year, which will start from Monday, saying: "I hope that he can play a good Australian Open and he can keep playing beyond that, really finish the way he wants to at Wimbledon. That's what I hope for him." On Murray's retirement decision, Federer said, "He's a great guy. It's a tough one, but one down the road he can look back on and be incredibly proud of everything he has achieved." "Of course, it hits us, top guys, hard because we know Andy very well. We like him. He doesn't have many enemies, to be quite honest," the world number three said of the three-time Grand Slam champion and double Olympic gold medal winner. Murray was the first British man to win Wimbledon in 77 years and will be remembered for battling his way to world number one in 2016 during a golden era for men's tennis alongside Federer, Djokovic and Nadal. Defending champion hopes to put himself "in contention" for another title run at the 2019 Australian Open as he prepares to face Denis Istomin in the first round on Monday.

Roger Federer looks ahead to Australian Open, comments on Andy Murray's intention to retire

An upbeat Caroline Wozniacki said she was relishing returning to the Australian Open as defending champion Sunday and dismissed concerns health problems were affecting her game.

The Dane achieved a career milestone at Melbourne Park to claim her maiden Grand Slam last year, but also revealed she was suffering the debilitating auto-immune condition rheumatoid arthritis.

Wozniacki, 28, insisted there was no extra pressure returning Down Under as the title holder, saying she was treating her upcoming campaign as "a nice, fun challenge".

"I felt comfortable straightaway when I hit balls on that court. It was just a good feeling," she said of her return to Rod Laver Arena, the scene of last year's three-set triumph over world number one Simona Halep.

"Then, you see your photos all over the place, which is cool. So it's definitely great to be back."

Wozniacki seeded third at this year's tournament, said she was carefully managing her arthritis, a condition which sometimes leaves her so exhausted she can barely move her arms.

"For me, it's just all the time making sure I get good massaging, good treatments, ice baths, stretching, do everything even more thoroughly than maybe in the past," she said.

She added that she had not changed her playing style and had learned to recognise symptoms of arthritis to avoid flare-ups.

"I think especially as an athlete, you're even more aware of it. You know your body even better," she said.&nbsp;

"It's kind of hard to put into words, but I can definitely tell the difference whether it's just soreness from training or soreness from that (arthritis)."

She said the pre-season routine was unchanged, aside from some extra gym work to keep in shape before training began in earnest.

After such a rollercoaster 2018, Wozniacki said she needed "to leave the racquet behind for a while" during the off-season, recharging her batteries in the Maldives and the Virgin Islands.

The avid Liverpool fan also visited the less sunny climes of Anfield to see her beloved team in action, indulging in the local fare after cheering Jurgen Klopp's men on to victory.

"They have great burgers right outside. There's a huge line outside one of them... they had fries, all sorts of stuff," she said.&nbsp;

"I was like, 'we have to try it while we're here'. It was really, really good."

Wozniacki begins her tournament on Monday against Alison van Uytvanck of Belgium, ranked 51st in the world, a player she described as "tricky" and aggressive.

"I have to go in and play aggressive myself, get a lot of returns back, serve well, make her move," she said.

An upbeat Caroline Wozniacki said she was relishing returning to the Australian Open as defending champion Sunday and dismissed concerns health problems were affecting her game.

An upbeat Caroline Wozniacki said she was relishing returning to the Australian Open as defending champion Sunday and dismissed concerns health problems were affecting her game. The Dane achieved a career milestone at Melbourne Park to claim her maiden Grand Slam last year, but also revealed she was suffering the debilitating auto-immune condition rheumatoid arthritis. Wozniacki, 28, insisted there was no extra pressure returning Down Under as the title holder, saying she was treating her upcoming campaign as "a nice, fun challenge". "I felt comfortable straightaway when I hit balls on that court. It was just a good feeling," she said of her return to Rod Laver Arena, the scene of last year's three-set triumph over world number one Simona Halep. "Then, you see your photos all over the place, which is cool. So it's definitely great to be back." Wozniacki seeded third at this year's tournament, said she was carefully managing her arthritis, a condition which sometimes leaves her so exhausted she can barely move her arms. "For me, it's just all the time making sure I get good massaging, good treatments, ice baths, stretching, do everything even more thoroughly than maybe in the past," she said. She added that she had not changed her playing style and had learned to recognise symptoms of arthritis to avoid flare-ups. "I think especially as an athlete, you're even more aware of it. You know your body even better," she said. "It's kind of hard to put into words, but I can definitely tell the difference whether it's just soreness from training or soreness from that (arthritis)." She said the pre-season routine was unchanged, aside from some extra gym work to keep in shape before training began in earnest. After such a rollercoaster 2018, Wozniacki said she needed "to leave the racquet behind for a while" during the off-season, recharging her batteries in the Maldives and the Virgin Islands. The avid Liverpool fan also visited the less sunny climes of Anfield to see her beloved team in action, indulging in the local fare after cheering Jurgen Klopp's men on to victory. "They have great burgers right outside. There's a huge line outside one of them... they had fries, all sorts of stuff," she said. "I was like, 'we have to try it while we're here'. It was really, really good." Wozniacki begins her tournament on Monday against Alison van Uytvanck of Belgium, ranked 51st in the world, a player she described as "tricky" and aggressive. "I have to go in and play aggressive myself, get a lot of returns back, serve well, make her move," she said.

Caroline Wozniacki upbeat ahead of Australian Open defence

Novak Djokovic says he is satisfied with how the grand slams are reacting to a player-led push for bigger paychecks - but that it's not about increasing his own bank balance.

Djokovic, the president of the ATP Player's Council, has led a push for a higher percentage of earnings generated at the world's biggest tennis tournaments be distributed to players.

He said on Sunday ahead of the start of the Australian Open he was satisfied with recent prize money changes, which includes a 14 percent rise in the prize pool for the Melbourne event.

"I have to mention that because we are focussed on distribution, equal distribution, and we are focussed more on the earlier rounds, last rounds of qualification ..." Djokovic told journalists.

"We're trying to increase the number of players that are able to travel around the world, not just cover expenses, have the full team, have a decent living out of the sport that they play."

An International Tennis Federation (ITF)-commissioned study previously found the break-even point where average costs met earnings in 2013 was 336 for men and 253 for women. But once coaching costs are factored in, far fewer players can make a living, with the break-even point approaching 150.

A large part of the prize money increase at the Australian Open - run by the country body and ITF, not the ATP - is directed at the earlier rounds of the tournament.

First-round losers in the main draw, for both men and women, will receive A$75,000 ($54,143), representing a 25 percent increase on the previous year.

Players can usually secure a main draw appearance by having a ranking in the top 100.

Djokovic and rival Roger Federer are both in search of a record seventh Australian Open title in Melbourne, and with it, a winner's purse of A$4.1 million ($2.96 million).

They are on opposite sides of the draw, making a final showdown a possibility between two of the sport's most successful players.

Djokovic has won 14 grand slams, and earned more than $125 million in prize money during his career, while Federer has a record 20 slam titles, and just over $120 million in prize money, according to tournament data.

Some players are poised for their single biggest payday regardless of their first-round result. Australia's Astra Sharma has earned just over $50,000 during her career although that figure will at least double after she won through three qualifying rounds.

Djokovic, who lost in the semi-finals of the rich Qatar Open in the lead-up to the first grand slam event of the year, is scheduled to play qualifier Mitchell Krueger, from the United States, in the first round.

The Serb was struggling for form early in 2018, before a run of titles in the second half of the year, which included Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, propelled him to the top of the rankings.

One of the Djokovic's 'Big Four' cohorts, Andy Murray, is under a severe injury cloud coming into the tournament, with the Scottish player disclosing on Friday he would be retiring this year because of the severe pain from his troublesome right hip.

Djokovic said he would carry "beautiful memories" of Murray, a player he has known since junior tennis given they were born just one week apart.

"As an athlete, that's probably the biggest obstacle and enemy that you can have - an injury," Djokovic said. "That's something that takes away your ability to compete and play the sport that you love."

Novak Djokovic says he is satisfied with how the grand slams are reacting to a player-led push for bigger paychecks - but that it's not about increasing his own bank balance.

Novak Djokovic says he is satisfied with how the grand slams are reacting to a player-led push for bigger paychecks - but that it's not about increasing his own bank balance. Djokovic, the president of the ATP Player's Council, has led a push for a higher percentage of earnings generated at the world's biggest tennis tournaments be distributed to players. He said on Sunday ahead of the start of the Australian Open he was satisfied with recent prize money changes, which includes a 14 percent rise in the prize pool for the Melbourne event. "I have to mention that because we are focussed on distribution, equal distribution, and we are focussed more on the earlier rounds, last rounds of qualification ..." Djokovic told journalists. "We're trying to increase the number of players that are able to travel around the world, not just cover expenses, have the full team, have a decent living out of the sport that they play." An International Tennis Federation (ITF)-commissioned study previously found the break-even point where average costs met earnings in 2013 was 336 for men and 253 for women. But once coaching costs are factored in, far fewer players can make a living, with the break-even point approaching 150. A large part of the prize money increase at the Australian Open - run by the country body and ITF, not the ATP - is directed at the earlier rounds of the tournament. First-round losers in the main draw, for both men and women, will receive A$75,000 ($54,143), representing a 25 percent increase on the previous year. Players can usually secure a main draw appearance by having a ranking in the top 100. Djokovic and rival Roger Federer are both in search of a record seventh Australian Open title in Melbourne, and with it, a winner's purse of A$4.1 million ($2.96 million). They are on opposite sides of the draw, making a final showdown a possibility between two of the sport's most successful players. Djokovic has won 14 grand slams, and earned more than $125 million in prize money during his career, while Federer has a record 20 slam titles, and just over $120 million in prize money, according to tournament data. Some players are poised for their single biggest payday regardless of their first-round result. Australia's Astra Sharma has earned just over $50,000 during her career although that figure will at least double after she won through three qualifying rounds. Djokovic, who lost in the semi-finals of the rich Qatar Open in the lead-up to the first grand slam event of the year, is scheduled to play qualifier Mitchell Krueger, from the United States, in the first round. The Serb was struggling for form early in 2018, before a run of titles in the second half of the year, which included Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, propelled him to the top of the rankings. One of the Djokovic's 'Big Four' cohorts, Andy Murray, is under a severe injury cloud coming into the tournament, with the Scottish player disclosing on Friday he would be retiring this year because of the severe pain from his troublesome right hip. Djokovic said he would carry "beautiful memories" of Murray, a player he has known since junior tennis given they were born just one week apart. "As an athlete, that's probably the biggest obstacle and enemy that you can have - an injury," Djokovic said. "That's something that takes away your ability to compete and play the sport that you love."

Novak Djokovic satisfied with prize pool ahead of Australian Open tilt

Prajnesh Gunneswaran is the lone Indian in the singles main draw at the 2019 Australian Open and the 29-year-old rues the sorry state of the game back home, which he thinks will not improve even if he pulls off a miracle to reach the final in Melbourne.

Cricket lords over other sports in India and the country of 1.3 billion has no men or women singles player currently in the top 100 even though it has produced decent doubles players in recent past.

Reaching the singles main draw at a Grand Slam in itself is a success in cricket-mad India, which has only seen Yuki Bhambri achieve the feat since Somdev Devvarman played in the 2013 US Open.

