Former US tennis player John McEnroe and multiple grand slam champion Serena Williams were engaged in a war of words after McEnroe in an interview with National Public Radio on Sunday said Serena Williams would be ranked &quot;like 700 in the world&quot; if she had to play on the men&#39;s circuit.

Former world No-1 Serena Williams responded on Twitter at McEnroe&#39;s jibe, saying,&quot;I&#39;ve never played anyone ranked &#39;there&#39; nor do I have time. Respect me and my privacy as I&#39;m trying to have a baby.&quot;

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Dear John, I adore and respect you but please please keep me out of your statements that are not factually based.
&mdash; Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) <a href="https://twitter.com/serenawilliams/status/879466071404810241">June 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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I&#39;ve never played anyone ranked &quot;there&quot; nor do I have time. Respect me and my privacy as I&#39;m trying to have a baby. Good day sir
&mdash; Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) <a href="https://twitter.com/serenawilliams/status/879466221112094720">June 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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During the interview, McEnroe said, &quot;That doesn&#39;t mean I don&#39;t think Serena is an incredible player. I do.&quot;

However, he was quick to add that &quot;on a given day, Serena could beat some players... But if she had to just play the circuit -- the men&#39;s circuit -- that would be an entirely different story.&quot;

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John McEnroe in an interview with National Public Radio said Serena Williams would be ranked 'like 700 in the world' if she had to play on the men's circuit.

Former US tennis player John McEnroe and multiple grand slam champion Serena Williams were engaged in a war of words after McEnroe in an interview with National Public Radio on Sunday said Serena Williams would be ranked "like 700 in the world" if she had to play on the men's circuit. Former world No-1 Serena Williams responded on Twitter at McEnroe's jibe, saying,"I've never played anyone ranked 'there' nor do I have time. Respect me and my privacy as I'm trying to have a baby." Dear John, I adore and respect you but please please keep me out of your statements that are not factually based. — Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) June 26, 2017 × I've never played anyone ranked "there" nor do I have time. Respect me and my privacy as I'm trying to have a baby. Good day sir — Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) June 26, 2017 × During the interview, McEnroe said, "That doesn't mean I don't think Serena is an incredible player. I do." However, he was quick to add that "on a given day, Serena could beat some players... But if she had to just play the circuit -- the men's circuit -- that would be an entirely different story."

McEnroe ranks Williams '700 in the world' in men's circuit, 'respect me' says Williams

World number one Angelique Kerber was dumped out of the French Open on Sunday, going down 6-2 6-2 in a first-round defeat to Russia&#39;s Ekaterina Makarova.

The German became the first top seeded woman to lose in the opening round of the French Open since the sport went professional in 1968.

After briefly threatening a recovery in the eighth game, in which she held two break points, Kerber meekly surrendered the first set with a forehand that never looked like clearing the net.

The German dropped serve in the next game, with Makarova hitting four clean forehand winners to take a hold on the match that she rarely looked like relinquishing.

(Reuters)

The German became the first top seeded woman to lose in the opening round of the French Open since the sport went professional in 1968

World number one Angelique Kerber was dumped out of the French Open on Sunday, going down 6-2 6-2 in a first-round defeat to Russia's Ekaterina Makarova. The German became the first top seeded woman to lose in the opening round of the French Open since the sport went professional in 1968. After briefly threatening a recovery in the eighth game, in which she held two break points, Kerber meekly surrendered the first set with a forehand that never looked like clearing the net. The German dropped serve in the next game, with Makarova hitting four clean forehand winners to take a hold on the match that she rarely looked like relinquishing. (Reuters)

Top seed Kerber crashes out of French Open

Rafael Nadal ended a seven-match losing streak against Novak Djokovic in emphatic fashion by thrashing the world number two 6-2 6-4 on Saturday to reach the final of the Madrid Open and move within a step of a third consecutive clay-court title.

The Spaniard and four-time winner in Madrid got off to a dream start in the 50th meeting between the two great rivals, winning every point in the first game to break Djokovic, with the home crowd wildly celebrating his first point -- a potent return which the Serbian could only hit into the ground.

Defending champion Djokovic, who broke with long-time coach Marian Vajda and his staff the week before the tournament in a bid to reverse his downward trajectory of results in the last year, surrendered his serve again in the third game, and Nadal held to go 4-0 up.

Real Madrid great Raul and all-time top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo were among those watching in the stands in the Caja Majica on a scorching day in the Spanish capital in as Madrid fan Nadal continued his rampant start to the year.

The Spaniard finished off the first set in 40 minutes and again broke the struggling Djokovic in the opening game of the second. The world number two broke back in the fourth to tie the set at 2-2 and celebrated by punching the air.

It proved to be just a brief respite for the Serbian, however, as Nadal broke him again in the next game and held to restore his two-game lead.

He missed two match points on his serve and then had to save a break point before taking the contest at the third time of asking to reach the Madrid final for the eighth time.

Nadal will play either Austrian Dominic Thiem or Uruguayan Pablo Cuevas in Sunday&#39;s final, where he will look to add to his recent triumphs in the Monte Carlo Masters and the Barcelona Open.

&quot;I knew I&#39;d have to play very well and I thought I did very well in the first set. Then in the second I got the typical nerves from playing Djokovic,&quot; Nadal told Television Espanola.

&quot;I couldnt be happier. To reach another final in Madrid means everything to me.&quot;

(Reuters)

The Spaniard got off to a dream start in the 50th meeting between the two great rivals, winning every point in the first game to break Djokovic

Rafael Nadal ended a seven-match losing streak against Novak Djokovic in emphatic fashion by thrashing the world number two 6-2 6-4 on Saturday to reach the final of the Madrid Open and move within a step of a third consecutive clay-court title. The Spaniard and four-time winner in Madrid got off to a dream start in the 50th meeting between the two great rivals, winning every point in the first game to break Djokovic, with the home crowd wildly celebrating his first point -- a potent return which the Serbian could only hit into the ground. Defending champion Djokovic, who broke with long-time coach Marian Vajda and his staff the week before the tournament in a bid to reverse his downward trajectory of results in the last year, surrendered his serve again in the third game, and Nadal held to go 4-0 up. Real Madrid great Raul and all-time top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo were among those watching in the stands in the Caja Majica on a scorching day in the Spanish capital in as Madrid fan Nadal continued his rampant start to the year. The Spaniard finished off the first set in 40 minutes and again broke the struggling Djokovic in the opening game of the second. The world number two broke back in the fourth to tie the set at 2-2 and celebrated by punching the air. It proved to be just a brief respite for the Serbian, however, as Nadal broke him again in the next game and held to restore his two-game lead. He missed two match points on his serve and then had to save a break point before taking the contest at the third time of asking to reach the Madrid final for the eighth time. Nadal will play either Austrian Dominic Thiem or Uruguayan Pablo Cuevas in Sunday's final, where he will look to add to his recent triumphs in the Monte Carlo Masters and the Barcelona Open. "I knew I'd have to play very well and I thought I did very well in the first set. Then in the second I got the typical nerves from playing Djokovic," Nadal told Television Espanola. "I couldnt be happier. To reach another final in Madrid means everything to me." (Reuters)

Nadal beats Djokovic to reach Madrid Open final

Britain&#39;s Johanna Konta beat Venus Williams 6-4, 7-5 in a grueling battle Thursday to reach the WTA Miami Open final, where she will face Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark.

The Australian-born 25-year-old broke Williams in the first game and played aggressively throughout the opening set.

Williams fought back strongly in the second set, breaking to go up 3-1. But Konta broke back immediately and again for a 5-4 lead that allowed her to serve for the match.

The American took advantage of some nervy play from the 10th-seed to break back, but Williams was unable to hold serve and that gave Konta a second chance to wrap up the contest, which she did after more than two hours.

Konta said she expects a big challenge ahead in order to capture her second title of the year after a Sydney crown.

&quot;I am going to have a tough battle on my hands,&quot; Konta said. &quot;Caroline makes you work.&quot;

Wozniacki booked her place in the final after rallying to defeat Czech second seed Karolina Pliskova 5-7, 6-1, 6-1.

Pliskova, who won titles this year at Doha and Brisbane, also fell in the semi-final stage at Indian Wells two weeks ago.

The Czech broke Wozniacki in the first game of the match but the Dane fought back and at 5-4 had three set points, which Pliskova manage to deny her.

Wozniacki then double faulted to give the Czech a break point, which she took before serving out for the set.

But former world number one Wozniacki, wearing down Pliskova with her solid defense, ran out a comfortable winner in the following two sets to earn a third final appearance of the year.

&quot;I&#39;m not sure how I managed to do that,&quot; Wozniacki said. &quot;It is tough when you lose that first set -- especially having set points, it hits you a little bit. But I got a good start to the second set and that got me going, got me grinding.&quot;

In her two finals this year, both in February, Wozniacki was beaten by Pliskova at Doha and by Ukrainian Elina Svitolina at Dubai.

Pliskova, who began the year with a title at Brisbane, was philosophical about her second semi-final loss of the month.

&quot;I&#39;m definitely positive,&quot; she said. &quot;I&#39;ve won a lot of matches this year. I can&#39;t be too disappointed but obviously I am disappointed to lose two semi-finals especially when I think I could have won both matches.

&quot;Obviously I think I could have done a bit more this year but then again I have never had a start to a season like this.&quot;

(AFP)

The Australian-born 25-year-old broke Williams in the first game, and played aggressively throughout the opening set

Britain's Johanna Konta beat Venus Williams 6-4, 7-5 in a grueling battle Thursday to reach the WTA Miami Open final, where she will face Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark. The Australian-born 25-year-old broke Williams in the first game and played aggressively throughout the opening set. Williams fought back strongly in the second set, breaking to go up 3-1. But Konta broke back immediately and again for a 5-4 lead that allowed her to serve for the match. The American took advantage of some nervy play from the 10th-seed to break back, but Williams was unable to hold serve and that gave Konta a second chance to wrap up the contest, which she did after more than two hours. Konta said she expects a big challenge ahead in order to capture her second title of the year after a Sydney crown. "I am going to have a tough battle on my hands," Konta said. "Caroline makes you work." Wozniacki booked her place in the final after rallying to defeat Czech second seed Karolina Pliskova 5-7, 6-1, 6-1. Pliskova, who won titles this year at Doha and Brisbane, also fell in the semi-final stage at Indian Wells two weeks ago. The Czech broke Wozniacki in the first game of the match but the Dane fought back and at 5-4 had three set points, which Pliskova manage to deny her. Wozniacki then double faulted to give the Czech a break point, which she took before serving out for the set. But former world number one Wozniacki, wearing down Pliskova with her solid defense, ran out a comfortable winner in the following two sets to earn a third final appearance of the year. "I'm not sure how I managed to do that," Wozniacki said. "It is tough when you lose that first set -- especially having set points, it hits you a little bit. But I got a good start to the second set and that got me going, got me grinding." In her two finals this year, both in February, Wozniacki was beaten by Pliskova at Doha and by Ukrainian Elina Svitolina at Dubai. Pliskova, who began the year with a title at Brisbane, was philosophical about her second semi-final loss of the month. "I'm definitely positive," she said. "I've won a lot of matches this year. I can't be too disappointed but obviously I am disappointed to lose two semi-finals especially when I think I could have won both matches. "Obviously I think I could have done a bit more this year but then again I have never had a start to a season like this." (AFP)

Tennis: Britain's Konta downs Venus Williams to reach Miami final

Roger Federer suffered a shock 3-6 7-6(7) 7-6(5) loss to world number 116 Evgeny Donskoy of Russia in the Dubai Open second round on Wednesday.

Swiss Federer, playing his first tournament since winning his 18th grand slam title at the Australian Open in January, wasted three match points in the second set and led 5-2 in the third before the 26-year-old Donskoy fought back.

Third seed Federer, the former world number one and seven-times champion in Dubai, surged 5-1 ahead in the deciding tiebreaker but qualifier Donskoy reeled off six points in a row to secure a remarkable victory.

Earlier, top seed Andy Murray beat Guillermo Garcia-Lopez 6-2 6-0 to reach the last 16.

(Reuters)

Federer wasted three match points in the second set and led 5-2 in the third before the 26-year-old Donskoy fought back

Roger Federer suffered a shock 3-6 7-6(7) 7-6(5) loss to world number 116 Evgeny Donskoy of Russia in the Dubai Open second round on Wednesday. Swiss Federer, playing his first tournament since winning his 18th grand slam title at the Australian Open in January, wasted three match points in the second set and led 5-2 in the third before the 26-year-old Donskoy fought back. Third seed Federer, the former world number one and seven-times champion in Dubai, surged 5-1 ahead in the deciding tiebreaker but qualifier Donskoy reeled off six points in a row to secure a remarkable victory. Earlier, top seed Andy Murray beat Guillermo Garcia-Lopez 6-2 6-0 to reach the last 16. (Reuters)

Dubai Open: Federer suffers shock loss to world number 116 Donskoy

German tennis has responded with outrage after the United States Tennis Association (USTA) made the embarrassing error of playing the Nazi-era version of Germany&#39;s national anthem during a Fed Cup tie in Hawaii.

The version played included the first stanza, beginning &quot;Deutschland, Deutschland uber alles, uber alles in der Welt&quot; which was used as Nazi propaganda.

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<h5>The version sung translates as &#39;Germany, Germany, above all, above all in the world&#39; and was dropped after World War II&nbsp;because of its association with Adolf Hitler</h5>
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It translates as &quot;Germany, Germany, above all, above all in the world&quot; and was dropped after World War II&nbsp;because of its association with Adolf Hitler.

But Deutschlandlied, written in 1841, is still listed as the official national anthem, with only the third verse now being sung. Unfortunately, the male soloist on the Hawaiian island of Maui somehow sung the wrong version.

&quot;I thought it was the epitome of ignorance, and I&#39;ve never felt more disrespected in my whole life, let alone in Fed Cup,&quot; Germany&#39;s Andrea Petkovic said, adding that she considered walking off the court before the singles match against Alison Riske.