Gunneswaran is India's highest-ranked singles player at 112 and will meet American 20-year-old Frances Tiafoe, who is ranked 39, in his opening round on Monday after booking his spot at the year's first Grand Slam through the qualifiers.

"It's a good thing and a bad thing," he told Reuters in an interview on Sunday. "It's good for me personally because obviously I get a bit more coverage and a bit more presence in the media.

"But I would also like to see more Indians in this part of the tournament, in the main draw, doing well, making it to the second week like we do in doubles."

He dismissed suggestions that his Australian Open appearance could motivate more players in the world's second-most populous country.

"I don't think there is any lack of motivation. We don't have the system in place to produce players so no matter how much motivation is there we will not produce any players even if I make the final," Gunneswaran said.

"Somdev has been 70 and we had other players in the past who have been top 30 but that didn't produce another 100 players.

"I don't think me doing something here will make a drastic change. It will change my life but when it comes to Indian tennis I don't think so."

Gunneswaran feels India's search for quality singles players would not end anytime soon.

"We need an entire system and infrastructure, from coaches to fitness trainers, a centre where the youngsters can go and play and develop and get better," he said. "We don't have that kind of a consistent system in India.

"Here I am playing a professional event and I have to focus and do everything that I can to do well. Obviously, there is a certain amount of expectation that comes with being currently the number one in India. I am going to step on the court and give it my best and hope that I can come out on top."

Gunneswaran had missed out on playing in the French Open main draw last year as a lucky loser as he had left Paris to play a Challenger event.

He is coming off a strong 2018 during which he rose to a career-high 104 in November following strong results and two Challenger titles.

The Indian did not have much idea about Tiafoe but knew he needed to be at his best to advance.

"I don't know too much about him. I have seen him on TV playing matches," Gunneswaran said. "I know he's very good, he's top 40 for a reason.

"I will have to play well to beat him. I will come up with a game plan tomorrow (Monday) and give it all I have got."

Prajnesh Gunneswaran is the lone Indian in the singles main draw at the 2019 Australian Open and the 29-year-old rues the sorry state of the game back home, which he thinks will not improve even if he pulls off a miracle to reach the final in Melbourne.

Prajnesh Gunneswaran is the lone Indian in the singles main draw at the 2019 Australian Open and the 29-year-old rues the sorry state of the game back home, which he thinks will not improve even if he pulls off a miracle to reach the final in Melbourne. Cricket lords over other sports in India and the country of 1.3 billion has no men or women singles player currently in the top 100 even though it has produced decent doubles players in recent past. Reaching the singles main draw at a Grand Slam in itself is a success in cricket-mad India, which has only seen Yuki Bhambri achieve the feat since Somdev Devvarman played in the 2013 US Open. Gunneswaran is India's highest-ranked singles player at 112 and will meet American 20-year-old Frances Tiafoe, who is ranked 39, in his opening round on Monday after booking his spot at the year's first Grand Slam through the qualifiers. "It's a good thing and a bad thing," he told Reuters in an interview on Sunday. "It's good for me personally because obviously I get a bit more coverage and a bit more presence in the media. "But I would also like to see more Indians in this part of the tournament, in the main draw, doing well, making it to the second week like we do in doubles." He dismissed suggestions that his Australian Open appearance could motivate more players in the world's second-most populous country. "I don't think there is any lack of motivation. We don't have the system in place to produce players so no matter how much motivation is there we will not produce any players even if I make the final," Gunneswaran said. "Somdev has been 70 and we had other players in the past who have been top 30 but that didn't produce another 100 players. "I don't think me doing something here will make a drastic change. It will change my life but when it comes to Indian tennis I don't think so." Gunneswaran feels India's search for quality singles players would not end anytime soon. "We need an entire system and infrastructure, from coaches to fitness trainers, a centre where the youngsters can go and play and develop and get better," he said. "We don't have that kind of a consistent system in India. "Here I am playing a professional event and I have to focus and do everything that I can to do well. Obviously, there is a certain amount of expectation that comes with being currently the number one in India. I am going to step on the court and give it my best and hope that I can come out on top." Gunneswaran had missed out on playing in the French Open main draw last year as a lucky loser as he had left Paris to play a Challenger event. He is coming off a strong 2018 during which he rose to a career-high 104 in November following strong results and two Challenger titles. The Indian did not have much idea about Tiafoe but knew he needed to be at his best to advance. "I don't know too much about him. I have seen him on TV playing matches," Gunneswaran said. "I know he's very good, he's top 40 for a reason. "I will have to play well to beat him. I will come up with a game plan tomorrow (Monday) and give it all I have got."

India's Prajnesh Gunneswaran rues singles drought back home

Alexander Zverev believes finding the joy in playing on the biggest stages will be key to his hopes of a Grand Slam breakthrough at the Australian Open after struggling with the pressure of being branded the next big thing of men's tennis.

The 21-year-old has proved repeatedly he has the weapons to upset titans like Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic but has only a solitary quarter-final appearance at the Grand Slams to his credit, at last year's French Open.

Wielding a monster serve and renowned as one of the game's purest shot-makers, the German is still regarded as the most capable of the next generation of players to break the Grand Slam cartel of the old guard.

But he admits he will need a change of mindset when he marches out onto the blue hardcourts at Melbourne Park and play with the same freedom that saw him claim his maiden ATP Tour Finals crown at the end of the 2018 season.

"Look, I always enjoy playing," he told reporters on Saturday.

"I always enjoy competing, playing the sport that I love. There's always a lot of pressure to it, always the question of: 'When are you going to win a Grand Slam?

"I came to London before, and I wasn't playing my best ... I really wasn't playing well. I came to London saying, 'Look, it's the last tournament of the year, we're all tired, you want to go on holidays. I want to enjoy it as much as I can. I'm playing the best players in the world, I'm going to see how it goes.'

"At the end of the week, I won the tournament. I kind of learned out of that. I kind of figured out I have to have the same mentality when I play at slams. I hope I can achieve that."

Zverev has never made the second week at Melbourne Park and there was little joy in his third round exit last year.

After trading blows in a tense 'Next Gen' duel with South Korean semi-finalist Chung Hyeon, he cracked under pressure in the fourth set and was bageled in the last.

Zverev is now coached by Ivan Lendl, who helped Andy Murray break his long drought at Grand Slams, and has already credited him for helping raise his game.

He has not had an ideal preparation for Melbourne, however, and comes into the tournament without a competitive match under his belt since the November Tour Finals.

He was forced to pull out of the World Tennis Challenge exhibition in Adelaide last week and rolled his ankle during practice at Melbourne Park on Thursday.

He said the ankle had still not completely healed but did not feel it would affect his tournament ahead of a first round match against unseeded Slovene Aljaz Bedene.

"It's just a little bit swollen. I didn't actually twist

it," he said.

"I just kind of went over it a little bit. You know, actually what happened was a bone pushed against another bone.

"There was, like, inflammation between those two bones.

"I'm fine. I'm going to play with the tape. It's just a little bit uncomfortable, but it's nothing that can get worse or anything like that. I'm actually quite relaxed about it."

Alexander Zverev believes finding the joy in playing on the biggest stages will be key to his hopes of a Grand Slam breakthrough at the Australian Open after struggling with the pressure of being branded the next big thing of men's tennis.

Alexander Zverev believes finding the joy in playing on the biggest stages will be key to his hopes of a Grand Slam breakthrough at the Australian Open after struggling with the pressure of being branded the next big thing of men's tennis. The 21-year-old has proved repeatedly he has the weapons to upset titans like Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic but has only a solitary quarter-final appearance at the Grand Slams to his credit, at last year's French Open. Wielding a monster serve and renowned as one of the game's purest shot-makers, the German is still regarded as the most capable of the next generation of players to break the Grand Slam cartel of the old guard. But he admits he will need a change of mindset when he marches out onto the blue hardcourts at Melbourne Park and play with the same freedom that saw him claim his maiden ATP Tour Finals crown at the end of the 2018 season. "Look, I always enjoy playing," he told reporters on Saturday. "I always enjoy competing, playing the sport that I love. There's always a lot of pressure to it, always the question of: 'When are you going to win a Grand Slam? "I came to London before, and I wasn't playing my best ... I really wasn't playing well. I came to London saying, 'Look, it's the last tournament of the year, we're all tired, you want to go on holidays. I want to enjoy it as much as I can. I'm playing the best players in the world, I'm going to see how it goes.' "At the end of the week, I won the tournament. I kind of learned out of that. I kind of figured out I have to have the same mentality when I play at slams. I hope I can achieve that." Zverev has never made the second week at Melbourne Park and there was little joy in his third round exit last year. After trading blows in a tense 'Next Gen' duel with South Korean semi-finalist Chung Hyeon, he cracked under pressure in the fourth set and was bageled in the last. Zverev is now coached by Ivan Lendl, who helped Andy Murray break his long drought at Grand Slams, and has already credited him for helping raise his game. He has not had an ideal preparation for Melbourne, however, and comes into the tournament without a competitive match under his belt since the November Tour Finals. He was forced to pull out of the World Tennis Challenge exhibition in Adelaide last week and rolled his ankle during practice at Melbourne Park on Thursday. He said the ankle had still not completely healed but did not feel it would affect his tournament ahead of a first round match against unseeded Slovene Aljaz Bedene. "It's just a little bit swollen. I didn't actually twist it," he said. "I just kind of went over it a little bit. You know, actually what happened was a bone pushed against another bone. "There was, like, inflammation between those two bones. "I'm fine. I'm going to play with the tape. It's just a little bit uncomfortable, but it's nothing that can get worse or anything like that. I'm actually quite relaxed about it."

Alexander Zverev searching for Grand Slam 'mentality' in Melbourne

World number one Novak Djokovic shared his thought on Andy Murray's confession that the forthcoming Australian Open might be the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-andy-murray-breaks-down-at-press-conference-as-he-announces-intention-to-retire-189518">final event of his career</a>.&nbsp;

Djokovic said, "it's quite a shocker for me, honestly because we're the same age, same generation. It's kind of sad to see what he's been going through in the last couple of years with these injuries."

Talking about Murray's injuries, Novak said, "As someone who has been through a major injury with my elbow in the last couple of years, I can definitely empathize with him and relate to what he's going through. Obviously, probably the extent of his injury is even worse than mine, hips and he had a back surgery and so forth."

The 31-year-old Djokovic paid tribute to his long-time rival Murray while speaking at a press conference ahead of this year's first Grand Slam, Australian Open.&nbsp;

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The Serbian tennis star said, "He's a great champion, he's a friend of mine that I grew up with, ever since we were 11, 12 years old we've known each other."

"We've been rivals and we've played some epic matches all over the world so it's kind of sad to know he might play his last Australian Open but I do wish him all the best," he added.

World number one Novak Djokovic shared his thought on Andy Murray's confession that the forthcoming Australian Open might be the final event of his career. Djokovic said, "it's quite a shocker for me, honestly because we're the same age, same generation.

World number one Novak Djokovic shared his thought on Andy Murray's confession that the forthcoming Australian Open might be the final event of his career. Djokovic said, "it's quite a shocker for me, honestly because we're the same age, same generation. It's kind of sad to see what he's been going through in the last couple of years with these injuries." Talking about Murray's injuries, Novak said, "As someone who has been through a major injury with my elbow in the last couple of years, I can definitely empathize with him and relate to what he's going through. Obviously, probably the extent of his injury is even worse than mine, hips and he had a back surgery and so forth." The 31-year-old Djokovic paid tribute to his long-time rival Murray while speaking at a press conference ahead of this year's first Grand Slam, Australian Open. × The Serbian tennis star said, "He's a great champion, he's a friend of mine that I grew up with, ever since we were 11, 12 years old we've known each other." "We've been rivals and we've played some epic matches all over the world so it's kind of sad to know he might play his last Australian Open but I do wish him all the best," he added.