Petkovic later said her first comments had been somewhat emotional but that was because the incident happened before her match and she was left stunned. &quot;We were left shocked and did not know how to react,&quot; Petkovic said.

German team coach Barbara Ritter said the mistake was &quot;an absolute scandal, a disrespectful incident and inexcusable&quot;. German tennis federation chief Ulrich Klaus said his American counterpart had apologised for the mistake.

&quot;Our American hosts at the Fed Cup opening in Hawaii made a mistake that should not happen,&quot; Klaus said in a statement.

&quot;The fact that in the year 2017 a wrong anthem can be played that is associated with the horror of the past was for players and staff and the officials present both shocking and disturbing.&quot;

&quot;The USTA through its president Katrina Adams has apologised officially in writing and in person and deeply regrets the blunder.&quot;

Riske won the opening rubber to give the US&nbsp;a 1-0 lead. Bad weather prevented any further play on the opening day of the tie.

(Reuters)

The error took place at a Fed Cup tie in Hawaii

German tennis has responded with outrage after the United States Tennis Association (USTA) made the embarrassing error of playing the Nazi-era version of Germany's national anthem during a Fed Cup tie in Hawaii. The version played included the first stanza, beginning "Deutschland, Deutschland uber alles, uber alles in der Welt" which was used as Nazi propaganda. The version sung translates as 'Germany, Germany, above all, above all in the world' and was dropped after World War II because of its association with Adolf Hitler × It translates as "Germany, Germany, above all, above all in the world" and was dropped after World War II because of its association with Adolf Hitler. But Deutschlandlied, written in 1841, is still listed as the official national anthem, with only the third verse now being sung. Unfortunately, the male soloist on the Hawaiian island of Maui somehow sung the wrong version. "I thought it was the epitome of ignorance, and I've never felt more disrespected in my whole life, let alone in Fed Cup," Germany's Andrea Petkovic said, adding that she considered walking off the court before the singles match against Alison Riske. Petkovic later said her first comments had been somewhat emotional but that was because the incident happened before her match and she was left stunned. "We were left shocked and did not know how to react," Petkovic said. German team coach Barbara Ritter said the mistake was "an absolute scandal, a disrespectful incident and inexcusable". German tennis federation chief Ulrich Klaus said his American counterpart had apologised for the mistake. "Our American hosts at the Fed Cup opening in Hawaii made a mistake that should not happen," Klaus said in a statement. "The fact that in the year 2017 a wrong anthem can be played that is associated with the horror of the past was for players and staff and the officials present both shocking and disturbing." "The USTA through its president Katrina Adams has apologised officially in writing and in person and deeply regrets the blunder." Riske won the opening rubber to give the US a 1-0 lead. Bad weather prevented any further play on the opening day of the tie. (Reuters)

Tennis: Germany outraged after US performs Nazi version of anthem

Sania Mirza will have to wait for her seventh Grand Slam trophy as the Indian and her Croatian partner Ivan Dodig lost the Australian Open mixed doubles final 2-6 4-6 to underdogs Abigail Spears and Juan Sebastian Cabal on Sunday.

The second-seeded Indo-Croatian pair paid the price for the free-flowing unforced errors from the racquet of Dodig, who struggled with his serve and groundstrokes today.

It is second runners-up finish for Sania and Dodig together after losing the final of the 2016 French Open to Leander Paes and Martina Hingis.

Sania had won her first ever Grand Slam at the Australian Open only when she won the mixed doubles with compatriot Mahesh Bhupathi in 2009 and the last of her three women&#39;s doubles Major trophies also came here last year with Martina Hingis.

After losing the first two points, Dodig served a double fault at 30-30 and then sent a forehand long to concede a break in the very first game of the match.

Cabal and Spears though were in tremendous touch from the word go. Both were terrific from the back and at the net too.

Sania was also broken in the third game. It was Cabal&#39;s brilliant volley pick up which he placed well beyond the two players to earn a break point.

Spears smashed a backhand service return winner to take the break as the second seeds trailed 0-3.

The American had an easy hold in the next to make it 4-0. The second seeds finally got on board when Dodig held the fifth game but they had already suffered the damage.

Serving to stay in the opening set at 1-5, Sania saved a deciding a point to hold.

Spears was now serving for the set and lost the first two points to be 0-30 and soon Dodig found a forehand winner to earn a breakpoint but could not convert. Sania hit a backhand wide on the deciding point to concede the first set.

Dodig&#39;s serve was again under pressure as he faced a breakpoint and a deciding point in the first game of the second set but managed to save both.

Cabal served a double fault at 40-30 to face a deciding point and the second seeds latched on to that to take a 2-0 lead as Spears hit a backhand long.

Sania had an easy hold to make it 3-0 as the Indo-Croatian pair was back in the match. However, Sania was broken in the seventh game which allowed the rivals to neutralise the advantage.

The Indian committed a double fault to be down by two breakpoints and Spears smashed one overhead volley to convert the first. Spears held without fuss and the two pairs were now locked 4-4.

Dodig was never in his elements in today&#39;s match and he served two double faults, the second one coming on a breakpoint, to allow Cabal to serve out the championship.&nbsp;

(PTI)

It is second runners-up finish for Sania and Dodig together after losing the 2016 French Open final to Leander Paes and Martina Hingis

Sania Mirza will have to wait for her seventh Grand Slam trophy as the Indian and her Croatian partner Ivan Dodig lost the Australian Open mixed doubles final 2-6 4-6 to underdogs Abigail Spears and Juan Sebastian Cabal on Sunday. The second-seeded Indo-Croatian pair paid the price for the free-flowing unforced errors from the racquet of Dodig, who struggled with his serve and groundstrokes today. It is second runners-up finish for Sania and Dodig together after losing the final of the 2016 French Open to Leander Paes and Martina Hingis. Sania had won her first ever Grand Slam at the Australian Open only when she won the mixed doubles with compatriot Mahesh Bhupathi in 2009 and the last of her three women's doubles Major trophies also came here last year with Martina Hingis. After losing the first two points, Dodig served a double fault at 30-30 and then sent a forehand long to concede a break in the very first game of the match. Cabal and Spears though were in tremendous touch from the word go. Both were terrific from the back and at the net too. Sania was also broken in the third game. It was Cabal's brilliant volley pick up which he placed well beyond the two players to earn a break point. Spears smashed a backhand service return winner to take the break as the second seeds trailed 0-3. The American had an easy hold in the next to make it 4-0. The second seeds finally got on board when Dodig held the fifth game but they had already suffered the damage. Serving to stay in the opening set at 1-5, Sania saved a deciding a point to hold. Spears was now serving for the set and lost the first two points to be 0-30 and soon Dodig found a forehand winner to earn a breakpoint but could not convert. Sania hit a backhand wide on the deciding point to concede the first set. Dodig's serve was again under pressure as he faced a breakpoint and a deciding point in the first game of the second set but managed to save both. Cabal served a double fault at 40-30 to face a deciding point and the second seeds latched on to that to take a 2-0 lead as Spears hit a backhand long. Sania had an easy hold to make it 3-0 as the Indo-Croatian pair was back in the match. However, Sania was broken in the seventh game which allowed the rivals to neutralise the advantage. The Indian committed a double fault to be down by two breakpoints and Spears smashed one overhead volley to convert the first. Spears held without fuss and the two pairs were now locked 4-4. Dodig was never in his elements in today's match and he served two double faults, the second one coming on a breakpoint, to allow Cabal to serve out the championship. (PTI)

Australian Open: Sania-Dodig lose mixed doubles final

Venus Williams rolled back the years to battle into her first Grand Slam final since 2009 Thursday, brushing off the dangerous Coco Vendeweghe at the Australian Open.

The focused 36-year-old was imperious in banishing her power-hitting fellow American 6-7 (3/7), 6-2, 6-3 on Rod Laver Arena, striking a blow for the tennis old guard.

In making the decider, she becomes the oldest finalist at Melbourne Park in the Open era, joining a select list of 30-somethings to get that far including Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova.

The 13th seed also bags the record for the longest wait between major finals at seven-and-a-half years, following her last appearance in the 2009 Wimbledon final.

&quot;This means so much, especially because she played so well, I had to play defence for so long,&quot; said Williams, who screamed and performed pirouettes after clinching the win.

&quot;There was never a moment of relaxation ever, so to be able to get to the final through a match like this I&#39;m just ? I&#39;m excited about American tennis as well.

&quot;It means so much, growing up all I wanted was to have an opportunity to play the tournaments. It&#39;s like more than a cherry on top, more than I dreamed of.&quot;

Despite winning seven Grand Slams and being a seven-time runner-up, Williams has only ever made the final in Melbourne once before ? in 2003, when she lost in three sets to sister Serena.

Another all-Williams final is on the cards with Serena the hot favourite to beat unseeded Croat Mirjana Lucic-Baroni in the other semi-final late on Thursday.

&quot;More than anything I&#39;d love to see Serena across the net from me on Saturday,&quot; said Venus.

Venus Williams has consistently said in Melbourne she has nothing to prove and was simply &quot;living the dream&quot;, and her relaxed approach has paid dividends.

Kept her cool

It was the feisty Vandeweghe, ranked 35, who pounced early, working four break points and going 1-0 up when Williams netted a forehand in her opening service game.

But Williams soon settled and she began to dictate from the baseline, handling the 25-year-old&#39;s powerful serve well.

A stretching crosscourt forehand winner gave her a break point in the next game and a double fault from Vandeweghe put them level at 1-1.

Efficient serving from both players took the match to 6-6, with the two trading powerful groundstrokes without being able to find an opening in a tense struggle.

Vandeweghe was moving well and it was Williams who blinked first as the younger American took the tiebreak, pumping her fist and letting out a yell.

But it didn&#39;t phase the veteran, who continued to pick her shots well and conserve energy, with Vandeweghe showing frustration when Williams broke to go 2-1 ahead in the second set, slamming her racquet to the ground.

Williams&#39; long experience came to the fore. She remained calm and composed and as Vandeweghe struggled with her serve, she went 4-1 ahead with another break.

Vandeweghe&#39;s frustrations were showing and she belted a ball into the crowd, but escaped a warning. The Williams serve was powerful and on its mark as she took the second set in 38 minutes to level the match.

Williams was getting extraordinary angles on her returns and she decisively broke the younger American&#39;s serve in the third set to take a 1-0 lead.

It was the only chance she needed, keeping her cool in the pressure-cooker atmosphere to write another chapter in her lengthy career, winning on her fourth match point.

(AFP)

She becomes the oldest finalist at Melbourne Park in the Open era, joining a select list of 30-somethings to get that far

Venus Williams rolled back the years to battle into her first Grand Slam final since 2009 Thursday, brushing off the dangerous Coco Vendeweghe at the Australian Open. The focused 36-year-old was imperious in banishing her power-hitting fellow American 6-7 (3/7), 6-2, 6-3 on Rod Laver Arena, striking a blow for the tennis old guard. In making the decider, she becomes the oldest finalist at Melbourne Park in the Open era, joining a select list of 30-somethings to get that far including Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova. The 13th seed also bags the record for the longest wait between major finals at seven-and-a-half years, following her last appearance in the 2009 Wimbledon final. "This means so much, especially because she played so well, I had to play defence for so long," said Williams, who screamed and performed pirouettes after clinching the win. "There was never a moment of relaxation ever, so to be able to get to the final through a match like this I'm just ? I'm excited about American tennis as well. "It means so much, growing up all I wanted was to have an opportunity to play the tournaments. It's like more than a cherry on top, more than I dreamed of." Despite winning seven Grand Slams and being a seven-time runner-up, Williams has only ever made the final in Melbourne once before ? in 2003, when she lost in three sets to sister Serena. Another all-Williams final is on the cards with Serena the hot favourite to beat unseeded Croat Mirjana Lucic-Baroni in the other semi-final late on Thursday. "More than anything I'd love to see Serena across the net from me on Saturday," said Venus. Venus Williams has consistently said in Melbourne she has nothing to prove and was simply "living the dream", and her relaxed approach has paid dividends. Kept her cool It was the feisty Vandeweghe, ranked 35, who pounced early, working four break points and going 1-0 up when Williams netted a forehand in her opening service game. But Williams soon settled and she began to dictate from the baseline, handling the 25-year-old's powerful serve well. A stretching crosscourt forehand winner gave her a break point in the next game and a double fault from Vandeweghe put them level at 1-1. Efficient serving from both players took the match to 6-6, with the two trading powerful groundstrokes without being able to find an opening in a tense struggle. Vandeweghe was moving well and it was Williams who blinked first as the younger American took the tiebreak, pumping her fist and letting out a yell. But it didn't phase the veteran, who continued to pick her shots well and conserve energy, with Vandeweghe showing frustration when Williams broke to go 2-1 ahead in the second set, slamming her racquet to the ground. Williams' long experience came to the fore. She remained calm and composed and as Vandeweghe struggled with her serve, she went 4-1 ahead with another break. Vandeweghe's frustrations were showing and she belted a ball into the crowd, but escaped a warning. The Williams serve was powerful and on its mark as she took the second set in 38 minutes to level the match. Williams was getting extraordinary angles on her returns and she decisively broke the younger American's serve in the third set to take a 1-0 lead. It was the only chance she needed, keeping her cool in the pressure-cooker atmosphere to write another chapter in her lengthy career, winning on her fourth match point. (AFP)

Tennis: Venus Williams ends major final drought at Australian Open

Former world number three Nadia Petrova has retired from tennis after almost two decades in the sport.

The 34-year-old Russian had not played on the WTA Tour since 2014 after failing to shake off a torn muscle in her shoulder and a number of other injuries.

&quot;Every time I tried to step it up and work towards a tour level, my body would break down,&quot; she told the WTA website (www.wtatennis.com).

&quot;In order to play on the highest levels, you want just to focus on the game and not on things that are bothering you physically.

&quot;I made one last push ... but I&#39;ve had this idea for some time. I thought it&#39;s important to let everyone know that I&#39;m finishing up my professional career.&quot;

Petrova was part of the golden generation of Russian tennis in the first decade of the century along with grand slam champions Maria Sharapova, Svetlana Kuznetsova and Anastasia Myskina as well as Olympic gold medallist Elena Dementieva and former world number one Dinara Safina.

Despite an all court game and booming serve, the powerful right hander&#39;s career was blighted by injury which prevented her from challenge her compatriots and contemporaries like Justine Henin, Amelie Mauresmo and Kim Clijsters for top billing.

Petrova, who also reached a career high of world number three in doubles, finished with 13 WTA singles and 24 WTA doubles titles.

She reached the singles semi-finals at Roland Garros in 2003 and 2005 as well as the doubles final at the US&nbsp;Open in 2010 and the French Open in 2012.

&quot;I&#39;ve been in tennis for so many years. I had a very long and very good career,&quot; she added.

&quot;I dealt with a lot of injuries, like most of us, but it&#39;s important for me to finally turn the page in my book.&quot;

(Reuters)

She hasn't played on the WTA Tour since 2014 after failing to shake off a torn muscle in her shoulder and a number of other injuries

Former world number three Nadia Petrova has retired from tennis after almost two decades in the sport. The 34-year-old Russian had not played on the WTA Tour since 2014 after failing to shake off a torn muscle in her shoulder and a number of other injuries. "Every time I tried to step it up and work towards a tour level, my body would break down," she told the WTA website (www.wtatennis.com). "In order to play on the highest levels, you want just to focus on the game and not on things that are bothering you physically. "I made one last push ... but I've had this idea for some time. I thought it's important to let everyone know that I'm finishing up my professional career." Petrova was part of the golden generation of Russian tennis in the first decade of the century along with grand slam champions Maria Sharapova, Svetlana Kuznetsova and Anastasia Myskina as well as Olympic gold medallist Elena Dementieva and former world number one Dinara Safina. Despite an all court game and booming serve, the powerful right hander's career was blighted by injury which prevented her from challenge her compatriots and contemporaries like Justine Henin, Amelie Mauresmo and Kim Clijsters for top billing. Petrova, who also reached a career high of world number three in doubles, finished with 13 WTA singles and 24 WTA doubles titles. She reached the singles semi-finals at Roland Garros in 2003 and 2005 as well as the doubles final at the US Open in 2010 and the French Open in 2012. "I've been in tennis for so many years. I had a very long and very good career," she added. "I dealt with a lot of injuries, like most of us, but it's important for me to finally turn the page in my book." (Reuters)

Former world number three Petrova retires from tennis

Tennis star Rafael Nadal said the emergence of a new generation is just what tennis needs, while welcoming back old foe Roger Federer to help him keep them at bay.

The Spanish great, a 14-time Grand Slam champion, is on the comeback trail after his 2016 season was ruined by a wrist problem which has seen him slip to nine in the world.&nbsp;Swiss great Federer is also easing his way back after six months out with a knee injury, with both of them keen to return to winning ways at the big tournaments.

They will have their work cut out at the opening Grand Slam of the year at Melbourne Park next week with not just Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic to contend with but an emerging new breed.&nbsp;Leading the pack are the likes of Austria&#39;s Dominic Thiem, Germany&#39;s Alex Zverev and Australia&#39;s Nick Kyrgios.

Nadal, 30, said it was good for the game to see younger players starting to make their mark.&nbsp;&quot;These guys are doing well,&quot; he said in The Australian newspaper.

&quot;It&#39;s great to have a new generation of fantastic players there and that&#39;s good for tennis. Tennis needs it. People sometimes get bored to see the same players all the time.&quot;

While excited by the young guns, Nadal is not yet ready to hand over the baton, believing he can still compete at the top level despite the last of his major titles coming at the French Open in 2014. The Spanish star&nbsp;he is pleased to see Federer, 35, also back in the fold and playing well.

&quot;The good thing is that Roger is back on tour after probably his first important injury,&quot; Nadal said.&nbsp;&quot;That`s tough but he looks great. He`s played some good matches there in Perth at the Hopman Cup&nbsp;so I&#39;m very happy for him.&quot;

After opening his season in Doha for seven of the past eight years, Nadal instead opted this year to begin at the Brisbane International in a bid to better adapt to Australian conditions.&nbsp;But he lost in the quarter-finals last week to big-serving Milos Raonic.

Nadal admitted he may not hit his best form until later in the year.&nbsp;&quot;I think that I had a great off-season so I am excited about these next few months,&quot; he said.

&quot;You cannot say something about how Roger is, how I am, in just two weeks.&nbsp;In Melbourne anything could happen, but I give myself a little bit more time, three months, and after Miami, let&#39;s see how I am,&quot; he added, referring to the Miami Open.

(AFP)

Tennis star Rafael Nadal said it was good for the game to see younger players starting to make their mark

Tennis star Rafael Nadal said the emergence of a new generation is just what tennis needs, while welcoming back old foe Roger Federer to help him keep them at bay. The Spanish great, a 14-time Grand Slam champion, is on the comeback trail after his 2016 season was ruined by a wrist problem which has seen him slip to nine in the world. Swiss great Federer is also easing his way back after six months out with a knee injury, with both of them keen to return to winning ways at the big tournaments. They will have their work cut out at the opening Grand Slam of the year at Melbourne Park next week with not just Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic to contend with but an emerging new breed. Leading the pack are the likes of Austria's Dominic Thiem, Germany's Alex Zverev and Australia's Nick Kyrgios. Nadal, 30, said it was good for the game to see younger players starting to make their mark. "These guys are doing well," he said in The Australian newspaper. "It's great to have a new generation of fantastic players there and that's good for tennis. Tennis needs it. People sometimes get bored to see the same players all the time." While excited by the young guns, Nadal is not yet ready to hand over the baton, believing he can still compete at the top level despite the last of his major titles coming at the French Open in 2014. The Spanish star he is pleased to see Federer, 35, also back in the fold and playing well. "The good thing is that Roger is back on tour after probably his first important injury," Nadal said. "That`s tough but he looks great. He`s played some good matches there in Perth at the Hopman Cup so I'm very happy for him." After opening his season in Doha for seven of the past eight years, Nadal instead opted this year to begin at the Brisbane International in a bid to better adapt to Australian conditions. But he lost in the quarter-finals last week to big-serving Milos Raonic. Nadal admitted he may not hit his best form until later in the year. "I think that I had a great off-season so I am excited about these next few months," he said. "You cannot say something about how Roger is, how I am, in just two weeks. In Melbourne anything could happen, but I give myself a little bit more time, three months, and after Miami, let's see how I am," he added, referring to the Miami Open. (AFP)

New generation players good for tennis: Nadal

Novak Djokovic brought world number one Andy Murray&#39;s 28-match winning streak to an end in Doha on Saturday to retain the Qatar Open title in a three-set thriller.

Serb star Djokovic won 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 in a high-quality, action-packed match between the two best players in the world lasting almost three hours.

It is Djokovic&#39;s 25th career victory over Murray and puts down an early-season marker against his great British rival, before the Australian Open later this month.

&quot;Definitely one of the best ways to start a year,&quot; Djokovic said immediately after his victory.

&quot;I had three or four match points in the second set, he turned it around and I thought: Wow! I hope this isn&#39;t payback time!

&quot;He was close... all the way to the last shot you never know with Andy,&quot; added Djokovic who was penalised a point in the second set after destroying his racquet as the tension mounted.&nbsp;

Despite going into the third set showing signs of frustration and weariness, Djokovic was able to claw away any momentum Murray had to secure his second successive title in Qatar and the $209,665 first prize.

A break of Murray&#39;s serve in the seventh game of the final set -- when the Scot looked most likely to win -- proved decisive.

Serving for the match, Djokovic secured the title on his fourth match point, having squandered three in the second set when Murray astonishingly recovered from 5-4 down and 40-15 to win three games in a row and force, at that point, an unlikely deciding set.

It was Murray&#39;s first competitive defeat since losing to Juan Martin del Potro in the Davis Cup back in September.&nbsp;

In a typically cagey start between the pair, Djokovic landed the first blow with his only break point of the first set.

In the eighth game of the opener, he came back from 40-15 down to win four consecutive points and break Murray&#39;s serve.

Then, in the seventh game of the second set Djokovic broke Murray again despite falling over and banging his head during one rally.

It seemed to be the decisive blow, but Murray would not be easily brushed aside, rallying to take the game into the decider.

Missed chances

Murray said he was &quot;obviously disappointed&quot; to lose but was not too downbeat.

&quot;I think physically it was a good test to start the year,&quot; he said.

He added that he lost having failed to capitalise on his chances.

&quot;I had a break point at 3-2. In the last game, I had love-30 on Novak&#39;s serve and played a couple of loose shots. I think I had the first break point in the first set as well, didn&#39;t get it.&nbsp;

&quot;He had one and took it, that was the difference this evening.&quot;

Saturday&#39;s match was the first meeting between the pair since Murray beat the Serb at the ATP World Tour Finals in London in November, snatching Djokovic&#39;s number one ranking in the process.

It was also the 20th time Djokovic has beaten Murray after winning the first set.

Despite the defeat, Murray retains his world number one ranking.

(AFP)

Djokovic won 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 in a high-quality, action-packed match between the two best players in the world lasting almost three hours

Novak Djokovic brought world number one Andy Murray's 28-match winning streak to an end in Doha on Saturday to retain the Qatar Open title in a three-set thriller. Serb star Djokovic won 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 in a high-quality, action-packed match between the two best players in the world lasting almost three hours. It is Djokovic's 25th career victory over Murray and puts down an early-season marker against his great British rival, before the Australian Open later this month. "Definitely one of the best ways to start a year," Djokovic said immediately after his victory. "I had three or four match points in the second set, he turned it around and I thought: Wow! I hope this isn't payback time! "He was close... all the way to the last shot you never know with Andy," added Djokovic who was penalised a point in the second set after destroying his racquet as the tension mounted. Despite going into the third set showing signs of frustration and weariness, Djokovic was able to claw away any momentum Murray had to secure his second successive title in Qatar and the $209,665 first prize. A break of Murray's serve in the seventh game of the final set -- when the Scot looked most likely to win -- proved decisive. Serving for the match, Djokovic secured the title on his fourth match point, having squandered three in the second set when Murray astonishingly recovered from 5-4 down and 40-15 to win three games in a row and force, at that point, an unlikely deciding set. It was Murray's first competitive defeat since losing to Juan Martin del Potro in the Davis Cup back in September. In a typically cagey start between the pair, Djokovic landed the first blow with his only break point of the first set. In the eighth game of the opener, he came back from 40-15 down to win four consecutive points and break Murray's serve. Then, in the seventh game of the second set Djokovic broke Murray again despite falling over and banging his head during one rally. It seemed to be the decisive blow, but Murray would not be easily brushed aside, rallying to take the game into the decider. Missed chances Murray said he was "obviously disappointed" to lose but was not too downbeat. "I think physically it was a good test to start the year," he said. He added that he lost having failed to capitalise on his chances. "I had a break point at 3-2. In the last game, I had love-30 on Novak's serve and played a couple of loose shots. I think I had the first break point in the first set as well, didn't get it. "He had one and took it, that was the difference this evening." Saturday's match was the first meeting between the pair since Murray beat the Serb at the ATP World Tour Finals in London in November, snatching Djokovic's number one ranking in the process. It was also the 20th time Djokovic has beaten Murray after winning the first set. Despite the defeat, Murray retains his world number one ranking. (AFP)

Novak Djokovic beats Andy Murray to win Qatar Open

Roger Federer says he hopes to play for at least another two to three years and that his &quot;mindset is for the long-term&quot; in assessing his tennis future.

Federer, who has not played since re-injuring his surgically repaired left knee at Wimbledon in July, will make his tournament return in the January 1-7 Hopman Cup team event at Perth, representing Switzerland with Belinda Bencic.

The 35-year-old Federer said Friday he&#39;s not sure of the form he&#39;ll produce upon his return, but that retirement isn&#39;t part of his thought process.

&quot;Only when I get asked do I think of things like this,&quot; said Federer, who has 17 Grand Slam singles titles, the most of any male player.

&quot;I don&#39;t see it like this, that this could be my last Australian trip, even though it might very well be,&quot; he added.

&quot;I&#39;m really positive. I took these six months off so I would be playing for hopefully another two to three years, not just another six months or so. So my mindset is for the long-term.&quot;

Federer hasn&#39;t won a Grand Slam singles title since Wimbledon in 2012, and with his injury, has slipped to No. 16 in the world rankings.

&quot;Winning titles is a beautiful feeling, rankings at the moments ... Completely secondary,&quot; Federer said Friday.

&quot;As long as I&#39;m healthy and injury free I think I can really do some damage.&quot;

Federer and Bencic begin&nbsp;their play&nbsp;against Britain, represented by Heather Wilson and Dan Evans, on Monday night at Perth Arena.

Defending champions Australia, represented by Daria Gavrilova and Nick Kyrgios, begin&nbsp;their play Sunday night against Spain.

Americans Coco Vandeweghe and Jack Sock take on Czech Republic&#39;s Lucie Hradecka and Adam Pavlasek earlier Sunday in the men&#39;s singles, women&#39;s singles and mixed doubles format.

(PTI)

Federer, who is embarking on a comeback trail at the Hopman Cup, insists he doesn't want to retire any time soon

Roger Federer says he hopes to play for at least another two to three years and that his "mindset is for the long-term" in assessing his tennis future. Federer, who has not played since re-injuring his surgically repaired left knee at Wimbledon in July, will make his tournament return in the January 1-7 Hopman Cup team event at Perth, representing Switzerland with Belinda Bencic. The 35-year-old Federer said Friday he's not sure of the form he'll produce upon his return, but that retirement isn't part of his thought process. "Only when I get asked do I think of things like this," said Federer, who has 17 Grand Slam singles titles, the most of any male player. "I don't see it like this, that this could be my last Australian trip, even though it might very well be," he added. "I'm really positive. I took these six months off so I would be playing for hopefully another two to three years, not just another six months or so. So my mindset is for the long-term." Federer hasn't won a Grand Slam singles title since Wimbledon in 2012, and with his injury, has slipped to No. 16 in the world rankings. "Winning titles is a beautiful feeling, rankings at the moments ... Completely secondary," Federer said Friday. "As long as I'm healthy and injury free I think I can really do some damage." Federer and Bencic begin their play against Britain, represented by Heather Wilson and Dan Evans, on Monday night at Perth Arena. Defending champions Australia, represented by Daria Gavrilova and Nick Kyrgios, begin their play Sunday night against Spain. Americans Coco Vandeweghe and Jack Sock take on Czech Republic's Lucie Hradecka and Adam Pavlasek earlier Sunday in the men's singles, women's singles and mixed doubles format. (PTI)

Roger Federer keen on playing for another 2-3 years

Tennis superstar Serena Williams announced on Thursday she is engaged to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, breaking the news with a poem on her verified Reddit account.