Andy Murray's retirement decision 'a shocker' for Novak Djokovic

Swiss maestro Roger Federer has revealed that Wimbledon, where he won his first Grand Slam title, could be the ideal place for a farewell tournament when he decides to call time on his illustrious career.

Federer's comments arrive at a time when the tennis world is celebrating the achievements of his long-time rival Andy Murray, who said next week's Australian Open could his last as he struggles to recover from a hip injury.

Two-time Australian Open defending champion Federer said he does not have a "fairytale ending" to his own career in mind but he would like to leave the court in good health.

"I have a lot of places that are very special to me, thankfully," Federer told CNN. "I've been very fortunate. But yeah, sure, like a Wimbledon stands out as maybe a place.

"I don't have the fairytale ending in my head saying it has to be another title somewhere and then I have to announce it big, I don't have to have it that way."

Federer, who turned professional in 1998, has collected an incredible 99 career singles titles, 20 of which have been Grand Slams.

He is not expected to hang up his racket before the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where he will look to add an individual gold alongside his doubles triumph at Beijing 2008.

"I think there is expectation from the media (that) it all has to end so perfectly. I've given up on that a long time ago," Federer added.

"As long as I'm healthy and I'm enjoying myself, I know it's going to be emotional anyway... it should be a happy celebration day, not like a sad funeral type of day."

Federer will begin his Australian Open campaign against unseeded Uzbek Denis Istomin on Monday.

Swiss maestro Roger Federer has revealed that Wimbledon, where he won his first Grand Slam title, could be the ideal place for a farewell tournament when he decides to call time on his illustrious career.

Swiss maestro Roger Federer has revealed that Wimbledon, where he won his first Grand Slam title, could be the ideal place for a farewell tournament when he decides to call time on his illustrious career. Federer's comments arrive at a time when the tennis world is celebrating the achievements of his long-time rival Andy Murray, who said next week's Australian Open could his last as he struggles to recover from a hip injury. Two-time Australian Open defending champion Federer said he does not have a "fairytale ending" to his own career in mind but he would like to leave the court in good health. "I have a lot of places that are very special to me, thankfully," Federer told CNN. "I've been very fortunate. But yeah, sure, like a Wimbledon stands out as maybe a place. "I don't have the fairytale ending in my head saying it has to be another title somewhere and then I have to announce it big, I don't have to have it that way." Federer, who turned professional in 1998, has collected an incredible 99 career singles titles, 20 of which have been Grand Slams. He is not expected to hang up his racket before the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where he will look to add an individual gold alongside his doubles triumph at Beijing 2008. "I think there is expectation from the media (that) it all has to end so perfectly. I've given up on that a long time ago," Federer added. "As long as I'm healthy and I'm enjoying myself, I know it's going to be emotional anyway... it should be a happy celebration day, not like a sad funeral type of day." Federer will begin his Australian Open campaign against unseeded Uzbek Denis Istomin on Monday.

Roger Federer names Wimbledon as potential future farewell venue

Andy Murray will be retiring this year <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/andy-murrays-comeback-halted-by-medvedev-in-brisbane-second-round-187926">because of the severe pain from his</a> troublesome right hip with next week's Australian Open potentially his last tournament as a professional, the former world number one said on Friday.

Five-times a runner up at<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/andy-murray-ends-season-after-defeat-verdasco-shenzhen-168392"> Melbourne Park, Murray had surgery</a> on the joint a year ago and has been unable to recover his best form.

Overcome with emotion and struggling to hold back tears, the 31-year-old three-times Grand Slam champion told reporters that he had hoped to play until at least this year's Wimbledon tournament.

But he felt the Australian Open might end up being his swansong, given the pain from his hip had become almost unbearable.

"Yeah, I think there's a chance of that, yeah for sure," the Scot said.

"The pain is too much, really ... I'm not sure I'm able to play through the pain for another four or five months."

"The pain is not allowing me to enjoy competing or training or any of the stuff I love about tennis."

Murray said he was mulling another round of major hip surgery but added that it was more aimed at improving his "quality of life" and it might not mean an eventual return to the tour.

"I have an option to have another operation which is a little bit more kind of severe than what I've had before, having my hip resurfaced which would allow me to have a better quality of life," he said.

"That's something I'm seriously considering right now ... Some athletes have had that and gone back to competing but there's obviously no guarantees."

He said basic things in everyday life, like putting on socks and shoes, caused him severe pain and he had grown weary of talking about his hip in every conversation.

Murray, who visibly struggled in a 6-1 4-1 practice match defeat to top seed Novak Djokovic at Melbourne Park on Thursday, has been drawn to play 22nd seeded Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut in the first round on Monday.

"I'm going to play, I can still play to a level, not a level that I'm happy playing at," he said.

Andy Murray will be retiring this year because of the severe pain from his troublesome right hip with next week's Australian Open potentially his last tournament as a professional, the former world number one said on Friday.

Andy Murray will be retiring this year because of the severe pain from his troublesome right hip with next week's Australian Open potentially his last tournament as a professional, the former world number one said on Friday. Five-times a runner up at Melbourne Park, Murray had surgery on the joint a year ago and has been unable to recover his best form. Overcome with emotion and struggling to hold back tears, the 31-year-old three-times Grand Slam champion told reporters that he had hoped to play until at least this year's Wimbledon tournament. But he felt the Australian Open might end up being his swansong, given the pain from his hip had become almost unbearable. "Yeah, I think there's a chance of that, yeah for sure," the Scot said. "The pain is too much, really ... I'm not sure I'm able to play through the pain for another four or five months." "The pain is not allowing me to enjoy competing or training or any of the stuff I love about tennis." Murray said he was mulling another round of major hip surgery but added that it was more aimed at improving his "quality of life" and it might not mean an eventual return to the tour. "I have an option to have another operation which is a little bit more kind of severe than what I've had before, having my hip resurfaced which would allow me to have a better quality of life," he said. "That's something I'm seriously considering right now ... Some athletes have had that and gone back to competing but there's obviously no guarantees." He said basic things in everyday life, like putting on socks and shoes, caused him severe pain and he had grown weary of talking about his hip in every conversation. Murray, who visibly struggled in a 6-1 4-1 practice match defeat to top seed Novak Djokovic at Melbourne Park on Thursday, has been drawn to play 22nd seeded Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut in the first round on Monday. "I'm going to play, I can still play to a level, not a level that I'm happy playing at," he said.

Tennis star Andy Murray to retire this year due to injury

Double defending champion Roger Federer will start his bid for a hat-trick of Australian Open titles next week against unseeded Uzbek Denis Istomin, who caused a huge upset when he defeated Novak Djokovic in the second round two years ago.

The draw for the first Grand Slam of the season was made on Thursday and the top seeds could face some early tests of their credentials when play gets underway in Melbourne on Monday.

The Swiss six-times Australian Open champion, who beat Marin Cilic in last year's final, could meet the Croat again in the quarter-finals, should he come through a potentially tricky fourth-round tie against Greek prospect Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Men's top seed Djokovic, who was defending his title when he lost to Istomin, has drawn a qualifier in his bid for a record seventh Melbourne title and third Grand Slam crown in succession following wins at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open.

Serb Djokovic could then face a rematch of his 2008 final triumph over Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the second round, before a possible second-week match-up against Japan's Kei Nishikori in the quarter-finals.

Second seed Rafa Nadal, who has question marks concerning his fitness after pulling out of the Brisbane International, will play unseeded local James Duckworth in the first round.

Last year's semi-finalist Kyle Edmund, seeded 13th, looms as a possible fourth-round match-up for the Spaniard, who could then face big-serving South African Kevin Anderson in the quarter-finals if the draw follows the seedings.

Double defending champion Roger Federer will start his bid for a hat-trick of Australian Open titles next week against unseeded Uzbek Denis Istomin, who caused a huge upset when he defeated Novak Djokovic in the second round two years ago.

Double defending champion Roger Federer will start his bid for a hat-trick of Australian Open titles next week against unseeded Uzbek Denis Istomin, who caused a huge upset when he defeated Novak Djokovic in the second round two years ago. The draw for the first Grand Slam of the season was made on Thursday and the top seeds could face some early tests of their credentials when play gets underway in Melbourne on Monday. The Swiss six-times Australian Open champion, who beat Marin Cilic in last year's final, could meet the Croat again in the quarter-finals, should he come through a potentially tricky fourth-round tie against Greek prospect Stefanos Tsitsipas. Men's top seed Djokovic, who was defending his title when he lost to Istomin, has drawn a qualifier in his bid for a record seventh Melbourne title and third Grand Slam crown in succession following wins at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. Serb Djokovic could then face a rematch of his 2008 final triumph over Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the second round, before a possible second-week match-up against Japan's Kei Nishikori in the quarter-finals. Second seed Rafa Nadal, who has question marks concerning his fitness after pulling out of the Brisbane International, will play unseeded local James Duckworth in the first round. Last year's semi-finalist Kyle Edmund, seeded 13th, looms as a possible fourth-round match-up for the Spaniard, who could then face big-serving South African Kevin Anderson in the quarter-finals if the draw follows the seedings.

Roger Federer to open Australian Open defence against Istomin

World number one Simona Halep crashed to a straight-sets defeat against unseeded Ashleigh Barty in the second round of the Sydney International on Wednesday.

Halep, playing in her first tournament since a back injury cut short her 2018 season in September, lost 6-4 6-4 in 87 minutes with the result dealing a blow to her Australian Open preparations.

Australian Barty, who is ranked 15th in the world, fired 26 winners and won four out of seven break points as she recorded her first victory over a reigning world number one.

"I finally learned my lesson," said Barty, who had suffered two straight-sets defeats by Halep last year.

"She gave me a belting in Montreal. I learnt a little bit more in Cincinnati, but today I knuckled down and really thought about it and really gave myself a chance.

"The biggest thing, I believed that I could I win. Just very happy I was able to come out and execute."

The 22-year-old Barty was rewarded with a quarter-final clash against Belgian Elise Mertens, who raced past Estonia's Anett Kontaveit 6-3 6-1.

Kazakh qualifier Yulia Putintseva came back from a set and a break down to beat fourth seed Sloane Stephens 3-6 7-6(4) 6-0 in a roller-coaster second round encounter.

It was Putintseva's sixth career top 10 victory, and second consecutive win over Stephens following an equally dramatic three-set triumph in Nuremberg last year.

Men's top seed Stefanos Tsitsipas eased past Argentine Guido Andreozzi 6-3 6-4 to earn his first Tour-level win over of the new season.

Greek youngster Tsitsipas, who won the ATP Next Gen Finals in Milan last year, broke his opponent three times and held off a late comeback to move into the quarter-finals.

The world number 15 will next face Italian Andreas Seppi, who beat Slovakia's Martin Klizan 7-6(2) 6-2.

Home favourite Alex de Minaur was at his ruthless best to dismiss American qualifier Reilly Opelka 6-4 7-6(5), while third seed Diego Schwartzman broke Spaniard Guillermo Garcia-Lopez's serve five times en route to a 6-2 6-3 win.

World number one Simona Halep crashed to a straight-sets defeat against unseeded Ashleigh Barty in the second round of the Sydney International on Wednesday. Halep, playing in her first tournament since a back injury cut short her 2018 season in September, lost 6-4 6-4 in 87 minutes with the result dealing a blow to her Australian Open preparations.

World number one Simona Halep crashed to a straight-sets defeat against unseeded Ashleigh Barty in the second round of the Sydney International on Wednesday. Halep, playing in her first tournament since a back injury cut short her 2018 season in September, lost 6-4 6-4 in 87 minutes with the result dealing a blow to her Australian Open preparations. Australian Barty, who is ranked 15th in the world, fired 26 winners and won four out of seven break points as she recorded her first victory over a reigning world number one. "I finally learned my lesson," said Barty, who had suffered two straight-sets defeats by Halep last year. "She gave me a belting in Montreal. I learnt a little bit more in Cincinnati, but today I knuckled down and really thought about it and really gave myself a chance. "The biggest thing, I believed that I could I win. Just very happy I was able to come out and execute." The 22-year-old Barty was rewarded with a quarter-final clash against Belgian Elise Mertens, who raced past Estonia's Anett Kontaveit 6-3 6-1. Kazakh qualifier Yulia Putintseva came back from a set and a break down to beat fourth seed Sloane Stephens 3-6 7-6(4) 6-0 in a roller-coaster second round encounter. It was Putintseva's sixth career top 10 victory, and second consecutive win over Stephens following an equally dramatic three-set triumph in Nuremberg last year. Men's top seed Stefanos Tsitsipas eased past Argentine Guido Andreozzi 6-3 6-4 to earn his first Tour-level win over of the new season. Greek youngster Tsitsipas, who won the ATP Next Gen Finals in Milan last year, broke his opponent three times and held off a late comeback to move into the quarter-finals. The world number 15 will next face Italian Andreas Seppi, who beat Slovakia's Martin Klizan 7-6(2) 6-2. Home favourite Alex de Minaur was at his ruthless best to dismiss American qualifier Reilly Opelka 6-4 7-6(5), while third seed Diego Schwartzman broke Spaniard Guillermo Garcia-Lopez's serve five times en route to a 6-2 6-3 win.

Simona Halep falls to Barty in Sydney second round

Serena Williams is back in Melbourne as hot favourite to repeat her 2017 Australian Open win and claim a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam with rivals, including defending champion Caroline Wozniacki, battling health issues and poor form.

Williams won her 23rd title and seventh at Melbourne Park while eight weeks pregnant two years ago, and now attempts to match Margaret Court's mark of 24 singles majors on the Australian's home soil.

The 37-year-old enters the tournament ranked 16 in the world but has proved in the past that such numbers mean little to her, despite fresh memories of her meltdown in losing the US Open final to Naomi Osaka in September.

Her 2017 triumph Down Under gave Williams the outright open era record for singles majors ahead of Steffi Graf's 22, leaving only Court's tally of 24 titles -- 13 of which were earned in the amateur era before 1968 -- for Williams to chase.

Williams missed her first chance to match Court when losing last year's Wimbledon final to Angelique Kerber, and said ahead of the Australian Open that she was taking nothing for granted.

"It's something that I clearly want but I have to be able to get there and beat a lot of good players to get it," the American said.

Regarding the controversial final against Osaka at Flushing Meadows -- when she raged against umpire Carlos Ramos who imposed three code violations, the final one resulting in the loss of a game -- Williams said she had put it put behind her and intended to "move on to bigger and better things".

Bookmakers in Australia have installed Williams as a short-priced favourite for the title with her US Open conqueror Osaka -- the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam -- next in the betting.

- Osaka shines - 
 
The 21-year-old Osaka backed up her US Open win by riding a wave of fanatical home support to reach the final of the Pan-Pacific Open in Tokyo without dropping a set.

She warmed up for Melbourne by making the semi-finals of the Brisbane International last week, where she blamed a poor attitude for losing to Lesia Tsurenko.

"I feel like last year I did a lot of that," she said. "I'm trying to change it more, and I think I have."

While she is the leading light for the next generation, the world number four's status as second favourite points to a lack of serious rivals for Williams among the more established players.

Wozniacki, ranked three, started last season by winning her first Grand Slam in Melbourne and returning to world number one, but ended it in October with the bombshell announcement that she had been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

The 28-year-old Dane insists she can manage the debilitating auto-immune condition, which sometimes leaves her so exhausted she cannot raise her arms above her head.

Wozniacki proved she can still compete by winning in Beijing in October but whether she can cope with the gruelling two-week slog of a Grand Slam remains to be seen, and she was bundled out of the Auckland Classic last week in round two.

- Halep cloud - 
 
World number one Simona Halep of Romania comes into the tournament under a fitness cloud after a nagging back injury curtailed her 2018 season.

Second-ranked Angelique Kerber has already indicated her priority for 2019 will be the French Open, the only Slam to elude the 30-year-old German in her career.

Maria Sharapova has failed to impress since returning from a doping ban and, now ranked 30, is looking some way from the player who won five Grand Slams.

Two-time major champion and former number one Garbine Muguruza was another who had an injury-blighted 2018 which saw her drop out of the top 10.

But the 20-year-old Aryna Sabalenka from Belarus has zoomed up the rankings from 73rd at the start of 2018 to number 11 on the back of tournament wins in New Haven and Wuhan, and is a dark horse to emulate Osaka and achieve a maiden Grand Slam.

Serena Williams is back in Melbourne as hot favourite to repeat her 2017 Australian Open win and claim a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam with rivals, including defending champion Caroline Wozniacki, battling health issues and poor form.

Serena Williams is back in Melbourne as hot favourite to repeat her 2017 Australian Open win and claim a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam with rivals, including defending champion Caroline Wozniacki, battling health issues and poor form. Williams won her 23rd title and seventh at Melbourne Park while eight weeks pregnant two years ago, and now attempts to match Margaret Court's mark of 24 singles majors on the Australian's home soil. The 37-year-old enters the tournament ranked 16 in the world but has proved in the past that such numbers mean little to her, despite fresh memories of her meltdown in losing the US Open final to Naomi Osaka in September. Her 2017 triumph Down Under gave Williams the outright open era record for singles majors ahead of Steffi Graf's 22, leaving only Court's tally of 24 titles -- 13 of which were earned in the amateur era before 1968 -- for Williams to chase. Williams missed her first chance to match Court when losing last year's Wimbledon final to Angelique Kerber, and said ahead of the Australian Open that she was taking nothing for granted. "It's something that I clearly want but I have to be able to get there and beat a lot of good players to get it," the American said. Regarding the controversial final against Osaka at Flushing Meadows -- when she raged against umpire Carlos Ramos who imposed three code violations, the final one resulting in the loss of a game -- Williams said she had put it put behind her and intended to "move on to bigger and better things". Bookmakers in Australia have installed Williams as a short-priced favourite for the title with her US Open conqueror Osaka -- the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam -- next in the betting. - Osaka shines - The 21-year-old Osaka backed up her US Open win by riding a wave of fanatical home support to reach the final of the Pan-Pacific Open in Tokyo without dropping a set. She warmed up for Melbourne by making the semi-finals of the Brisbane International last week, where she blamed a poor attitude for losing to Lesia Tsurenko. "I feel like last year I did a lot of that," she said. "I'm trying to change it more, and I think I have." While she is the leading light for the next generation, the world number four's status as second favourite points to a lack of serious rivals for Williams among the more established players. Wozniacki, ranked three, started last season by winning her first Grand Slam in Melbourne and returning to world number one, but ended it in October with the bombshell announcement that she had been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. The 28-year-old Dane insists she can manage the debilitating auto-immune condition, which sometimes leaves her so exhausted she cannot raise her arms above her head. Wozniacki proved she can still compete by winning in Beijing in October but whether she can cope with the gruelling two-week slog of a Grand Slam remains to be seen, and she was bundled out of the Auckland Classic last week in round two. - Halep cloud - World number one Simona Halep of Romania comes into the tournament under a fitness cloud after a nagging back injury curtailed her 2018 season. Second-ranked Angelique Kerber has already indicated her priority for 2019 will be the French Open, the only Slam to elude the 30-year-old German in her career. Maria Sharapova has failed to impress since returning from a doping ban and, now ranked 30, is looking some way from the player who won five Grand Slams. Two-time major champion and former number one Garbine Muguruza was another who had an injury-blighted 2018 which saw her drop out of the top 10. But the 20-year-old Aryna Sabalenka from Belarus has zoomed up the rankings from 73rd at the start of 2018 to number 11 on the back of tournament wins in New Haven and Wuhan, and is a dark horse to emulate Osaka and achieve a maiden Grand Slam.

Australian Open: History beckons as Serena shoots for Grand Slam history

Star players Roger Federer and Angelique Kerber have cautiously welcomed new tie-break rules for the deciding set at the Australian Open.

The year's opening Grand Slam, starting January 14, will for the first time feature an extended tie-break in the final set when the score reaches 6-6, rather than a traditional full set.

To win the decisive tie-break, a player will need to be the first to 10 with an advantage of at least two points.

The move means all four Slams now use different rules, with only the French Open holding off from introducing a tie-break in the decider.

Speaking at the Hopman Cup in Perth this week, Federer -- who said he had been asked for his opinion on the change by tournament officials -- admitted marathon final sets would be missed by some.

"We will miss the 70-68 in the fifth, so that's a pity," he said, referring to the famous final-set marathon between John Isner and Nicolas Mahut at Wimbledon in 2010.

But Federer, aiming for his third successive Australian Open title and seventh overall, said he was personally "a bit torn" between the options.

"I am okay with any format really," he said. "Thing is, when it goes to six-all in the fifth, you've had plenty of chances to win it, or lose it, so from that standpoint how it ends is secondary in my opinion."&nbsp;

Kerber -- who has based her game on superior physical fitness -- suggested her advantage could be diluted by shortened deciders in Melbourne, where she won her first Slam in 2016.

"I like physical matches and if you come here to Australia you have be really fit," she said. "With the weather, the conditions, it's really hot and humid and you have to ready for that.

"I have no idea if I like (the new rule) or not, we will see." But the German world number two, who was beaten 9-7 in the deciding set of last year's Australian Open semi-final by Simona Halep, also said she could see both sides of the debate.

"It might be easier because you can save energy, on the other side it is a tradition to play the advantage set," she said.

"Let's see how it works this year."

Among the other Slams, Wimbledon will use final set tie-breaks at 12-12 starting from 2019, the US Open plays a traditional tie-break at 6-6 and the French Open does not use a final set tie-break.

"The funny thing is we have four different formats in four Slams, so it is important to remind yourself what's going on and which one it is," said Federer.&nbsp;

Star players Roger Federer and Angelique Kerber have cautiously welcomed new tie-break rules for the deciding set at the Australian Open. The year's opening Grand Slam, starting January 14, will for the first time feature an extended tie-break in the final set when the score reaches 6-6, rather than a traditional full set.