Williams, 35, and Ohanian, 33, did not reveal a wedding date in the postings, listed under the Reddit tag &#39;isaidyes&#39;.

&quot;I came home A little late, Someone had a bag packed for me, And a carriage awaited, Destination: Rome, To escort me to my very own &quot;charming&quot; Back to where our stars first collided, And now it was full circle At the same table we first met by chance, This time he made it not by chance But by choice, Down on one knee He said 4 words And r/isaidyes,&quot; Williams posted on her account.

A reply from his verified account said: &quot;And you made me the happiest man on the planet.&quot;

The WTA Tour, which Williams has dominated for much of her career, posted a photo of Williams and Ohanian on Twitter with a message of congratulations.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Congrats to <a href="https://twitter.com/serenawilliams">@SerenaWilliams</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/alexisohanian">@AlexisOhanian</a> on their engagement! ?? ?? <a href="https://t.co/mRVchROPx9">pic.twitter.com/mRVchROPx9</a>
&mdash; WTA (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/814559883924303873">December 29, 2016</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Williams won this year&#39;s Wimbledon crown, the 71st singles title of her career, to match Steffi Graf with an Open Era-record 22 Grand Slam singles titles, two shy of Margaret Court&#39;s all-time record.

She later completed 186 consecutive weeks as world number one, matching Graf for the longest run at the top in rankings history, but she was dethroned from the spot by Angelique Kerber in September.

(AFP)

Williams, 35, and Ohanian, 33, did not reveal a wedding date in the postings, listed under the Reddit tag 'isaidyes'

Tennis superstar Serena Williams announced on Thursday she is engaged to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, breaking the news with a poem on her verified Reddit account. Williams, 35, and Ohanian, 33, did not reveal a wedding date in the postings, listed under the Reddit tag 'isaidyes'. "I came home A little late, Someone had a bag packed for me, And a carriage awaited, Destination: Rome, To escort me to my very own "charming" Back to where our stars first collided, And now it was full circle At the same table we first met by chance, This time he made it not by chance But by choice, Down on one knee He said 4 words And r/isaidyes," Williams posted on her account. A reply from his verified account said: "And you made me the happiest man on the planet." The WTA Tour, which Williams has dominated for much of her career, posted a photo of Williams and Ohanian on Twitter with a message of congratulations. Congrats to @SerenaWilliams and @AlexisOhanian on their engagement! ?? ?? pic.twitter.com/mRVchROPx9 — WTA (@WTA) December 29, 2016 × Williams won this year's Wimbledon crown, the 71st singles title of her career, to match Steffi Graf with an Open Era-record 22 Grand Slam singles titles, two shy of Margaret Court's all-time record. She later completed 186 consecutive weeks as world number one, matching Graf for the longest run at the top in rankings history, but she was dethroned from the spot by Angelique Kerber in September. (AFP)

Tennis: Serena Williams engaged to Reddit co-founder

Federico Delbonis swept aside Croatia&#39;s Ivo Karlovic 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in Sunday&#39;s deciding rubber as Argentina clinched a first Davis Cup title with a stunning fightback in Zagreb.

Juan Martin del Potro, cheered on by Argentine football legend Diego Maradona, staged an incredible comeback from two sets down to beat Marin Cilic in the opening reverse singles to level the tie at 2-2.

Left-hander Delbonis then tamed the big-serving Karlovic as Argentina, runners-up on four previous occasions, became just the 15th country to lift the trophy in 116 years.

&quot;This is one of those dreams that has come true,&quot; said Delbonis.

&quot;I tried to keep focused to do what I had to do, that&#39;s all I could think because if I thought about anything else it would be a disaster.&quot;

Argentina coach Daniel Orsanic added: &quot;The guys were amazing today. Juan Martin won an incredible match and Federico played the match of his life.&quot;

Delbonis was beaten by Cilic in five sets in Friday&#39;s first singles match but blew away the 37-year-old Karlovic, an opponent ranked 21 places above him, in just over two hours.

The world number 41 broke Karlovic -- the oldest player to feature in a Davis Cup singles match since 43-year-old Australian Norman Brookes in 1920 -- four times to help Argentina banish the memories of losing finals appearances in 1981, 2006, 2008 and 2011.

But much of the credit will go to Del Potro after the Olympic silver medallist, who missed the majority of 2014 and 2015 through injury, outlasted Cilic in an epic five-hour battle of former US Open champions.

&quot;I was positive all the time and did not let my head drop after going two sets down,&quot; said Del Potro.

&quot;This was an emotionally exhausting match and one of the biggest wins of my career.&quot;

- Unprecedented recovery -

Del Potro had defeated Cilic in eight of 10 previous meetings, but Sunday&#39;s clash was the first since 2013 and the Croat was invigorated by an animated Zagreb Arena crowd.

Sixth-ranked Cilic dominated a first set tie-break, winning the first five points to seize control, and then broke Del Potro&#39;s serve twice in succession in the second set to move Croatia within sight of a second title.

But Del Potro, who rallied from behind to overcome Andy Murray in a five-set epic in the semi-final, displayed more remarkable resilience and produced an outrageous &#39;tweener&#39; to begin the third set.

Cilic fought off two early break points but then succumbed to nerves as the finish line approached, falling 0-40 behind on serve at 5-6, and Del Potro pounced at the third opportunity to reignite his country&#39;s hopes.

Del Potro&#39;s blistering forehand piled the pressure on Cilic, and the Argentine sent the match to a fifth set by converting his third set point after his opponent again faltered on serve at 5-4.

Del Potro committed a costly double fault to gift Cilic the advantage at the start of the deciding set, but the world number 38 hit straight back in the following game to level.

The Argentine then conjured up a pair of break points at 4-3 with a miscued forehand from Cilic paving the way for Del Potro to complete a stunning fightback -- his first ever from two sets down -- in four hours and 53 minutes. &nbsp;

&quot;It&rsquo;s a very hard defeat to take,&quot; said Cilic.&nbsp;

&quot;I am very disappointed but I have no regrets because I gave all I had and it was just one of those days when it didn&rsquo;t come off.&quot;

(AFP)

'This is one of those dreams that has come true,' said Federico Delbonis

Federico Delbonis swept aside Croatia's Ivo Karlovic 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in Sunday's deciding rubber as Argentina clinched a first Davis Cup title with a stunning fightback in Zagreb. Juan Martin del Potro, cheered on by Argentine football legend Diego Maradona, staged an incredible comeback from two sets down to beat Marin Cilic in the opening reverse singles to level the tie at 2-2. Left-hander Delbonis then tamed the big-serving Karlovic as Argentina, runners-up on four previous occasions, became just the 15th country to lift the trophy in 116 years. "This is one of those dreams that has come true," said Delbonis. "I tried to keep focused to do what I had to do, that's all I could think because if I thought about anything else it would be a disaster." Argentina coach Daniel Orsanic added: "The guys were amazing today. Juan Martin won an incredible match and Federico played the match of his life." Delbonis was beaten by Cilic in five sets in Friday's first singles match but blew away the 37-year-old Karlovic, an opponent ranked 21 places above him, in just over two hours. The world number 41 broke Karlovic -- the oldest player to feature in a Davis Cup singles match since 43-year-old Australian Norman Brookes in 1920 -- four times to help Argentina banish the memories of losing finals appearances in 1981, 2006, 2008 and 2011. But much of the credit will go to Del Potro after the Olympic silver medallist, who missed the majority of 2014 and 2015 through injury, outlasted Cilic in an epic five-hour battle of former US Open champions. "I was positive all the time and did not let my head drop after going two sets down," said Del Potro. "This was an emotionally exhausting match and one of the biggest wins of my career." - Unprecedented recovery - Del Potro had defeated Cilic in eight of 10 previous meetings, but Sunday's clash was the first since 2013 and the Croat was invigorated by an animated Zagreb Arena crowd. Sixth-ranked Cilic dominated a first set tie-break, winning the first five points to seize control, and then broke Del Potro's serve twice in succession in the second set to move Croatia within sight of a second title. But Del Potro, who rallied from behind to overcome Andy Murray in a five-set epic in the semi-final, displayed more remarkable resilience and produced an outrageous 'tweener' to begin the third set. Cilic fought off two early break points but then succumbed to nerves as the finish line approached, falling 0-40 behind on serve at 5-6, and Del Potro pounced at the third opportunity to reignite his country's hopes. Del Potro's blistering forehand piled the pressure on Cilic, and the Argentine sent the match to a fifth set by converting his third set point after his opponent again faltered on serve at 5-4. Del Potro committed a costly double fault to gift Cilic the advantage at the start of the deciding set, but the world number 38 hit straight back in the following game to level. The Argentine then conjured up a pair of break points at 4-3 with a miscued forehand from Cilic paving the way for Del Potro to complete a stunning fightback -- his first ever from two sets down -- in four hours and 53 minutes. "It’s a very hard defeat to take," said Cilic. "I am very disappointed but I have no regrets because I gave all I had and it was just one of those days when it didn’t come off." (AFP)

Tennis: Delbonis seals Argentina's maiden Davis Cup title

Andy Murray swept into the semi-finals of the ATP Tour Finals with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Stan Wawrinka on Friday as the world number one remained on course for a final showdown against Novak Djokovic.

Murray brushed aside Wawrinka in 86 minutes at London&#39;s O2 Arena to ensure he finished top of his group and avoided a last four clash with Djokovic.

Instead, the 29-year-old will face Canada&#39;s Milos Raonic in Saturday&#39;s semi-finals.

Wawrinka&#39;s defeat means Japan&#39;s Kei Nishikori qualifies as runner-up to Murray and he takes on defending champion Djokovic in the other semi-final.

Murray ended Djokovic&#39;s 122-week reign at the top of the rankings two weeks ago, but to guarantee finishing 2016 in pole position, he must win the Tour Finals for the first time.

He looks in the mood to do just that on the evidence of a ruthless performance against US Open champion Wawrinka, which took his winning streak to 22 matches and equalled his career best run earlier this year.

&quot;The first set was tight. There weren&#39;t many chances. I managed to get the break late in the set,&quot; Murray said.

&quot;In the second set I&#39;d already qualified for the semis so maybe it was easier for me to play more free than him. Stan is one of the best players in the world. When he&#39;s at his best he&#39;s unplayable, but I played a solid match. I&#39;m happy to get to the semis.&quot;

This has been an incredible year for Murray, who has won Wimbledon for the second time, claimed a second Olympic gold medal and become a father for the first time.

To finish it on another high, Murray must repeat this year&#39;s Wimbledon and Queen&#39;s final triumphs against the big serving Raonic.

That would set up a possible winner-takes-all meeting with his old rival Djokovic to determine who secures the Tour Finals title and the world number one ranking.

(AFP)

Murray will take on defending champion Djokovic in the finals if he ensures a win against Canada's Raonic in the semi-finals

Andy Murray swept into the semi-finals of the ATP Tour Finals with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Stan Wawrinka on Friday as the world number one remained on course for a final showdown against Novak Djokovic. Murray brushed aside Wawrinka in 86 minutes at London's O2 Arena to ensure he finished top of his group and avoided a last four clash with Djokovic. Instead, the 29-year-old will face Canada's Milos Raonic in Saturday's semi-finals. Wawrinka's defeat means Japan's Kei Nishikori qualifies as runner-up to Murray and he takes on defending champion Djokovic in the other semi-final. Murray ended Djokovic's 122-week reign at the top of the rankings two weeks ago, but to guarantee finishing 2016 in pole position, he must win the Tour Finals for the first time. He looks in the mood to do just that on the evidence of a ruthless performance against US Open champion Wawrinka, which took his winning streak to 22 matches and equalled his career best run earlier this year. "The first set was tight. There weren't many chances. I managed to get the break late in the set," Murray said. "In the second set I'd already qualified for the semis so maybe it was easier for me to play more free than him. Stan is one of the best players in the world. When he's at his best he's unplayable, but I played a solid match. I'm happy to get to the semis." This has been an incredible year for Murray, who has won Wimbledon for the second time, claimed a second Olympic gold medal and become a father for the first time. To finish it on another high, Murray must repeat this year's Wimbledon and Queen's final triumphs against the big serving Raonic. That would set up a possible winner-takes-all meeting with his old rival Djokovic to determine who secures the Tour Finals title and the world number one ranking. (AFP)

Tennis: Murray sweeps into semi-finals of ATP Tour Finals

If Andy Murray was grateful to Marin Cilic for facilitating his rise to the summit this month it was not evident as he added the Croatian to his lengthening list of victims at the ATP World Tour Finals on Monday.

It was Cilic&#39;s defeat of Novak Djokovic at the Paris Masters that opened the door for Murray to seize the number one ranking he had spent his whole career pursuing.

Murray repaid the favour with a 6-3, 6-2 win, his 20th in succession, although it was far from a drubbing as Cilic tried his utmost to ruin&nbsp;Scot&#39;s homecoming.

Four more performances like that at the O2 Arena this week should guarantee the 29-year-old will end 2016 leading the pack.

Murray had lost his most recent meeting with Cilic, the Cincinnati Masters final in August, and on Wednesday he will face Japan&#39;s Kei Nishikori who stopped him in the US&nbsp;Open quarter-finals, Murray&#39;s last Tour level defeat.