Star players Roger Federer and Angelique Kerber have cautiously welcomed new tie-break rules for the deciding set at the Australian Open. The year's opening Grand Slam, starting January 14, will for the first time feature an extended tie-break in the final set when the score reaches 6-6, rather than a traditional full set. To win the decisive tie-break, a player will need to be the first to 10 with an advantage of at least two points. The move means all four Slams now use different rules, with only the French Open holding off from introducing a tie-break in the decider. Speaking at the Hopman Cup in Perth this week, Federer -- who said he had been asked for his opinion on the change by tournament officials -- admitted marathon final sets would be missed by some. "We will miss the 70-68 in the fifth, so that's a pity," he said, referring to the famous final-set marathon between John Isner and Nicolas Mahut at Wimbledon in 2010. But Federer, aiming for his third successive Australian Open title and seventh overall, said he was personally "a bit torn" between the options. "I am okay with any format really," he said. "Thing is, when it goes to six-all in the fifth, you've had plenty of chances to win it, or lose it, so from that standpoint how it ends is secondary in my opinion." Kerber -- who has based her game on superior physical fitness -- suggested her advantage could be diluted by shortened deciders in Melbourne, where she won her first Slam in 2016. "I like physical matches and if you come here to Australia you have be really fit," she said. "With the weather, the conditions, it's really hot and humid and you have to ready for that. "I have no idea if I like (the new rule) or not, we will see." But the German world number two, who was beaten 9-7 in the deciding set of last year's Australian Open semi-final by Simona Halep, also said she could see both sides of the debate. "It might be easier because you can save energy, on the other side it is a tradition to play the advantage set," she said. "Let's see how it works this year." Among the other Slams, Wimbledon will use final set tie-breaks at 12-12 starting from 2019, the US Open plays a traditional tie-break at 6-6 and the French Open does not use a final set tie-break. "The funny thing is we have four different formats in four Slams, so it is important to remind yourself what's going on and which one it is," said Federer.

Federer, Kerber cautious on new Aus Open tie-break rule

Former world number one Maria Sharapova's Australian Open preparations suffered a blow after a thigh injury forced her to retire from the Shenzhen Open quarter-final clash against Aryna Sabalenka on Friday.

Sharapova struggled to move on court and conceded the opening set 6-1, with coach Thomas Hogstedt urging the Russian to take her game to the next level or call for a medical timeout.

"If you feel more like you did on the first point, then you just stop. Or you take a medical now," he said. "But the shots are there... you have to get it up to another gear."

After receiving treatment off-court between sets, Sharapova sprinted out of the blocks to record a service hold and then pushed Sabalenka in the next game, creating three break point opportunities.

Sabalenka, however, turned things around to move 4-2 ahead before her Russian opponent found herself unable to continue and retired from the match.

Sharapova, who won the Australian Open in 2008, tasted Tianjin Open success in 2017 after a 15-month doping suspension but has endured a difficult run at the Grand Slams.

A quarter-final appearance at the French Open last year gave reasons for optimism but early exits at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open showed her game lacked the sharpness to compete at the highest level.

World number 13 Sabalenka will face the winner between Romanian qualifier Monica Niculescu and China's Wang Yafan for a spot in the Shenzhen final.

The Australian Open begins in Melbourne on Jan. 14.

Former world number one Maria Sharapova's Australian Open preparations suffered a blow after a thigh injury forced her to retire from the Shenzhen Open quarter-final clash against Aryna Sabalenka on Friday.

Former world number one Maria Sharapova's Australian Open preparations suffered a blow after a thigh injury forced her to retire from the Shenzhen Open quarter-final clash against Aryna Sabalenka on Friday. Sharapova struggled to move on court and conceded the opening set 6-1, with coach Thomas Hogstedt urging the Russian to take her game to the next level or call for a medical timeout. "If you feel more like you did on the first point, then you just stop. Or you take a medical now," he said. "But the shots are there... you have to get it up to another gear." After receiving treatment off-court between sets, Sharapova sprinted out of the blocks to record a service hold and then pushed Sabalenka in the next game, creating three break point opportunities. Sabalenka, however, turned things around to move 4-2 ahead before her Russian opponent found herself unable to continue and retired from the match. Sharapova, who won the Australian Open in 2008, tasted Tianjin Open success in 2017 after a 15-month doping suspension but has endured a difficult run at the Grand Slams. A quarter-final appearance at the French Open last year gave reasons for optimism but early exits at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open showed her game lacked the sharpness to compete at the highest level. World number 13 Sabalenka will face the winner between Romanian qualifier Monica Niculescu and China's Wang Yafan for a spot in the Shenzhen final. The Australian Open begins in Melbourne on Jan. 14.

Maria Sharapova suffers injury blow ahead of Australian Open

World number five Juan Martin del Potro will miss next month's Australian Open as he continues to recover from a kneecap fracture he suffered during a fall at the Shanghai Masters October, he said on Monday.

"Recovery is going great and I will tell you later where I will be making my comeback," he said on Twitter.

"Unfortunately it won't happen in Australia, I’ll miss you @AustralianOpen, but I'm happy with my progress."

Injuries are nothing new for the 30-year-old Argentine, who has been sidelined by wrist injuries that have required numerous surgeries throughout his career.

The hard-hitting del Potro was healthy for most of 2018 and had a career resurgence, winning the title at Indian Wells in March before reaching the U.S. Open final in September.

World number five Juan Martin del Potro will miss next month's Australian Open as he continues to recover from a kneecap fracture he suffered during a fall at the Shanghai Masters October, he said on Monday.

World number five Juan Martin del Potro will miss next month's Australian Open as he continues to recover from a kneecap fracture he suffered during a fall at the Shanghai Masters October, he said on Monday. "Recovery is going great and I will tell you later where I will be making my comeback," he said on Twitter. "Unfortunately it won't happen in Australia, I’ll miss you @AustralianOpen, but I'm happy with my progress." Injuries are nothing new for the 30-year-old Argentine, who has been sidelined by wrist injuries that have required numerous surgeries throughout his career. The hard-hitting del Potro was healthy for most of 2018 and had a career resurgence, winning the title at Indian Wells in March before reaching the U.S. Open final in September.

Del Potro to miss Australian Open with knee injury

Players in the men's draw at the Australian Open will be allowed 10-minute breaks during matches as part of an updated extreme heat policy at the year's first Grand Slam.

Melbourne Park regularly sees days of scorching weather and organisers have come under fire from players who have complained of health and safety risks under the previous heat regime.

Tennis Australia said it would introduce a new "Heat Stress Scale" at the Jan. 14-27 tournament after conducting research with thermal experts at the University of Sydney.

The scale ranges from one to five, with one denoting "temperate playing conditions" and five triggering the suspension of play, the governing body said in a statement on Saturday.

Men will now join women in being permitted 10-minute breaks during extreme heat conditions, tournament director Craig Tiley said.

"In the men's singles a 10-minute break will be allowed after the third set when a four (4.0) is recorded on the AO HSS (heat stress scale) prior to or during the first three sets of the match," TA said.

When the scale reaches five, the tournament referee can suspend matches on outside courts and decide to close the roof on the three show-courts, Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena and Melbourne Arena, which was formerly known as Hisense Arena.

The updated policy also introduces 15-minute breaks for wheelchair players.

Players in the men's draw at the Australian Open will be allowed 10-minute breaks during matches as part of an updated extreme heat policy at the year's first Grand Slam.

Players in the men's draw at the Australian Open will be allowed 10-minute breaks during matches as part of an updated extreme heat policy at the year's first Grand Slam. Melbourne Park regularly sees days of scorching weather and organisers have come under fire from players who have complained of health and safety risks under the previous heat regime. Tennis Australia said it would introduce a new "Heat Stress Scale" at the Jan. 14-27 tournament after conducting research with thermal experts at the University of Sydney. The scale ranges from one to five, with one denoting "temperate playing conditions" and five triggering the suspension of play, the governing body said in a statement on Saturday. Men will now join women in being permitted 10-minute breaks during extreme heat conditions, tournament director Craig Tiley said. "In the men's singles a 10-minute break will be allowed after the third set when a four (4.0) is recorded on the AO HSS (heat stress scale) prior to or during the first three sets of the match," TA said. When the scale reaches five, the tournament referee can suspend matches on outside courts and decide to close the roof on the three show-courts, Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena and Melbourne Arena, which was formerly known as Hisense Arena. The updated policy also introduces 15-minute breaks for wheelchair players.

Australian Open tweaks extreme heat policy

The Australian Open has joined Wimbledon in introducing a final set tiebreak from next year's competition, following the "most extensive" consultation in the event's history, tournament director Craig Tiley said on Friday.&nbsp;

According to the new rules, which will come into force at the January 14-27 event, matches tied at 6-6 in the final set will move into a tiebreak and the first player to reach 10 points with a difference of two will win the contest.&nbsp;

"We asked the players - both past and present, commentators, agents and TV analysts whether they wanted to play an advantage final set or not and went from there," Tiley said https://ausopen.com/articles/news/final-set-tiebreaks-australian-open-2019.&nbsp;

Wimbledon said in October that next year's Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis Club would feature a tiebreak when the score reaches 12-12 in the final set of all matches.&nbsp;

The move came after this year's semi-final between American John Isner and South Africa's Kevin Anderson turned into an epic marathon in which the final set alone, won 26-24 by Anderson, lasted almost three hours.&nbsp;

"We went with a 10-point tiebreak at six-all in the final set to ensure fans still get a special finale to these contests, with the longer tiebreak allowing for that one final twist or change of momentum in the contest," Tiley said.&nbsp;

"This longer tiebreak also can lessen some of the serving dominance that can prevail in the shorter tiebreak. We believe this is the best possible outcome for both the players and the fans around the world."&nbsp;

The Australian Open's move means that each of the four Grand Slams has a different way of deciding the final set.&nbsp;

The US&nbsp;Open employs traditional tiebreaks even in the final set, with the first player to reach seven points with a difference of two declared the winner.&nbsp;

The French Open does not have a final set tiebreak, with matches continuing until a player secures a two-game lead in the decider.

The Australian Open has joined Wimbledon in introducing a final set tiebreak from next year's competition, following the "most extensive" consultation in the event's history, tournament director Craig Tiley said on Friday.

The Australian Open has joined Wimbledon in introducing a final set tiebreak from next year's competition, following the "most extensive" consultation in the event's history, tournament director Craig Tiley said on Friday. According to the new rules, which will come into force at the January 14-27 event, matches tied at 6-6 in the final set will move into a tiebreak and the first player to reach 10 points with a difference of two will win the contest. "We asked the players - both past and present, commentators, agents and TV analysts whether they wanted to play an advantage final set or not and went from there," Tiley said https://ausopen.com/articles/news/final-set-tiebreaks-australian-open-2019. Wimbledon said in October that next year's Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis Club would feature a tiebreak when the score reaches 12-12 in the final set of all matches. The move came after this year's semi-final between American John Isner and South Africa's Kevin Anderson turned into an epic marathon in which the final set alone, won 26-24 by Anderson, lasted almost three hours. "We went with a 10-point tiebreak at six-all in the final set to ensure fans still get a special finale to these contests, with the longer tiebreak allowing for that one final twist or change of momentum in the contest," Tiley said. "This longer tiebreak also can lessen some of the serving dominance that can prevail in the shorter tiebreak. We believe this is the best possible outcome for both the players and the fans around the world." The Australian Open's move means that each of the four Grand Slams has a different way of deciding the final set. The US Open employs traditional tiebreaks even in the final set, with the first player to reach seven points with a difference of two declared the winner. The French Open does not have a final set tiebreak, with matches continuing until a player secures a two-game lead in the decider.

Australian Open introduces final set tiebreak

American Tennis star Serena Williams will resume her quest for a record-equalling 24th grand slam title at the Australian Open in January.

The organisers on Wednesday confirmed her entry to the tournament she won for a seventh time on her last appearance in 2017.

Williams reached the Wimbledon and US Open finals after her return last year but lost both.&nbsp;

Her final match last season was the final at Flushing Meadow, where her loss to Naomi Osaka was overshadowed by her row with umpire Carlos Ramos.

Williams is scheduled to play an exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi in the final week of the year before heading to Australia.&nbsp;

American Tennis star Serena Williams will resume her quest for a record-equalling 24th grand slam title at the Australian Open in January. The organisers on Wednesday confirmed her entry to the tournament she won for a seventh time on her last appearance in 2017.

American Tennis star Serena Williams will resume her quest for a record-equalling 24th grand slam title at the Australian Open in January. The organisers on Wednesday confirmed her entry to the tournament she won for a seventh time on her last appearance in 2017. Williams reached the Wimbledon and US Open finals after her return last year but lost both. Her final match last season was the final at Flushing Meadow, where her loss to Naomi Osaka was overshadowed by her row with umpire Carlos Ramos. Williams is scheduled to play an exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi in the final week of the year before heading to Australia.

Serena Williams confirms Australian Open return

Seven times champion Serena Williams will be back at the Australian Open in 2019 having missed her title defence this year after giving birth, organisers said Tuesday.

The 23-time Grand Slam winner, who won on her last appearance in 2017 while pregnant, will be joined in January's tournament by double Melbourne Park champion Victoria Azarenka who was forced to withdraw from the 2018 event because of a custody battle with her baby's father.

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said Tuesday he was expecting a full contingent of the top 100 men and women players in Melbourne next year.

"I'm delighted to announce that Serena Williams will return to the Australian Open in January," Tiley said while launching the 2019 event at Rod Laver Arena.

"We last saw Serena here in Melbourne as our champion, holding the Daphne Ackhurst Memorial Cup in 2017. Of course what we didn't know at the time was that she was already eight weeks pregnant with baby Olympia," said Tiley.

Williams needs one more Grand Slam singles victory to equal Australian Margaret Court's all-time record of 24.

"Serena loves coming to Melbourne and I know she's excited about returning in January with her family, it's definitely a very special place for her," said Tiley.&nbsp;

"She'll also be super-focused on winning here, and equalling Margaret Court's record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles."

Tiley said the tournament was gearing up to welcome back Azarenka and Williams -- and their children.&nbsp;

"Vika (Azarenka) is also a new mum to toddler Leo and I'm looking forward to showing her, and Serena, our new creche facilities," said Tiley. "I'm sure they'll be appreciated."

Six-time men's winners Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, who captured his 20th Grand Slam title in Melbourne in January, look to be among the players to beat again in 2019.

Tiley was also looking forward to the return of Britain's Andy Murray, the five-time losing finalist who missed this year's tournament with injury.

"With his incredible work ethic and competitive spirit it would be foolish to underestimate him," he said of the Scot.&nbsp;

Tiley said prize money at the January 14-27 tournament will be increased to Aus$60.5 million ($42.9 million) from Aus$55 million in 2018 -- split equally between men's and women's tournaments.

The 2018 singles winners Federer and Caroline Wozniacki both picked up cheques for Aus$4 million ($2.83 million).

The tournament will also introduce a 25-second serve clock to speed up play, after the innovation made its Slam debut at this year's US Open.

"The 25-second serve clock will be introduced for all matches," said Tiley.&nbsp;

"We know there's a move to speed up play and we'll continue to work with the players on the best ways to do this."

Seven times champion Serena Williams will be back at the Australian Open in 2019 having missed her title defence this year after giving birth, organisers said Tuesday.

Seven times champion Serena Williams will be back at the Australian Open in 2019 having missed her title defence this year after giving birth, organisers said Tuesday. The 23-time Grand Slam winner, who won on her last appearance in 2017 while pregnant, will be joined in January's tournament by double Melbourne Park champion Victoria Azarenka who was forced to withdraw from the 2018 event because of a custody battle with her baby's father. Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said Tuesday he was expecting a full contingent of the top 100 men and women players in Melbourne next year. "I'm delighted to announce that Serena Williams will return to the Australian Open in January," Tiley said while launching the 2019 event at Rod Laver Arena. "We last saw Serena here in Melbourne as our champion, holding the Daphne Ackhurst Memorial Cup in 2017. Of course what we didn't know at the time was that she was already eight weeks pregnant with baby Olympia," said Tiley. Williams needs one more Grand Slam singles victory to equal Australian Margaret Court's all-time record of 24. "Serena loves coming to Melbourne and I know she's excited about returning in January with her family, it's definitely a very special place for her," said Tiley. "She'll also be super-focused on winning here, and equalling Margaret Court's record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles." Tiley said the tournament was gearing up to welcome back Azarenka and Williams -- and their children. "Vika (Azarenka) is also a new mum to toddler Leo and I'm looking forward to showing her, and Serena, our new creche facilities," said Tiley. "I'm sure they'll be appreciated." Six-time men's winners Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, who captured his 20th Grand Slam title in Melbourne in January, look to be among the players to beat again in 2019. Tiley was also looking forward to the return of Britain's Andy Murray, the five-time losing finalist who missed this year's tournament with injury. "With his incredible work ethic and competitive spirit it would be foolish to underestimate him," he said of the Scot. Tiley said prize money at the January 14-27 tournament will be increased to Aus$60.5 million ($42.9 million) from Aus$55 million in 2018 -- split equally between men's and women's tournaments. The 2018 singles winners Federer and Caroline Wozniacki both picked up cheques for Aus$4 million ($2.83 million). The tournament will also introduce a 25-second serve clock to speed up play, after the innovation made its Slam debut at this year's US Open. "The 25-second serve clock will be introduced for all matches," said Tiley. "We know there's a move to speed up play and we'll continue to work with the players on the best ways to do this."

Serena confirmed for eighth Australian Open title tilt

World number two Roger Federer says he is mulling a return to the European clay-court season in 2019 following a two-year absence.

Federer, speaking to ESPN on the sidelines of this weekend's Laver Cup, has skipped the clay-court segment of the season since 2017 in order to conserve energy for Wimbledon and hard-court seasons.

However the 37-year-old revealed he is rethinking his scheduling for next season, and may yet play on clay.

"The clay-court season is under review," Federer told ESPN. "It's not off the table. I will know by the end of the year."

Three ATP Masters events are held on clay as well as several smaller tournaments in the build up to the French Open.

Federer said if he does opt to play the clay-court season it will require a significant tweak of his training regime.

"I would like to make up my mind ahead of time so I can plan my buildup, my fitness schedule, even the way I would approach my December practice sessions," Federer said. "It could benefit the clay-court season.

"This is something that is obviously a big deal. If you play the clay, it changes everything."

Federer has won a record 20 Grand Slam singles titles but clay has been his least favourite surface. His haul of Grand Slam titles includes only one victory at Roland Garros, in 2009, when he completed his career Grand Slam.

He last reached the French Open final in 2011, when he was beaten in four sets by Rafael Nadal.

World number two Roger Federer says he is mulling a return to the European clay-court season in 2019 following a two-year absence. Federer, speaking to ESPN on the sidelines of this weekend's Laver Cup, has skipped the clay-court segment of the season since 2017 in order to conserve energy for Wimbledon and hard-court seasons.

World number two Roger Federer says he is mulling a return to the European clay-court season in 2019 following a two-year absence. Federer, speaking to ESPN on the sidelines of this weekend's Laver Cup, has skipped the clay-court segment of the season since 2017 in order to conserve energy for Wimbledon and hard-court seasons. However the 37-year-old revealed he is rethinking his scheduling for next season, and may yet play on clay. "The clay-court season is under review," Federer told ESPN. "It's not off the table. I will know by the end of the year." Three ATP Masters events are held on clay as well as several smaller tournaments in the build up to the French Open. Federer said if he does opt to play the clay-court season it will require a significant tweak of his training regime. "I would like to make up my mind ahead of time so I can plan my buildup, my fitness schedule, even the way I would approach my December practice sessions," Federer said. "It could benefit the clay-court season. "This is something that is obviously a big deal. If you play the clay, it changes everything." Federer has won a record 20 Grand Slam singles titles but clay has been his least favourite surface. His haul of Grand Slam titles includes only one victory at Roland Garros, in 2009, when he completed his career Grand Slam. He last reached the French Open final in 2011, when he was beaten in four sets by Rafael Nadal.

Federer mulling clay court return in 2019

India's B.Sai Praneeth defeated Indonesia's Maulana Panji Ahmad in straight games in a one-sided men's singles clash at the Australian Open badminton tournament on Thursday.

The second-seeded Indian took just 32 minutes to register a comfortable 21-12, 21-14 victory against his unseeded opponent from Indonesia.

This was the second win on the trot for Praneeth in this tournament.

In another men's singles match on the day, India's Sameer Verma defeated Takuma Ueda of Japan in straight games.

The fourth-seeded Indian beat the unseeded Japanese 21-16, 21-12 in 37 minutes.

Praneeth defeated Indonesia's Maulana Panji Ahmad in straight games

India's B.Sai Praneeth defeated Indonesia's Maulana Panji Ahmad in straight games in a one-sided men's singles clash at the Australian Open badminton tournament on Thursday. The second-seeded Indian took just 32 minutes to register a comfortable 21-12, 21-14 victory against his unseeded opponent from Indonesia. This was the second win on the trot for Praneeth in this tournament. In another men's singles match on the day, India's Sameer Verma defeated Takuma Ueda of Japan in straight games. The fourth-seeded Indian beat the unseeded Japanese 21-16, 21-12 in 37 minutes.

Shuttler Sai Praneeth wins at Australian Open

Victoria Azarenka says she will compete throughout the European grass and claycourt season, including at the French Open and Wimbledon, after making a winning return at the Madrid Open on Sunday.

The 28-year-old Belarusian missed the majority of last season due to a prolonged legal battle over the custody of her son and only played at Wimbledon and in Mallorca, exiting both competitions in the round of 16.

The twice Australian Open champion returned to the court at Indian Wells in March, where she was ousted in the second round, and also progressed to the semi-finals of the Miami Open.

"I`m playing all the way through Wimbledon," Azarenka told reporters after her 6-3 6-3 win over Aleksandra Krunic in the first round in Madrid.

"I play Rome, I play Paris, I`m going to play Mallorca, I`m going to play Wimbledon. That`s my schedule for the next couple months. It`s definite.

"I found out close to the end of April that I could go... I`ve done a little bit of better preparation overall. I`m trying to get a little bit more stability right now."

Azarenka`s long absence from the game had caused her to fall to 208 in the WTA rankings but the Belarusian`s run this year has helped her climb back up to 99.

Azarenka, a finalist at Madrid in 2011 and 2012, will face sixth seed Karolina Pliskova, who won the Stuttgart Open title earlier this month, in the second round of the French Open warmup tournament on Monday.