Nishikori had earlier beaten Swiss Stan Wawrinka 6-2 6-3 in the John McEnroe group, although that match was as one-sided as the scoreline suggested with Wawrinka badly off key.

Murray has been handed a tougher-looking group than Novak Djokovic, the man he deposed and who could still snatch back the top ranking, but he cleared the first hurdle in style in front of a near full house who welcomed him home like a returning hero.

&quot;It was a great reception,&quot; Murray, Britain&#39;s first ATP singles world number one, told reporters.

&quot;After a long kind of few months, it&#39;s nice to know that I&#39;m going to be finishing the year playing in that sort of atmosphere. It helps you get up for the matches a bit more.&quot;

Murray served four double faults in the early stages and came under a fierce assault by Cilic.

But in his first match since officially taking over at the top, he showed all the attributes that have made him all but unbeatable since his French Open final loss to Djokovic.

Even when Cilic cancelled out an early break Murray responded immediately to move 3-1 ahead.

He conjured an ace to stave off a break point in the next game and eventually took a high-quality opener in 45 minutes.

Cilic had chances again at the start of the second set but it was Murray who struck in the fifth game with a blistering forehand winner. Murray then put the hammer down.

&quot;A little bit unfortunate to go 6-3, 6-2, it felt it was much, much closer in the first set, beginning of the second,&quot; Cilic, who will play Wawrinka on Wednesday, told reporters.

Wawrinka will have to improve considerably.

The US&nbsp;Open champion sprayed more than 30 unforced errors against Nishikori in a disappointingly one-sided clash.

Wawrinka tried to pump himself up at the start of the second set, delivering a couple of signature backhands, but he looked a shadow of the player who claimed a third grand slam title by beating Djokovic in New York in September.

&quot;I thought I could play at a better level today. I was expecting a good match. Didn&#39;t happen today,&quot; Wawrinka said.

(Reuters)

Andy Murray beat the Croatian 6-3, 6-2 at the ATP World Tour Finals on Monday

If Andy Murray was grateful to Marin Cilic for facilitating his rise to the summit this month it was not evident as he added the Croatian to his lengthening list of victims at the ATP World Tour Finals on Monday. It was Cilic's defeat of Novak Djokovic at the Paris Masters that opened the door for Murray to seize the number one ranking he had spent his whole career pursuing. Murray repaid the favour with a 6-3, 6-2 win, his 20th in succession, although it was far from a drubbing as Cilic tried his utmost to ruin Scot's homecoming. Four more performances like that at the O2 Arena this week should guarantee the 29-year-old will end 2016 leading the pack. Murray had lost his most recent meeting with Cilic, the Cincinnati Masters final in August, and on Wednesday he will face Japan's Kei Nishikori who stopped him in the US Open quarter-finals, Murray's last Tour level defeat. Nishikori had earlier beaten Swiss Stan Wawrinka 6-2 6-3 in the John McEnroe group, although that match was as one-sided as the scoreline suggested with Wawrinka badly off key. Murray has been handed a tougher-looking group than Novak Djokovic, the man he deposed and who could still snatch back the top ranking, but he cleared the first hurdle in style in front of a near full house who welcomed him home like a returning hero. "It was a great reception," Murray, Britain's first ATP singles world number one, told reporters. "After a long kind of few months, it's nice to know that I'm going to be finishing the year playing in that sort of atmosphere. It helps you get up for the matches a bit more." Murray served four double faults in the early stages and came under a fierce assault by Cilic. But in his first match since officially taking over at the top, he showed all the attributes that have made him all but unbeatable since his French Open final loss to Djokovic. Even when Cilic cancelled out an early break Murray responded immediately to move 3-1 ahead. He conjured an ace to stave off a break point in the next game and eventually took a high-quality opener in 45 minutes. Cilic had chances again at the start of the second set but it was Murray who struck in the fifth game with a blistering forehand winner. Murray then put the hammer down. "A little bit unfortunate to go 6-3, 6-2, it felt it was much, much closer in the first set, beginning of the second," Cilic, who will play Wawrinka on Wednesday, told reporters. Wawrinka will have to improve considerably. The US Open champion sprayed more than 30 unforced errors against Nishikori in a disappointingly one-sided clash. Wawrinka tried to pump himself up at the start of the second set, delivering a couple of signature backhands, but he looked a shadow of the player who claimed a third grand slam title by beating Djokovic in New York in September. "I thought I could play at a better level today. I was expecting a good match. Didn't happen today," Wawrinka said. (Reuters)

Returning hero Murray masters Cilic, Nishikori wins

Deposed world number one Novak Djokovic suffered an early scare against Austrian debutant Dominic Thiem at the ATP World Tour Finals before launching his bid for a fifth successive title with a 6-7(10), 6-0, 6-2 victory.

Thiem, the youngest of the eight qualifiers for the year-ender endeared himself to a sell-out O2 Arena crowd with a swashbuckling first set tiebreak which he sealed at the seventh time of asking with a sizzling forehand winner.

Djokovic, who could still end the year as world number one by doing better than new top dog Andy Murray, had looked reasonably comfortable, if a little flat, before Thiem upped the pace to take the opener.

Any chance of a shock opening loss to a man he had previously never dropped a set to in three meetings quickly subsided though as Djokovic found another gear to race through the second and third sets.

The second set was over in 23 minutes and once Djokovic forged a break ahead in the third game of the decider there was no way back for his Austrian opponent.

Later on Sunday in the Ivan Lendl group Gael Monfils, another first-timer at the event, takes on Canada&#39;s Milos Raonic.

Murray, who ended Djokovic&#39;s 122-week spell at the top of the rankings last week in Paris, faces Croatia&#39;s Marin Cilic in Monday&#39;s second John McEnroe group match after Japan&#39;s Kei Nishikori takes on US&nbsp;Open champion Stan Wawrinka.

Home favourite Murray leads Djokovic by 405 points but with 275 Davis Cup final points about to drop off his total, the year-end positions will be decided in the coming days, possibly in a showdown in next Sunday&#39;s final.

(Reuters)

Djokivic launched his bid for a fifth successive title with a 6-7(10), 6-0, 6-2 victory over Austrian debutant Dominic Thiem

Deposed world number one Novak Djokovic suffered an early scare against Austrian debutant Dominic Thiem at the ATP World Tour Finals before launching his bid for a fifth successive title with a 6-7(10), 6-0, 6-2 victory. Thiem, the youngest of the eight qualifiers for the year-ender endeared himself to a sell-out O2 Arena crowd with a swashbuckling first set tiebreak which he sealed at the seventh time of asking with a sizzling forehand winner. Djokovic, who could still end the year as world number one by doing better than new top dog Andy Murray, had looked reasonably comfortable, if a little flat, before Thiem upped the pace to take the opener. Any chance of a shock opening loss to a man he had previously never dropped a set to in three meetings quickly subsided though as Djokovic found another gear to race through the second and third sets. The second set was over in 23 minutes and once Djokovic forged a break ahead in the third game of the decider there was no way back for his Austrian opponent. Later on Sunday in the Ivan Lendl group Gael Monfils, another first-timer at the event, takes on Canada's Milos Raonic. Murray, who ended Djokovic's 122-week spell at the top of the rankings last week in Paris, faces Croatia's Marin Cilic in Monday's second John McEnroe group match after Japan's Kei Nishikori takes on US Open champion Stan Wawrinka. Home favourite Murray leads Djokovic by 405 points but with 275 Davis Cup final points about to drop off his total, the year-end positions will be decided in the coming days, possibly in a showdown in next Sunday's final. (Reuters)

ATP World Tour Finals: Djokovic beats Thiem after early scare

Newly-crowned World No 1 Andy Murray has been drawn in a group with Stan Wawrinka, Kei Nishikori and Marin Cilic for next week&#39;s season-ending ATP World Tour Finals in London.

On Monday, Murray ended Novak Djokovic&#39;s 122-week reign to become the second-oldest player since John Newcombe in 1974 to debut at 
World No&nbsp;1.

The Briton will start his group round-robin matches against Croatian Cilic at the O2 Arena on November 14,Sport24 reported.In contrast, things look slightly easier for current second-ranked Djokovic as he has been placed with tournament debutants Gael Monfils, Dominic Thiem and Canada&#39;s Milos Raonic.

What makes the Serbian the likely group winner is the fact that he had never suffered a defeat to any of the players in his group before with a 23-0 record.Djokovic will kick off his campaign with a clash against Austria&#39;s Thiem.

Murray is currently 405-point ahead Djokovic in the race to finish the year ranked in the top spot, with 1,500 points up for grabs for a champion who goes undefeated at the World Tour Finals in London.

(ANI)

Murray ended Novak Djokovic's 122-week reign on Monday to become the second-oldest player since John Newcombe in 1974 to debut at World No?1

Newly-crowned World No 1 Andy Murray has been drawn in a group with Stan Wawrinka, Kei Nishikori and Marin Cilic for next week's season-ending ATP World Tour Finals in London. On Monday, Murray ended Novak Djokovic's 122-week reign to become the second-oldest player since John Newcombe in 1974 to debut at World No 1. The Briton will start his group round-robin matches against Croatian Cilic at the O2 Arena on November 14,Sport24 reported.In contrast, things look slightly easier for current second-ranked Djokovic as he has been placed with tournament debutants Gael Monfils, Dominic Thiem and Canada's Milos Raonic. What makes the Serbian the likely group winner is the fact that he had never suffered a defeat to any of the players in his group before with a 23-0 record.Djokovic will kick off his campaign with a clash against Austria's Thiem. Murray is currently 405-point ahead Djokovic in the race to finish the year ranked in the top spot, with 1,500 points up for grabs for a champion who goes undefeated at the World Tour Finals in London. (ANI)

Tennis: Andy Murray handed tough draw at ATP finals

Britain&#39;s Andy Murray became the new world number one on Saturday after Milos Raonic withdrew from their Paris Masters semi-final with injury.

The walkover will see Murray, 29, move to the top of the rankings for the first time in his career after replacing long-time incumbent Novak Djokovic.

Raonic said he had suffered a muscle tear in his right leg in his previous match, sending Murray through to face John Isner in Sunday&#39;s final.

&quot;This morning I had trouble waking up and getting out of bed. So I went to sort of clear any serious diagnosis,&quot; said Raonic, who hurt himself in Friday&#39;s quarter-final win over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.&nbsp;

&quot;Did some tests. Did an MRI half an hour ago, let&#39;s say. They found that I have a tear, Grade 1 tear in the right quad.&nbsp;

&quot;Unfortunately, I&#39;m not able to compete against Andy today in the second semi-final.&quot;

(AFP) 
&nbsp;

Murray replaced Djokovic to take the top spot for the first time in hi career after Raonic pulled out citing a leg injury

Britain's Andy Murray became the new world number one on Saturday after Milos Raonic withdrew from their Paris Masters semi-final with injury. The walkover will see Murray, 29, move to the top of the rankings for the first time in his career after replacing long-time incumbent Novak Djokovic. Raonic said he had suffered a muscle tear in his right leg in his previous match, sending Murray through to face John Isner in Sunday's final. "This morning I had trouble waking up and getting out of bed. So I went to sort of clear any serious diagnosis," said Raonic, who hurt himself in Friday's quarter-final win over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. "Did some tests. Did an MRI half an hour ago, let's say. They found that I have a tear, Grade 1 tear in the right quad. "Unfortunately, I'm not able to compete against Andy today in the second semi-final." (AFP)

Tennis: Murray becomes world number one after Raonic withdraws from Paris Masters

Former US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro clinched his first ATP title in almost three years with a 7-5, 6-1 victory over American Jack Sock in Sunday&#39;s final in Stockholm.

The Argentine, who won at Flushing Meadows in 2009 before suffering a series of wrist injuries that pushed him to the brink of retirement, needed just over an hour and a quarter to beat sixth-seeded Sock.

&quot;I&rsquo;ve been trying to fix my problems for the past two years and I didn&rsquo;t expect to win a title at this moment in my career. I am so happy to get the trophy here. It&rsquo;s motivation for looking forward to the future,&quot; said Del Potro.

On Saturday, del Potro had beaten Bulgaria&#39;s Grigor Dimitrov with an impressive 6-4, 7-5 to enter the final. The 28-year-old last played a tour final in Sydney in January 2014, when he beat home favourite Bernard Tomic 6-3, 6-1.

The world number 63 played just six tournaments across 2014 and 2015 but has gradually rediscovered the form that once enabled him to reach fourth in the world.

Del Potro helped his country defeat Murray&#39;s Great Britain in this year&#39;s Davis Cup semi-finals and will seek to lead Argentina to their first title against Croatia next month.

(AFP)

&nbsp;

Playing in a major final after almost two years, del Potro bagged the Stockholm Open with an impressive 7-5, 6-1 win over American Jack Sock

Former US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro clinched his first ATP title in almost three years with a 7-5, 6-1 victory over American Jack Sock in Sunday's final in Stockholm. The Argentine, who won at Flushing Meadows in 2009 before suffering a series of wrist injuries that pushed him to the brink of retirement, needed just over an hour and a quarter to beat sixth-seeded Sock. "I’ve been trying to fix my problems for the past two years and I didn’t expect to win a title at this moment in my career. I am so happy to get the trophy here. It’s motivation for looking forward to the future," said Del Potro. On Saturday, del Potro had beaten Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov with an impressive 6-4, 7-5 to enter the final. The 28-year-old last played a tour final in Sydney in January 2014, when he beat home favourite Bernard Tomic 6-3, 6-1. The world number 63 played just six tournaments across 2014 and 2015 but has gradually rediscovered the form that once enabled him to reach fourth in the world. Del Potro helped his country defeat Murray's Great Britain in this year's Davis Cup semi-finals and will seek to lead Argentina to their first title against Croatia next month. (AFP)

Tennis: Del Potro wins first ATP title in three years

Andy Murray took Novak Djokovic&#39;s China Open crown at the weekend, but that&#39;s not all that the Scot is after as he closes in on the Serb&#39;s number one ranking.

The second-ranked Scot is looking to close the points gap to Djokovic and cap a career-best season by topping the rankings for the first time.