The 28-year-old Belarusian missed the majority of last season due to a prolonged legal battle over the custody of her son

Victoria Azarenka says she will compete throughout the European grass and claycourt season, including at the French Open and Wimbledon, after making a winning return at the Madrid Open on Sunday. The 28-year-old Belarusian missed the majority of last season due to a prolonged legal battle over the custody of her son and only played at Wimbledon and in Mallorca, exiting both competitions in the round of 16. The twice Australian Open champion returned to the court at Indian Wells in March, where she was ousted in the second round, and also progressed to the semi-finals of the Miami Open. "I`m playing all the way through Wimbledon," Azarenka told reporters after her 6-3 6-3 win over Aleksandra Krunic in the first round in Madrid. "I play Rome, I play Paris, I`m going to play Mallorca, I`m going to play Wimbledon. That`s my schedule for the next couple months. It`s definite. "I found out close to the end of April that I could go... I`ve done a little bit of better preparation overall. I`m trying to get a little bit more stability right now." Azarenka`s long absence from the game had caused her to fall to 208 in the WTA rankings but the Belarusian`s run this year has helped her climb back up to 99. Azarenka, a finalist at Madrid in 2011 and 2012, will face sixth seed Karolina Pliskova, who won the Stuttgart Open title earlier this month, in the second round of the French Open warmup tournament on Monday.

Resurgent Azarenka confirms European charge after long-awaited return

Shane Warne is blown away by watching bowling skills of a 6-year-old Pakistani kid, Eli Mikal Khan. Mikal, whose bowling action is very much similar to Australian spinning legend Shane Warne, has stunned the cricket spectators by his amazing bowling techniques at such a tender age. Recently, Warne tweeted that, "Absolutely fantastic, blown away on how good the ball comes out of your hand, especially at the age of only 6 - well done and keep up the great work. One tip - get that bowling arm a little higher!"

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Absolutely fantastic, blown away on how good the ball comes out of your hand, especially at the age of only 6 - well done and keep up the great work. One tip - get that bowling arm a little higher ! <a href="https://t.co/54A9DgrL6H">https://t.co/54A9DgrL6H</a>
&mdash Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShaneWarne/status/977867848826654720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Ultra Slow motion compilation 
Part 2 of 2<a href="https://twitter.com/ShaneWarne?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShaneWarne</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRealPCB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheRealPCB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TeamQuetta?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TeamQuetta</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialPSL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OfficialPSL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/wasimakramlive?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wasimakramlive</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Saqlain_Mushtaq?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Saqlain_Mushtaq</a> <a href="https://t.co/l7Z23wJGZ6">pic.twitter.com/l7Z23wJGZ6</a>
&mdash Eli Mikal Khan (@EliMikal) <a href="https://twitter.com/EliMikal/status/961786382145544192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Shane Warne took to Twitter to applaud the genius kid, Eli Mikal Khan, for his extraordinary bowling action

Shane Warne is blown away by watching bowling skills of a 6-year-old Pakistani kid, Eli Mikal Khan. Mikal, whose bowling action is very much similar to Australian spinning legend Shane Warne, has stunned the cricket spectators by his amazing bowling techniques at such a tender age. Recently, Warne tweeted that, "Absolutely fantastic, blown away on how good the ball comes out of your hand, especially at the age of only 6 - well done and keep up the great work. One tip - get that bowling arm a little higher!" Absolutely fantastic, blown away on how good the ball comes out of your hand, especially at the age of only 6 - well done and keep up the great work. One tip - get that bowling arm a little higher ! https://t.co/54A9DgrL6H &mdash Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) March 25, 2018 Ultra Slow motion compilation Part 2 of 2@ShaneWarne @TheRealPCB @TeamQuetta @OfficialPSL @wasimakramlive @Saqlain_Mushtaq pic.twitter.com/l7Z23wJGZ6 &mdash Eli Mikal Khan (@EliMikal) February 9, 2018

Watch: Pakistani whizz-kid with Shane Warne-like bowling action

WION's pick of the week When 'East' and 'West' collided on the sports field Glam quotient @ Australian Open: Sharapova, Wozniacki & Co set court on fire Cricket 3rd ODI: England beat Australia by 16 runs to clinch series The hosts struggled and managed only 286 runs while chasing a huge target of 303. India beat Pakistan to lift Blind Cricket World Cup 2018 India defeated arch-rival Pakistan by two wickets at Sharjah cricket stadium to clinch the 5th Blind Cricket World Cup on Saturday New Zealand complete series whitewash over Pakistan A century to Martin Guptill helped the Black Caps set a 272 total that proved too much for Pakistan after Matt Henry tore through their top order India vs South Africa 2nd Test: Ngidi's 6-wicket haul helps South Africa beat India by 135 runs, clinch series 2-0 Debutant Lungi Ngidi helped South Africa to win the second Test match against India by 135 runs at Centurion on Wednesday Virat Kohli found guilty of 'misbehaving' with umpires, fined On the Day 3 of the second Test against South Africa at Centurion Indian skipper Virat Kohli was penalised 25 % of match fee for “conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game” Afghanistan to play maiden Test against India at Bengaluru in June Afghanistan will play its maiden Test match in the southern Indian city of Bangalore on June 14, cricket officials announced Tuesday Sunil Gavaskar remembers MS Dhoni as India's batting line fails against South Africa "I would have actually liked him to maybe give up captaincy and still stay in the team as wicketkeeper-batsman," said Gavaskar Highlights: Sourav Ganguly, Virender Sehwag eye Under-19 champs Should U-19 World Cup be the stepping stone for cricketers aiming international level? U-19 World Cup: Meet the other Afridi, fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi Virat Kohli named ICC Cricketer of the Year David Warner's daughter cheering for England Sehwag confident of Yuvraj capable of making strong comeback like Ashish Nehra MS Dhoni launches his cricket academy in Singapore Despite Test loss, Indian players prefer to hang out with their wives than practice Tennis Australian Open: Indian duo Leander Paes Purav Raja crash out The Indian pair lost to the 11th seeded Colombian duo 1-6, 2-6, in an hour-and-nine-minute-long match Australian Open: Rafael Nadal through to quarterfinals Rafa was taken to four gruelling sets in almost four hours before winning 6-3, 6-7 (4/7), 6-3, 6-3 on Rod Laver Arena Australian Open: Caroline Wozniacki books quarter-finals berth The world number two from Denmark will face the unseeded Carla Suarez Navarro from Spain for a place in the semi-finals Highlights: Simona Halep vs Lauren Davis: The epic contest in Australian Open Australian Open: Tennis stars show love for animals Football EPL: Anthony Martial strike gives United points at Turf Moor Burnley manager Sean Dyche, whose team have now gone seven league games without a win and dropped to eighth on the table, was upbeat about his team's performance EPL: Aguero hat-trick reboots Man City's title charge Manchester City is again 12 points clear of second-placed Manchester United Barcelona deny reports of Griezmann agreement Barcelona has released a statement to deny the reports of a Catalan newspaper that FCB has reached an agreement to sign Antoine Griezmann Rallying The 40th edition of Dakar rally ends in Argentina Sainz, Walkner, Casale and Nikolaev win the 40th edition of the Dakar Rally in style

Weekly compilation of sports and other related news

WION's pick of the week When 'East' and 'West' collided on the sports field Glam quotient @ Australian Open: Sharapova, Wozniacki & Co set court on fire Cricket 3rd ODI: England beat Australia by 16 runs to clinch series The hosts struggled and managed only 286 runs while chasing a huge target of 303. India beat Pakistan to lift Blind Cricket World Cup 2018 India defeated arch-rival Pakistan by two wickets at Sharjah cricket stadium to clinch the 5th Blind Cricket World Cup on Saturday New Zealand complete series whitewash over Pakistan A century to Martin Guptill helped the Black Caps set a 272 total that proved too much for Pakistan after Matt Henry tore through their top order India vs South Africa 2nd Test: Ngidi's 6-wicket haul helps South Africa beat India by 135 runs, clinch series 2-0 Debutant Lungi Ngidi helped South Africa to win the second Test match against India by 135 runs at Centurion on Wednesday Virat Kohli found guilty of 'misbehaving' with umpires, fined On the Day 3 of the second Test against South Africa at Centurion Indian skipper Virat Kohli was penalised 25 % of match fee for “conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game” Afghanistan to play maiden Test against India at Bengaluru in June Afghanistan will play its maiden Test match in the southern Indian city of Bangalore on June 14, cricket officials announced Tuesday Sunil Gavaskar remembers MS Dhoni as India's batting line fails against South Africa "I would have actually liked him to maybe give up captaincy and still stay in the team as wicketkeeper-batsman," said Gavaskar Highlights: Sourav Ganguly, Virender Sehwag eye Under-19 champs Should U-19 World Cup be the stepping stone for cricketers aiming international level? U-19 World Cup: Meet the other Afridi, fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi Virat Kohli named ICC Cricketer of the Year David Warner's daughter cheering for England Sehwag confident of Yuvraj capable of making strong comeback like Ashish Nehra MS Dhoni launches his cricket academy in Singapore Despite Test loss, Indian players prefer to hang out with their wives than practice Tennis Australian Open: Indian duo Leander Paes Purav Raja crash out The Indian pair lost to the 11th seeded Colombian duo 1-6, 2-6, in an hour-and-nine-minute-long match Australian Open: Rafael Nadal through to quarterfinals Rafa was taken to four gruelling sets in almost four hours before winning 6-3, 6-7 (4/7), 6-3, 6-3 on Rod Laver Arena Australian Open: Caroline Wozniacki books quarter-finals berth The world number two from Denmark will face the unseeded Carla Suarez Navarro from Spain for a place in the semi-finals Highlights: Simona Halep vs Lauren Davis: The epic contest in Australian Open Australian Open: Tennis stars show love for animals Football EPL: Anthony Martial strike gives United points at Turf Moor Burnley manager Sean Dyche, whose team have now gone seven league games without a win and dropped to eighth on the table, was upbeat about his team's performance EPL: Aguero hat-trick reboots Man City's title charge Manchester City is again 12 points clear of second-placed Manchester United Barcelona deny reports of Griezmann agreement Barcelona has released a statement to deny the reports of a Catalan newspaper that FCB has reached an agreement to sign Antoine Griezmann Rallying The 40th edition of Dakar rally ends in Argentina Sainz, Walkner, Casale and Nikolaev win the 40th edition of the Dakar Rally in style

WION Sports News: Top sports results this week

Serena Williams&#39;&nbsp;return to the Women&#39;s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour following the birth of her first child will be the &quot;greatest challenge&quot; of her career, but the American can get back to her best in time for the French Open, according to her coach Patrick Mouratoglou.&quot;

Williams, who won her 23rd grand slam title at last year&#39;s Australian Open before going on maternity leave, pulled out of this year`s tournament in Melbourne.

She represented the United States in a Fed Cup doubles match last month and is scheduled to take part in the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells this week.

Asked if her latest comeback represented the biggest test of her career, Mouratoglou said: &quot;It probably is... now she is 36, just had a child, a second blood clot, has gone more than a year without any competition. I think we can say without a doubt that this is her biggest challenge.&quot;

Former world number one Williams, who returned in 2012 from surgery for a life-threatening blood clot on her lung and climbed back to the top of the rankings, said she almost died after giving birth to her daughter in September.

Mouratoglou said fans had to give Williams time to adjust to the rigors of the sport.

&quot;I think she`ll be ready for Roland Garros. The competitions she will play until then will help her and every day she progresses on her fitness,&quot; he told the Women&#39;s Tennis Association website

&quot;Serena&#39;s target will be to win grand slams. She knows that coming back might take some time, but her level of expectation is high as always. There are three grand slams left this season. They will be her three main goals for 2018.&quot;

Serena William returns to her sport after giving birth to her daughter in September, coach Mouratoglou calls this her biggest challenge

Serena Williams' return to the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Tour following the birth of her first child will be the "greatest challenge" of her career, but the American can get back to her best in time for the French Open, according to her coach Patrick Mouratoglou." Williams, who won her 23rd grand slam title at last year's Australian Open before going on maternity leave, pulled out of this year`s tournament in Melbourne. She represented the United States in a Fed Cup doubles match last month and is scheduled to take part in the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells this week. Asked if her latest comeback represented the biggest test of her career, Mouratoglou said: "It probably is... now she is 36, just had a child, a second blood clot, has gone more than a year without any competition. I think we can say without a doubt that this is her biggest challenge." Former world number one Williams, who returned in 2012 from surgery for a life-threatening blood clot on her lung and climbed back to the top of the rankings, said she almost died after giving birth to her daughter in September. Mouratoglou said fans had to give Williams time to adjust to the rigors of the sport. "I think she`ll be ready for Roland Garros. The competitions she will play until then will help her and every day she progresses on her fitness," he told the Women's Tennis Association website "Serena's target will be to win grand slams. She knows that coming back might take some time, but her level of expectation is high as always. There are three grand slams left this season. They will be her three main goals for 2018."

Tennis: Serena's comeback her greatest challenge, says coach Mouratoglou

Legends have one special trait that they never seize to surprise you. Every time you feel that they are at peak, they would nudge you &ldquo;Hey, hang on. I am scaling yet another higher peak&rdquo;.

That&rsquo;s exactly Roger Federer did last week when he reached the summit position of ATP ranking at the age of 36 &frac12; years; the oldest ever to do so.

There has been a flurry of surprises from the great man over the past 13 years. Federer won record 8th&nbsp;Wimbledon title in July 2017 and surprised the world when he won Australian Open in 2018 as 17th seed player; it was his first grand slam after 4 &frac12; years. &nbsp;Early this year he became the first man in the history to win 20 Grand Slam and now the ATP&nbsp;&nbsp;ranking. It was in 2012 when he was a top ranking player last time at the ATP. This is a record of longest gap between two peak rankings (more than five years). That&rsquo;s not all, as far as records are concerned. He reached the peak of ATP ranking first time in 2004. Thus the window for top ATP ranking for Federer spanned for 14 years; it is another world record. The second best is Nadal, who had a window of 9 years &ndash; way behind Federer.

Till 2016, the discussions was that perhaps Federer is the all-time greatest Tennis player but it would be now silly to even deliberate on that. Federer is by far the greatest ever Tennis player.&nbsp;After Federer took the number one ranking last week, I saw an interesting thread on social media where people were arguing that Federer is best ever sportsperson across all sports. Quite interesting but this discussion is actually worthy enough to take place that leave apart Tennis, Federer perhaps is the best sportsperson - all sports, all-times.

Some may frown on this discussion as it is extremely subjective and contentious issue. There is no definite thumb rule or any mathematical model to gauge greatness. It is not an easy task to even compare sportspersons within same sports from different playing era. Thus comparison of players across various sports and across different time zone would surely be an arduous task.

Some would say what about 23 Olympic Gold Medals by Michael Phelps, while some may say that Usain Bolt is the greatest ever with nine Olympic gold medals in sprints. A soccer lover would say how can you ignore a thousand goals by Pele, he is the greatest while a Tennis lover would claim that Federer has won 20 Grand Slams. What about Serena Williams with 23 and Steffi&nbsp;&nbsp;Graf with 22 grand slams? Similarly, there can be multiple other arguments. 
So, it is a tough question but what are the arguments, which supports Federer&rsquo;s case?&nbsp;

A sportsperson is judged on two parameters &ndash; numbers/statistics and slickness &amp; beauty in playing style. Federer scores high on both of these parameters. With 20 Grand Slams and 14 years of grand slam winning spree, numbers&nbsp;unequivocally&nbsp;support Federer. Apart from that, Federer is undisputed the most alluring Tennis player ever. His game is inclusive, he has quick and balanced service, his single-handed backhand is majestic and he sends the ball to the other side of the net with clinical precision.

Federer has been immortalized in a sport which is truly popular across the globe, needs ultimate athleticism and skills and has a tremendous fan following. Moreover, it is an individual sport and therefore Federer is bound to have higher ratings than someone who has excelled in team sports (Like Pele or any of those NBA stars)

Federer has redefined the word longevity. Men&rsquo;s Tennis is one of the most competitive and demanding sports and maintaining a winning spree for more than a decade and a half is truly incredible. The competition at ATP is cut-throat and a slight fall in your fitness level and form can simply lead to a total nosedive. The game is ever evolving and unless you continually improve your game, it is not possible to keep winning against the players from different generations. Take the case of Sachin Tendulkar. Tendulkar scored a Test century in 1990 and then he also scored it in 2011 as well when the very next generation of bowlers had come. That is where the greatness of Tendulkar is that he maintained his game across two generations.

Federer maintained the same kind of level&nbsp;for close to two decades&nbsp;in a sport which evolves even far more rapidly and this puts him in a different league and at a much higher notch altogether.&nbsp;Federer scores high over Serena Williams and Steffi Graf simply because of the reason that&nbsp;Men&rsquo;s Tennis is far more powerful competitive and sapping. Federer also scores high on beautiful and inclusive tennis, which he plays.

Roger Federer is definitely a serious contender for greatest ever sportsperson mankind has seen across all sports, notwithstanding the fact that this is a difficult discussion.

In the last, please don&rsquo;t ever think that Federer has now achieved his peak. For sure you would be proven wrong again by the great man. My take is that basis current situation, he is already a contender to claim Wimbledon and US Open as well during this year. 
&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Leave apart tennis, Roger Federer is greatest ever sportsperson across all the sports.

Legends have one special trait that they never seize to surprise you. Every time you feel that they are at peak, they would nudge you “Hey, hang on. I am scaling yet another higher peak”. That’s exactly Roger Federer did last week when he reached the summit position of ATP ranking at the age of 36 ½ years; the oldest ever to do so. There has been a flurry of surprises from the great man over the past 13 years. Federer won record 8th Wimbledon title in July 2017 and surprised the world when he won Australian Open in 2018 as 17th seed player; it was his first grand slam after 4 ½ years. Early this year he became the first man in the history to win 20 Grand Slam and now the ATP ranking. It was in 2012 when he was a top ranking player last time at the ATP. This is a record of longest gap between two peak rankings (more than five years). That’s not all, as far as records are concerned. He reached the peak of ATP ranking first time in 2004. Thus the window for top ATP ranking for Federer spanned for 14 years; it is another world record. The second best is Nadal, who had a window of 9 years – way behind Federer. Till 2016, the discussions was that perhaps Federer is the all-time greatest Tennis player but it would be now silly to even deliberate on that. Federer is by far the greatest ever Tennis player. After Federer took the number one ranking last week, I saw an interesting thread on social media where people were arguing that Federer is best ever sportsperson across all sports. Quite interesting but this discussion is actually worthy enough to take place that leave apart Tennis, Federer perhaps is the best sportsperson - all sports, all-times. Some may frown on this discussion as it is extremely subjective and contentious issue. There is no definite thumb rule or any mathematical model to gauge greatness. It is not an easy task to even compare sportspersons within same sports from different playing era. Thus comparison of players across various sports and across different time zone would surely be an arduous task. Some would say what about 23 Olympic Gold Medals by Michael Phelps, while some may say that Usain Bolt is the greatest ever with nine Olympic gold medals in sprints. A soccer lover would say how can you ignore a thousand goals by Pele, he is the greatest while a Tennis lover would claim that Federer has won 20 Grand Slams. What about Serena Williams with 23 and Steffi Graf with 22 grand slams? Similarly, there can be multiple other arguments. So, it is a tough question but what are the arguments, which supports Federer’s case? A sportsperson is judged on two parameters – numbers/statistics and slickness & beauty in playing style. Federer scores high on both of these parameters. With 20 Grand Slams and 14 years of grand slam winning spree, numbers unequivocally support Federer. Apart from that, Federer is undisputed the most alluring Tennis player ever. His game is inclusive, he has quick and balanced service, his single-handed backhand is majestic and he sends the ball to the other side of the net with clinical precision. Federer has been immortalized in a sport which is truly popular across the globe, needs ultimate athleticism and skills and has a tremendous fan following. Moreover, it is an individual sport and therefore Federer is bound to have higher ratings than someone who has excelled in team sports (Like Pele or any of those NBA stars) Federer has redefined the word longevity. Men’s Tennis is one of the most competitive and demanding sports and maintaining a winning spree for more than a decade and a half is truly incredible. The competition at ATP is cut-throat and a slight fall in your fitness level and form can simply lead to a total nosedive. The game is ever evolving and unless you continually improve your game, it is not possible to keep winning against the players from different generations. Take the case of Sachin Tendulkar. Tendulkar scored a Test century in 1990 and then he also scored it in 2011 as well when the very next generation of bowlers had come. That is where the greatness of Tendulkar is that he maintained his game across two generations. Federer maintained the same kind of level for close to two decades in a sport which evolves even far more rapidly and this puts him in a different league and at a much higher notch altogether. Federer scores high over Serena Williams and Steffi Graf simply because of the reason that Men’s Tennis is far more powerful competitive and sapping. Federer also scores high on beautiful and inclusive tennis, which he plays. Roger Federer is definitely a serious contender for greatest ever sportsperson mankind has seen across all sports, notwithstanding the fact that this is a difficult discussion. In the last, please don’t ever think that Federer has now achieved his peak. For sure you would be proven wrong again by the great man. My take is that basis current situation, he is already a contender to claim Wimbledon and US Open as well during this year. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Roger Federer is best ever sportsperson across all sports

australian-open

Australian Open, News on Australian Open, stories on Australian Open, articles on Australian Open, Australian Open stories at Wion, Australian Open news, Australian Open latest news

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His last game? Andy Murray out of Australian Open after five-set thriller

Australian Open: Rafael Nadal wins, journalist sleeps at press conference, watch what happens

Australian Open: Caroline Wozniacki through to 2nd round with comfortable win

Angelique Kerber untroubled as Australian Open campaign gets underway

Australian Open: America's John Isner stunned by compatriot Opelka

Serena Williams, Andy Murray, heat and tiebreaks, here's a list of talking points at Australian Open 2019

Roger Federer looks ahead to Australian Open, comments on Andy Murray's intention to retire

Caroline Wozniacki upbeat ahead of Australian Open defence

Novak Djokovic satisfied with prize pool ahead of Australian Open tilt

India's Prajnesh Gunneswaran rues singles drought back home

Alexander Zverev searching for Grand Slam 'mentality' in Melbourne

Andy Murray's retirement decision 'a shocker' for Novak Djokovic

Roger Federer names Wimbledon as potential future farewell venue

Roger Federer names Wimbledon as potential future farewell venue

Tennis star Andy Murray to retire this year due to injury

Roger Federer to open Australian Open defence against Istomin

Simona Halep falls to Barty in Sydney second round

Australian Open: History beckons as Serena shoots for Grand Slam history

Federer, Kerber cautious on new Aus Open tie-break rule

Maria Sharapova suffers injury blow ahead of Australian Open

Del Potro to miss Australian Open with knee injury

Australian Open tweaks extreme heat policy

Australian Open introduces final set tiebreak

Serena Williams confirms Australian Open return