Murray made a convincing start to that campaign in Beijing, storming through the tournament without dropping a set.&nbsp;

He beat Grigor Dimitrov to claim his fifth title of the year, and take him 1,000 points closer to Djokovic&#39;s long-held number one spot.&nbsp;

&quot;It&#39;s very positive leading into Shanghai, and hopefully I can finish the year strong,&quot; Murray said in Beijing.

Djokovic wasn&#39;t in the Chinese capital to defend his China Open crown, having pulled out with an elbow injury, but both are playing at this week&#39;s Shanghai Masters.

The Serb also won in Shanghai last year -- another trophy in what was one of the best seasons in tennis history -- and so now has to defend those ranking points whereas Murray only will be banking&nbsp;points to&nbsp;further reduce the 3,005-point gap to Djokovic.

In a year that also saw him become a father for the first time, Murray bagged both his second Wimbledon crowns and Olympic gold medals.

He also reached the final of the Australian and French Opens&nbsp;but missed out on a second consecutive Davis Cup win when Great Britain lost to Argentina in the semi-finals.

As Murray aims to become the first British man to reach number one, he is already writing history with Johanna Konta.

The 25-year-old Sydney-born Briton broke into the top 10 with her run to the final at her maiden appearance at the China Open -- the first British woman since Jo Durie in 1984 to achieve that feat.

It is also the first time since computerised rankings were introduced that a British man and woman are ranked in the top 10 at the same time.

Konta is now in Hong Kong to try to cap a stunning rise over the last 15 months from 146th to ninth with her first appearance at the WTA Finals in Singapore, which features the season&#39;s top eight players.

&quot;She finished last year extremely well and kind of showed that she had the potential to get there with the wins that she was having.&nbsp;

&quot;But it&#39;s not easy to do it over a 12-month period,&quot; Murray said of Konta.&nbsp;

&quot;It&#39;s exciting to see kind of how far she&#39;s going to be able to go.&quot;

(AFP)

With his second Wimbledon crown and Olympic gold medals this year, Murray aims to become the first British man to reach number one

Andy Murray took Novak Djokovic's China Open crown at the weekend, but that's not all that the Scot is after as he closes in on the Serb's number one ranking. The second-ranked Scot is looking to close the points gap to Djokovic and cap a career-best season by topping the rankings for the first time. Murray made a convincing start to that campaign in Beijing, storming through the tournament without dropping a set. He beat Grigor Dimitrov to claim his fifth title of the year, and take him 1,000 points closer to Djokovic's long-held number one spot. "It's very positive leading into Shanghai, and hopefully I can finish the year strong," Murray said in Beijing. Djokovic wasn't in the Chinese capital to defend his China Open crown, having pulled out with an elbow injury, but both are playing at this week's Shanghai Masters. The Serb also won in Shanghai last year -- another trophy in what was one of the best seasons in tennis history -- and so now has to defend those ranking points whereas Murray only will be banking points to further reduce the 3,005-point gap to Djokovic. In a year that also saw him become a father for the first time, Murray bagged both his second Wimbledon crowns and Olympic gold medals. He also reached the final of the Australian and French Opens but missed out on a second consecutive Davis Cup win when Great Britain lost to Argentina in the semi-finals. As Murray aims to become the first British man to reach number one, he is already writing history with Johanna Konta. The 25-year-old Sydney-born Briton broke into the top 10 with her run to the final at her maiden appearance at the China Open -- the first British woman since Jo Durie in 1984 to achieve that feat. It is also the first time since computerised rankings were introduced that a British man and woman are ranked in the top 10 at the same time. Konta is now in Hong Kong to try to cap a stunning rise over the last 15 months from 146th to ninth with her first appearance at the WTA Finals in Singapore, which features the season's top eight players. "She finished last year extremely well and kind of showed that she had the potential to get there with the wins that she was having. "But it's not easy to do it over a 12-month period," Murray said of Konta. "It's exciting to see kind of how far she's going to be able to go." (AFP)

Tennis: Murray eyes world number one spot, targets 'strong' year-end to topple Djokovic

World number two Andy Murray overwhelmed Italy&#39;s Andreas Seppi 6-2 7-5, while&nbsp;second seed Rafael Nadal crushed veteran Italian Paolo Lorenzi 6-1 6-1 to reach the second round of the China Open&nbsp;on Tuesday.

Britain&#39;s&nbsp;Murray, a three-time&nbsp;grand slam champion, showed no signs of fatigue having just recovered from a thigh injury. He&nbsp;wrapped up the match in under an hour and 30 minutes.

&quot;I thought I did okay considering I hadn&#39;t played much the past couple of weeks. I think I can do better,&quot; Murray told reporters.&nbsp;&quot;There was some good stuff in there. With each match, I&#39;ll play better hopefully. No injuries. Felt fine. Just need matches now,&quot; the top seed added.

Murray will play the winner of the all-Russian clash between Andrey Kuznetsov and Konstantin Kravchuk in the next round.

Nadal, who won the China Open in 2005, won 79 per cent of his first-serve points to breeze past the 34-year-old Lorenzi.

The 30-year-old Spaniard will next face compatriot Albert Ramos-Vinolas or French qualifier Adrian Mannarino.

Third seed Milos Raonic beat Germany&#39;s Florian Mayer 6-4 7-6(1) and the big-serving Canadian will meet either Argentina&#39;s Guido Pella or Tunisia&#39;s Malek Jaziri in the next round.

During a rain-hit day in Beijing, Germany&#39;s Alexander Zverev upset fourth seed Dominic Thiem 4-6 6-1 6-3 to advance to a second-round clash with American Jack Sock.

Defending champion and world number one Novak Djokovic withdrew from the tournament due to an elbow injury.

(Reuters)

Defending champion and world number one Novak Djokovic withdrew from the tournament due to an elbow injury

World number two Andy Murray overwhelmed Italy's Andreas Seppi 6-2 7-5, while second seed Rafael Nadal crushed veteran Italian Paolo Lorenzi 6-1 6-1 to reach the second round of the China Open on Tuesday. Britain's Murray, a three-time grand slam champion, showed no signs of fatigue having just recovered from a thigh injury. He wrapped up the match in under an hour and 30 minutes. "I thought I did okay considering I hadn't played much the past couple of weeks. I think I can do better," Murray told reporters. "There was some good stuff in there. With each match, I'll play better hopefully. No injuries. Felt fine. Just need matches now," the top seed added. Murray will play the winner of the all-Russian clash between Andrey Kuznetsov and Konstantin Kravchuk in the next round. Nadal, who won the China Open in 2005, won 79 per cent of his first-serve points to breeze past the 34-year-old Lorenzi. The 30-year-old Spaniard will next face compatriot Albert Ramos-Vinolas or French qualifier Adrian Mannarino. Third seed Milos Raonic beat Germany's Florian Mayer 6-4 7-6(1) and the big-serving Canadian will meet either Argentina's Guido Pella or Tunisia's Malek Jaziri in the next round. During a rain-hit day in Beijing, Germany's Alexander Zverev upset fourth seed Dominic Thiem 4-6 6-1 6-3 to advance to a second-round clash with American Jack Sock. Defending champion and world number one Novak Djokovic withdrew from the tournament due to an elbow injury. (Reuters)

Murray and Nadal ease into second round of China Open

Maria Sharapova&rsquo;s punishment will be reduced by nine months, the Court of Arbitration for Sport announced, ruling that the original penalty was disproportionately harsh for an infraction that Sharapova committed unintentionally.

Sharapova, 29, tested positive for meldonium, a heart medication newly banned by antidoping regulators, at the Australian Open in January. She publicly disclosed the violation in March, days after she was privately notified of the lab results.

Sharapova&#39;s two-year doping ban has been reduced to 15 months following her appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

&quot;I am counting the days until I can return to the court,&quot; she said.

She will now be eligible to return to international competition on April 25, 2017, a week after her 30th birthday and in time for both the French Open and Wimbledon.

Under the previous ruling, she would have been suspended until January&nbsp;25, 2018. Whil&nbsp;she is no doubt thrilled about the vast reduction of her sentence, much damage has already been done;&nbsp;Sharapova had to miss the 2016 Rio Olympics and this year&#39;s final grand slam, the US Open.

Sharapova has won five Grand Slam titles, and captured the silver in&nbsp;singles tennis at the&nbsp;Olympic Games&nbsp;in London, 2012.

(Wion, with inputs from Reuters)

The Russian tennis star will be back on the court in time for Wimbledon and the French Open in 2017

Maria Sharapova’s punishment will be reduced by nine months, the Court of Arbitration for Sport announced, ruling that the original penalty was disproportionately harsh for an infraction that Sharapova committed unintentionally. Sharapova, 29, tested positive for meldonium, a heart medication newly banned by antidoping regulators, at the Australian Open in January. She publicly disclosed the violation in March, days after she was privately notified of the lab results. Sharapova's two-year doping ban has been reduced to 15 months following her appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. "I am counting the days until I can return to the court," she said. She will now be eligible to return to international competition on April 25, 2017, a week after her 30th birthday and in time for both the French Open and Wimbledon. Under the previous ruling, she would have been suspended until January 25, 2018. Whil she is no doubt thrilled about the vast reduction of her sentence, much damage has already been done; Sharapova had to miss the 2016 Rio Olympics and this year's final grand slam, the US Open. Sharapova has won five Grand Slam titles, and captured the silver in singles tennis at the Olympic Games in London, 2012. (Wion, with inputs from Reuters)

Maria Sharapova's ban reduced to 15 months from 2 years

Serena Williams announced on Friday that she has pulled out of two forthcoming tournaments in China citing an ongoing shoulder injury. 
 
&quot;I am disappointed that I will not be able to compete at the Dongfeng Motor Wuhan Open or the China Open due to continuing issues with my right shoulder,&quot; Williams said in a statement. 
 
Williams has not been seen on court since the US Open earlier this month, where she was knocked out by Czech Karolina Pliskova in the semi-finals and lost her long-held position as world number one to eventual winner Angelique Kerber. 
 
(AFP)

Williams released a statement saying she will not be able to compete at the China Open due to continuing issues with her right shoulder

Serena Williams announced on Friday that she has pulled out of two forthcoming tournaments in China citing an ongoing shoulder injury. "I am disappointed that I will not be able to compete at the Dongfeng Motor Wuhan Open or the China Open due to continuing issues with my right shoulder," Williams said in a statement. Williams has not been seen on court since the US Open earlier this month, where she was knocked out by Czech Karolina Pliskova in the semi-finals and lost her long-held position as world number one to eventual winner Angelique Kerber. (AFP)

Serena Williams pulls out of China tournaments due to injury

Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal on Friday pulled out of the opening Davis Cup playoff singles against India owing to an upset stomach, the tournament&#39;s official website stated. 
 
Nadal was to play Indian Ramkumar Ramanathan on Friday. 
 
Feliciano Lopez will replace&nbsp;the former world number one who lost to Frenchman Lucas Pouille in the fourth round of the US Open earlier this month. 
 
Nadal is hoping to feature in Sunday&#39;s reverse singles against Saketh Myneni at the RK Khanna stadium in New Delhi, Reuters reported. 
 
(WION with inputs from Reuters)

Feliciano Lopez will replace?Nadal who hopes to feature in Sunday's reverse singles against Saketh Myneni

Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal on Friday pulled out of the opening Davis Cup playoff singles against India owing to an upset stomach, the tournament's official website stated. Nadal was to play Indian Ramkumar Ramanathan on Friday. Feliciano Lopez will replace the former world number one who lost to Frenchman Lucas Pouille in the fourth round of the US Open earlier this month. Nadal is hoping to feature in Sunday's reverse singles against Saketh Myneni at the RK Khanna stadium in New Delhi, Reuters reported. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

Davis Cup: Nadal pulls out of opening singles citing upset stomach

Germany&#39;s Angelique Kerber began her reign as world number one in imperious style battling past a determined Karolina Pliskova 6-3 4-6 6-4 to win the US Open final on Saturday and claim her second grand slam title of the year. 
 
Kerber, who officially takes over from Serena Williams as the world&#39;s top ranked player on Monday, underlined her number one status displaying the heart of a champion as she fought off a fierce challenge from Czech 10th seed Pliskova on a steamy afternoon at Arthur Ashe Stadium. 
 
The 28-year-old began the grand slam year beating Serena Williams to lift the Australian Open title and celebrated again on Saturday when she became the first German to win the US Open in 20 years. 
 
Kerber recovered from a break down in the third set, pouncing on her wilting opponent with two breaks in the third set to end a compelling, high-quality battle of attrition that stretched for two hours and seven minutes. 
 
&quot;It&rsquo;s just amazing,&quot; a beaming Kerber, told an adoring crowd after being handed the winner&#39;s cheque of $3.5 million. &quot;I won my second grand slam in one year. That&rsquo;s the best of my career. 
 
&quot;Actually just incredible.&nbsp;When I was a kid I was always dreaming to be the number one player in the world and win grand slams and today is the day I won my second grand slam here, especially in New York. I&rsquo;m the number one player on Monday. 
 
&quot;All the dreams came true this year.&quot; 
 
Pliskova, who arrived at Flushing Meadows with a reputation of grand slam under-achiever having never before been beyond the third round of the major, shed that label by making it all the way to the final and taking on back-to-back world number ones. 
 
After beating top ranked Serena Williams in the semi-finals to end the American&#39;s record-equalling 186 consecutive weeks stay at the top of the rankings, the big-hitting Pliskova, who has led the WTA Tour in aces the last two season, attacked her successor in the final but could not break down the tireless German&#39;s defence. 
 
&quot;You cannot compare those two (Serena Williams and Kerber),&quot; explained Pliskova. &quot;The game is totally different. The persons&nbsp;as well. Serena is going for every shot.&nbsp;With Angie, you cannot wait for mistakes. She doesn&#39;t give you anything. I have to be the one who is aggressive. 
 
&quot;I beat very good players. It was always my goal to pass the third round and I made it to the final.&quot; 
 
Kerber admires compatriot Steffi Graf, but is blazing her own trail. 
 
Comparisons, though, are inevitable after Kerber became the first German to win the US Open since Graf claimed the last of her five Flushing Meadows crowns in 1996. 
 
&quot;She was always my idol and I told her so many times,&quot; said Kerber, adding that Graf had sent her a text wishing her luck. &quot;For me it&#39;s really important to go on my own way.&quot; 
 
The match opened with Kerber breaking a jittery Pliskova and ended the same way, though for most part it was a very even contest. 
 
Kerber&#39;s loss of the second set was the first time the entire championship that she had dropped a set. 
 
But she fought back in the third set and wore down the towering Czech, who started to wilt in the punishing conditions, hunching over her racket at the end of almost every point. 
 
Kerber, sensing an opening, stepped up the pressure and pace getting triple break point at 5-4 and closed out the contest on the first match point. 
 
&quot;I think I was just believing in myself in the third set and just going for it,&quot; said Kerber. 
 
&quot;I think that was the key at the end of the third set, that I was trying to take the chance, just go for it.&quot; 
 
(Reuters)

Kerber beat Pliskova 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, claiming her second grand slam title of the year. She is the first German to win the US Open in 20 years

Germany's Angelique Kerber began her reign as world number one in imperious style battling past a determined Karolina Pliskova 6-3 4-6 6-4 to win the US Open final on Saturday and claim her second grand slam title of the year. Kerber, who officially takes over from Serena Williams as the world's top ranked player on Monday, underlined her number one status displaying the heart of a champion as she fought off a fierce challenge from Czech 10th seed Pliskova on a steamy afternoon at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The 28-year-old began the grand slam year beating Serena Williams to lift the Australian Open title and celebrated again on Saturday when she became the first German to win the US Open in 20 years. Kerber recovered from a break down in the third set, pouncing on her wilting opponent with two breaks in the third set to end a compelling, high-quality battle of attrition that stretched for two hours and seven minutes. "It’s just amazing," a beaming Kerber, told an adoring crowd after being handed the winner's cheque of $3.5 million. "I won my second grand slam in one year. That’s the best of my career. "Actually just incredible. When I was a kid I was always dreaming to be the number one player in the world and win grand slams and today is the day I won my second grand slam here, especially in New York. I’m the number one player on Monday. "All the dreams came true this year." Pliskova, who arrived at Flushing Meadows with a reputation of grand slam under-achiever having never before been beyond the third round of the major, shed that label by making it all the way to the final and taking on back-to-back world number ones. After beating top ranked Serena Williams in the semi-finals to end the American's record-equalling 186 consecutive weeks stay at the top of the rankings, the big-hitting Pliskova, who has led the WTA Tour in aces the last two season, attacked her successor in the final but could not break down the tireless German's defence. "You cannot compare those two (Serena Williams and Kerber)," explained Pliskova. "The game is totally different. The persons as well. Serena is going for every shot. With Angie, you cannot wait for mistakes. She doesn't give you anything. I have to be the one who is aggressive. "I beat very good players. It was always my goal to pass the third round and I made it to the final." Kerber admires compatriot Steffi Graf, but is blazing her own trail. Comparisons, though, are inevitable after Kerber became the first German to win the US Open since Graf claimed the last of her five Flushing Meadows crowns in 1996. "She was always my idol and I told her so many times," said Kerber, adding that Graf had sent her a text wishing her luck. "For me it's really important to go on my own way." The match opened with Kerber breaking a jittery Pliskova and ended the same way, though for most part it was a very even contest. Kerber's loss of the second set was the first time the entire championship that she had dropped a set. But she fought back in the third set and wore down the towering Czech, who started to wilt in the punishing conditions, hunching over her racket at the end of almost every point. Kerber, sensing an opening, stepped up the pressure and pace getting triple break point at 5-4 and closed out the contest on the first match point. "I think I was just believing in myself in the third set and just going for it," said Kerber. "I think that was the key at the end of the third set, that I was trying to take the chance, just go for it." (Reuters)

Angelique Kerber beats Karolina Pliskova to win US Open

Stan Wawrinka will summon the spirit of his epic Grand Slam battles with Novak Djokovic in a bid to sweep past the world number one and capture a first US Open title on Sunday. 
 
Wawrinka trails 19-4 in his career meetings with Djokovic, who is chasing a third New York crown and 13th major. 
 
But the 31-year-old Swiss has derailed the Serb before on the biggest stage. 
 
In 2014, Wawrinka won a five-set quarter-final against Djokovic on his way to a first Grand Slam crown at the Australian Open, beating Rafael Nadal in the final. 
 
Twelve months earlier in Melbourne there had been warning signs with Djokovic needing to grind out a 12-10 final set in the fourth round. 
 
Last year, Djokovic saw his hopes of completing a career Slam crushed in four sets by the Swiss in the French Open final. 
 
Even when the Serb has prevailed at the majors, it&#39;s often been on a knife-edge. 
 
When he defeated Wawrinka in the semi-finals of the 2013 US Open, he had to fight from two sets to one down. 
 
At the 2015 Australian Open, Djokovic needed another five sets to win their semi-final. 
 
&quot;I think he&#39;s so good that he always find a way to be better. For sure he made me better,&quot; Wawrinka said. 
 
&quot;The matchup has always been interesting to see because the way we are playing. I&#39;m trying to be aggressive. I can play really hard. He is amazing defender.&quot; 
 
Djokovic, playing in his 21st major final and seeking a third Grand Slam title of 2016, is only too aware of the dangers posed by the Swiss to his bid to add to his 2011 and 2015 US Open titles. 
 
- &#39;Big stage player&#39; - 
 
&quot;He&#39;s a big match player. He loves to play on the big stage, against big players, because that&#39;s when he elevates his level of performance,&quot; said 29-year-old Djokovic. 
 
&quot;He doesn&#39;t get too stressed by the big occasion. He&#39;s very powerful, big serve. Probably the best, most effective one-handed backhand in the world now. He can be very dangerous for everybody.&quot; 
 
Djokovic was left wondering what had hit him at Roland Garros in 2015. 
 
He had beaten Andy Murray and Nadal to get to the final but Wawrinka hadn&#39;t read the script, his 60 winners -- most fired off the backhand -- proving hammer blows to the Serb. 
 
Since that loss in Paris, however, it has virtually been business as usual. 
 
Djokovic went on to win a second US Open, a sixth Australian Open and first Roland Garros in June which finally allowed him to join the select club of career Grand Slam winners. 
 
His only blip was his third round loss to Sam Querrey at Wimbledon, an exit fuelled partially by unspecified personal issues. 
 
Despite his run to a seventh US Open final, it has not been plain sailing for Djokovic. 
 
He has needed regular treatment on his right shoulder while also requiring help with his left in the heat and crushing humidity of Friday&#39;s bizarre semi-final win against Gael Monfils. 
 
While Djokovic has enjoyed a walkover and two injury-forced retirements on his way to the final, Wawrinka had to save a match point against unheralded Dan Evans in the third round. 
 
He has also spent almost 18 hours on court while Djokovic has made the final after being in action for just over nine. 
 
However, the big Swiss has won his last 10 finals. 
 
The Swiss player, so often in the shadow of Roger Federer, has blossomed late in his career, winning the Australian title at 28. 
 
That made him the oldest first-time Slam winner since Goran Ivanisevic at Wimbledon in 2001. 
 
But history at the US Open may not favour Wawrinka on Sunday. 
 
Pete Sampras was the last player over-30 to win in New York and that was back in 2002. 
 
Elsewhere on Sunday, the women&#39;s doubles will be played featuring top-seeded French pair Caroline Garcia and Kristina Mladenovic against Bethanie Mattek-Sands of the United States and Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic. 
 
(AFP) 
&nbsp;

Wawrinka trails 19-4 in his career meetings with Djokovic, who is chasing a third New York crown and 13th major

Stan Wawrinka will summon the spirit of his epic Grand Slam battles with Novak Djokovic in a bid to sweep past the world number one and capture a first US Open title on Sunday. Wawrinka trails 19-4 in his career meetings with Djokovic, who is chasing a third New York crown and 13th major. But the 31-year-old Swiss has derailed the Serb before on the biggest stage. In 2014, Wawrinka won a five-set quarter-final against Djokovic on his way to a first Grand Slam crown at the Australian Open, beating Rafael Nadal in the final. Twelve months earlier in Melbourne there had been warning signs with Djokovic needing to grind out a 12-10 final set in the fourth round. Last year, Djokovic saw his hopes of completing a career Slam crushed in four sets by the Swiss in the French Open final. Even when the Serb has prevailed at the majors, it's often been on a knife-edge. When he defeated Wawrinka in the semi-finals of the 2013 US Open, he had to fight from two sets to one down. At the 2015 Australian Open, Djokovic needed another five sets to win their semi-final. "I think he's so good that he always find a way to be better. For sure he made me better," Wawrinka said. "The matchup has always been interesting to see because the way we are playing. I'm trying to be aggressive. I can play really hard. He is amazing defender." Djokovic, playing in his 21st major final and seeking a third Grand Slam title of 2016, is only too aware of the dangers posed by the Swiss to his bid to add to his 2011 and 2015 US Open titles. - 'Big stage player' - "He's a big match player. He loves to play on the big stage, against big players, because that's when he elevates his level of performance," said 29-year-old Djokovic. "He doesn't get too stressed by the big occasion. He's very powerful, big serve. Probably the best, most effective one-handed backhand in the world now. He can be very dangerous for everybody." Djokovic was left wondering what had hit him at Roland Garros in 2015. He had beaten Andy Murray and Nadal to get to the final but Wawrinka hadn't read the script, his 60 winners -- most fired off the backhand -- proving hammer blows to the Serb. Since that loss in Paris, however, it has virtually been business as usual. Djokovic went on to win a second US Open, a sixth Australian Open and first Roland Garros in June which finally allowed him to join the select club of career Grand Slam winners. His only blip was his third round loss to Sam Querrey at Wimbledon, an exit fuelled partially by unspecified personal issues. Despite his run to a seventh US Open final, it has not been plain sailing for Djokovic. He has needed regular treatment on his right shoulder while also requiring help with his left in the heat and crushing humidity of Friday's bizarre semi-final win against Gael Monfils. While Djokovic has enjoyed a walkover and two injury-forced retirements on his way to the final, Wawrinka had to save a match point against unheralded Dan Evans in the third round. He has also spent almost 18 hours on court while Djokovic has made the final after being in action for just over nine. However, the big Swiss has won his last 10 finals. The Swiss player, so often in the shadow of Roger Federer, has blossomed late in his career, winning the Australian title at 28. That made him the oldest first-time Slam winner since Goran Ivanisevic at Wimbledon in 2001. But history at the US Open may not favour Wawrinka on Sunday. Pete Sampras was the last player over-30 to win in New York and that was back in 2002. Elsewhere on Sunday, the women's doubles will be played featuring top-seeded French pair Caroline Garcia and Kristina Mladenovic against Bethanie Mattek-Sands of the United States and Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic. (AFP)

US Open 2016: Wawrinka takes on Djokovic in final tonight

Stan Wawrinka won against Japan&#39;s Kei Nishikori 4-6, 7-5, 6-4, 6-2 on Friday to set up a US Open title clash with world number one Novak Djokovic. 
 
World number one Djokovic beat France&#39;s Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-2 late on Friday. 
 
On Sunday, he will defend his title in the US Open final where he will be seeking a third major of the season and 13th of his career. 
 
Two-time Grand Slam winner Wawrinka asserted himself in the later stages, withstanding onslaught from sixth-seeded Nishikori despite the toll taken on by both players due to extreme humidity.&nbsp; 
 
Three seeded Wawrinka said, &quot;It was tough conditions, it was really hot and humid so I knew it would be tough.&quot; 
 
&quot;It&#39;s crazy to be in the final.&quot; 
 
Wawrinka saved a match point in a fourth-set tiebreaker of a third-round victory over Briton Dan Evans, before making his way to the title match. 
 
In addition to that epic five-setter he&#39;s played three four-setters. 
 
He spent 14 hours 47 minutes on court, reaching the semis, a figure that swelled with his three-hour, seven-minute win over Nishikori. 
 
Nishikori, after his five-set quarter-final triumph over world number two Andy Murray, took a 3-2 lead against Wawrinka and closing it out with an ace on set point. 
 
He broke Wawrinka again to open the second, but he was beginning to find his range and broke back to level the set at 2-2. 
 
Wawrinka was able to save five break points to hold trailing 0-40 in the seventh game and knotted the match at two sets apiece with a break in the 12th game. 
 
He took the third and took Nishkori at love for a 2-0 lead in the fourth, he appeared to be on his way. 
 
In the fifth game he found himself down 0-40 and after the Swiss saved two break points Nishikori had it back on serve when Wawrinka fired a backhand wide. 
 
Wawrinka said,&quot;He dictated play early tonight, put pressure on me and gave me no time.&quot; 
 
&quot;I had to wait and fight and make him uncomfortable. He got tired and I started to be more aggressive.&quot; 
 
Wawrinka said he was looking forward to his first US Open title tilt. 
 
&quot;I am really excited, I want to enjoy the moment,&quot; he said. &quot;I have seen the final here on TV many times, watching Roger, Rafa, Novak.&quot; 
&nbsp; 
Although Djokovic holds a 19-4 record over Wawrinka, he is excited to play against him. 
&nbsp;&quot;To play Novak again it will be very special,&quot; he said. 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies) 
 
 
 
 
&nbsp;

Two-time Grand Slam winner Wawrinka asserted himself in the later stages, withstanding onslaught from sixth-seeded Nishikori

Stan Wawrinka won against Japan's Kei Nishikori 4-6, 7-5, 6-4, 6-2 on Friday to set up a US Open title clash with world number one Novak Djokovic. World number one Djokovic beat France's Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-2 late on Friday. On Sunday, he will defend his title in the US Open final where he will be seeking a third major of the season and 13th of his career. Two-time Grand Slam winner Wawrinka asserted himself in the later stages, withstanding onslaught from sixth-seeded Nishikori despite the toll taken on by both players due to extreme humidity. Three seeded Wawrinka said, "It was tough conditions, it was really hot and humid so I knew it would be tough." "It's crazy to be in the final." Wawrinka saved a match point in a fourth-set tiebreaker of a third-round victory over Briton Dan Evans, before making his way to the title match. In addition to that epic five-setter he's played three four-setters. He spent 14 hours 47 minutes on court, reaching the semis, a figure that swelled with his three-hour, seven-minute win over Nishikori. Nishikori, after his five-set quarter-final triumph over world number two Andy Murray, took a 3-2 lead against Wawrinka and closing it out with an ace on set point. He broke Wawrinka again to open the second, but he was beginning to find his range and broke back to level the set at 2-2. Wawrinka was able to save five break points to hold trailing 0-40 in the seventh game and knotted the match at two sets apiece with a break in the 12th game. He took the third and took Nishkori at love for a 2-0 lead in the fourth, he appeared to be on his way. In the fifth game he found himself down 0-40 and after the Swiss saved two break points Nishikori had it back on serve when Wawrinka fired a backhand wide. Wawrinka said,"He dictated play early tonight, put pressure on me and gave me no time." "I had to wait and fight and make him uncomfortable. He got tired and I started to be more aggressive." Wawrinka said he was looking forward to his first US Open title tilt. "I am really excited, I want to enjoy the moment," he said. "I have seen the final here on TV many times, watching Roger, Rafa, Novak." Although Djokovic holds a 19-4 record over Wawrinka, he is excited to play against him. "To play Novak again it will be very special," he said. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Tennis: Wawrinka beats Nishikori, faces Djokovic in US Open final

Novak Djokovic reached the US Open last 16 in just 32 minutes Friday when Mikhail Youzhny retired injured before fellow two-time winner Rafael Nadal also made the fourth round for the first time in three years. 
 
Defending champion Djokovic was 4-2 ahead in the first set when Russian 34-year-old Youzhny called it quits suffering from a left hamstring injury. 
 
The outcome completed a bizarre first week for world number one Djokovic. 
 
After labouring over four sets to beat Jerzy Janowicz on Monday, he was handed a walkover into the third round when Czech opponent Jiri Vesely withdrew from their second round clash with an arm injury. 
 
&quot;I have never had this happen before in my Grand Slam career, getting a walkover and the next match lasting just half an hour,&quot; said Djokovic. 
 
The top seed next faces Britain&#39;s world number 84 Kyle Edmund who stunned John Isner of the United States 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, 7-6 (7/5) to make a Slam fourth round for the first time. 
 
Nadal reached the fourth round for the first time since 2013 -- the year of his last New York title -- with a 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 win over Russia`s Andrey Kuznetsov. 
 
&quot;Andrey is always a tough opponent, he returns well and has good shots from the baseline,&quot; said fourth seed Nadal who faces France`s Lucas Pouille for a quarter-final slot. 
 
&quot;I had a fantastic first set, a little trouble with my serve in the second but the third was key so I`m very happy.&quot; 
Djokovic`s very brief encounter had been preceded on Arthur Ashe Stadium by women`s eighth seed Madison Keys pulling off an epic comeback to beat Japan`s Naomi Osaka. 
 
Keys won the latest-ever finishing women`s match at the tournament on Monday when she completed victory over compatriot Alison Riske at 1:48am. 
 
On Friday, the 21-year-old was involved in more drama when she rallied from 1-5 down in the final set to defeat Osaka 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7/3).The 18-year-old Osaka was so traumatised by her failure to convert her dominance into victory that she broke down in tears as she twice tried and failed to serve for the victory. 
 
&quot;This is the greatest comeback of my career, hands down,&quot; said Keys who will face two-time runner-up Caroline Wozniacki for a quarter-final spot. 
 
Jack Sock, the American 26th seed, reached the fourth round for the first time by knocking out 2014 champion Marin Cilic 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 in tie where he did not face a single break point. 
 
The 23-year-old Sock, whose last two appearances at the US Open had ended in retirements, goes on to face French ninth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. 
 
Tsonga, a two-time quarter-finalist, made the last 16 with a 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) victory over South Africa`s Kevin Anderson. 
 
Wozniacki, who knocked out ninth-seeded former champion Svetlana Kuznetsova in the second round, clinched a seventh win in seven meetings over unorthodox Monica Niculescu of Romania. 
 
The Dane&#39;s 6-3, 6-1 victory featured eight breaks of serve. 
 
Roberta Vinci, the Italian seventh seed and runner-up to compatriot Flavia Pennetta in 2015, overcame a second set blip to defeat 21-year-old Carina Witthoeft 6-0, 5-7, 6-3. 
 
The 33-year-old Vinci led 5-4, 30-0 in the second set before her 84th-ranked German opponent dug deep to take the tie into a decider. 
 
But Vinci prevailed on the back of 40 winners and will meet Lesia Tsurenko of the Ukraine for a quarter-final place. 
 
Tsurenko, the world 99, made the last 16 at a Slam for the first time by beating 12th seed Dominika Cibulkova 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. 
 
The 27-year-old Tsurenko committed 44 unforced errors. Fortunately for her, newly-married Cibulkova hit 54. 
Latvia&#39;s Anastasija Sevastova backed up her shock victory over third seed and French Open champion Garbine Muguruza by making the last 16 for the first time with a 6-4, 6-1 win over Kateryna Bondarenko of the Ukraine. 
World number 48 Sevastova, who briefly retired in 2013, has matched her best run at a Slam and next faces British 13th seed Johanna Konta who put out Belinda Bencic 6-2, 6-1. 
 
German second seed and Australian Open champion Angelique Kerber closes the night session against American 17-year-old CiCi Bellis. 
 
The winner faces two-time Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova. 
 
(AFP)

Novak Djokovic beat Mikhail Youzhny on Friday followed by Rafael Nadal who made it to the fourth round for the first time in three years

Novak Djokovic reached the US Open last 16 in just 32 minutes Friday when Mikhail Youzhny retired injured before fellow two-time winner Rafael Nadal also made the fourth round for the first time in three years. Defending champion Djokovic was 4-2 ahead in the first set when Russian 34-year-old Youzhny called it quits suffering from a left hamstring injury. The outcome completed a bizarre first week for world number one Djokovic. After labouring over four sets to beat Jerzy Janowicz on Monday, he was handed a walkover into the third round when Czech opponent Jiri Vesely withdrew from their second round clash with an arm injury. "I have never had this happen before in my Grand Slam career, getting a walkover and the next match lasting just half an hour," said Djokovic. The top seed next faces Britain's world number 84 Kyle Edmund who stunned John Isner of the United States 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, 7-6 (7/5) to make a Slam fourth round for the first time. Nadal reached the fourth round for the first time since 2013 -- the year of his last New York title -- with a 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 win over Russia`s Andrey Kuznetsov. "Andrey is always a tough opponent, he returns well and has good shots from the baseline," said fourth seed Nadal who faces France`s Lucas Pouille for a quarter-final slot. "I had a fantastic first set, a little trouble with my serve in the second but the third was key so I`m very happy." Djokovic`s very brief encounter had been preceded on Arthur Ashe Stadium by women`s eighth seed Madison Keys pulling off an epic comeback to beat Japan`s Naomi Osaka. Keys won the latest-ever finishing women`s match at the tournament on Monday when she completed victory over compatriot Alison Riske at 1:48am. On Friday, the 21-year-old was involved in more drama when she rallied from 1-5 down in the final set to defeat Osaka 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7/3).The 18-year-old Osaka was so traumatised by her failure to convert her dominance into victory that she broke down in tears as she twice tried and failed to serve for the victory. "This is the greatest comeback of my career, hands down," said Keys who will face two-time runner-up Caroline Wozniacki for a quarter-final spot. Jack Sock, the American 26th seed, reached the fourth round for the first time by knocking out 2014 champion Marin Cilic 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 in tie where he did not face a single break point. The 23-year-old Sock, whose last two appearances at the US Open had ended in retirements, goes on to face French ninth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Tsonga, a two-time quarter-finalist, made the last 16 with a 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) victory over South Africa`s Kevin Anderson. Wozniacki, who knocked out ninth-seeded former champion Svetlana Kuznetsova in the second round, clinched a seventh win in seven meetings over unorthodox Monica Niculescu of Romania. The Dane's 6-3, 6-1 victory featured eight breaks of serve. Roberta Vinci, the Italian seventh seed and runner-up to compatriot Flavia Pennetta in 2015, overcame a second set blip to defeat 21-year-old Carina Witthoeft 6-0, 5-7, 6-3. The 33-year-old Vinci led 5-4, 30-0 in the second set before her 84th-ranked German opponent dug deep to take the tie into a decider. But Vinci prevailed on the back of 40 winners and will meet Lesia Tsurenko of the Ukraine for a quarter-final place. Tsurenko, the world 99, made the last 16 at a Slam for the first time by beating 12th seed Dominika Cibulkova 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. The 27-year-old Tsurenko committed 44 unforced errors. Fortunately for her, newly-married Cibulkova hit 54. Latvia's Anastasija Sevastova backed up her shock victory over third seed and French Open champion Garbine Muguruza by making the last 16 for the first time with a 6-4, 6-1 win over Kateryna Bondarenko of the Ukraine. World number 48 Sevastova, who briefly retired in 2013, has matched her best run at a Slam and next faces British 13th seed Johanna Konta who put out Belinda Bencic 6-2, 6-1. German second seed and Australian Open champion Angelique Kerber closes the night session against American 17-year-old CiCi Bellis. The winner faces two-time Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova. (AFP)

US Open 2016: Djokovic, Nadal move into last 16

Sam Querrey reached the third round of&nbsp;the ATP Winston-Salem tournament on Tuesday with a 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 7-5 win over Guillermo Garcia-Lopez. 
 
&quot;I don&#39;t feel a ton of pressure. I&#39;m just trying to feel good, just trying to play&nbsp;some good matches. The fans are great here. They&#39;re really supportive. They get behind the Americans, so that was nice,&quot;&nbsp;said American Querrey, who fired 24 aces in Tuesday&#39;s match on centre court. 
 
Querrey won 86 per cent of his first-serve points and saved nine of 10 break points. He will now play Viktor Troicki of Serbia, who defeated Kyle Edmund of Great Britain 6-3, 7-5. 
 
Second-seeded Roberto Bautista Agut defeated Great Britain&#39;s Aljaz Bedene 4-6, 6-3, 6-3. 
 
Bautista Agut, who has won two hard-court tournaments this year, next faces number 14 seed Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus, who eliminated American Donald Young 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. 
 
Third-seeded Pablo Cuevas of Uruguay had an easier time in getting past Malek Jaziri of Tunisia 7-5, 6-1. Cuevas&#39; next opponent will be 16th-seeded Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain, who eliminated Germany&#39;s Jan-Lennard&nbsp;Struff 6-4, 7-5.

(With inputs from agencies)

Querrey won 86 per cent of his first-serve points and saved nine of 10 break points

Sam Querrey reached the third round of the ATP Winston-Salem tournament on Tuesday with a 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 7-5 win over Guillermo Garcia-Lopez. "I don't feel a ton of pressure. I'm just trying to feel good, just trying to play some good matches. The fans are great here. They're really supportive. They get behind the Americans, so that was nice," said American Querrey, who fired 24 aces in Tuesday's match on centre court. Querrey won 86 per cent of his first-serve points and saved nine of 10 break points. He will now play Viktor Troicki of Serbia, who defeated Kyle Edmund of Great Britain 6-3, 7-5. Second-seeded Roberto Bautista Agut defeated Great Britain's Aljaz Bedene 4-6, 6-3, 6-3. Bautista Agut, who has won two hard-court tournaments this year, next faces number 14 seed Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus, who eliminated American Donald Young 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. Third-seeded Pablo Cuevas of Uruguay had an easier time in getting past Malek Jaziri of Tunisia 7-5, 6-1. Cuevas' next opponent will be 16th-seeded Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain, who eliminated Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff 6-4, 7-5. (With inputs from agencies)

Tennis: Sam Querrey advances at Winston-Salem tournament

Former US Open champ Marin Cilic snapped Andy Murray&#39;s 22 match win streak on Sunday to claim his first ATP Masters 1000 title with a 6-4, 7-5 win at the Cincinnati tournament. 
 
The 94-minute victory for the 27-year-old Croatian marked a career breakthrough as he earned his first Masters title on his 71st career attempt. 
 
&quot;This week is going to be remembered, it&#39;s really, really something special,&quot; said Cilic, who had seven aces and broke Murray three times. 
 
&quot;I look forward to the US Open in a couple of weeks. I hope we can continue with good form.&quot; 
 
Cilic accomplished the feat on little rest, as he did not leave the court after his semifinal win over Grigor Dimitrov until 2:00 am on Sunday morning due to rain delays. 
 
Olympic silver medalist Angelique Kerber lost to Czech Karolina Pliskova 6-3, 6-1 in the women&#39;s final of the joint WTA-ATP tournament. 
 
The defeat ended Kerber&#39;s chances of replacing Serena Williams as the No. 1 ranked player in the world. 
 
It was the German&#39;s the second defeat in a final in just over a week after losing to Monica Puig in the gold medal Rio match. 
 
&quot;I tried my best, but sometimes you have days where it&#39;s not working so good,&quot; Kerber said. 
 
Cincinnati is only Cilic&#39;s second title since winning the US Open two years ago. 
 
Murray has been on a tear this season, winning grass titles at Queen&#39;s and Wimbledon before triumphing a week ago over Juan Martin del Potro at the Olympic final. 
 
But the accumulation of tennis finally proved to be too much for the Scot, who played his 14th match in 15 days dating back to the Games. 
 
Cilic&#39;s win was his third against 11 losses to Murray. He is the lowest-ranked Cincinnati champion since number 17 Carlos Moya in 2002. 
 
Momentum mounted for Pliskova on a sunny day as she lifted the trophy after hitting 24 winners. 
 
&quot;The match was not as easy as the score looked. I think she might be a little bit tired or she felt a little bit of pressure on herself,&quot; Pliskova said. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m really happy with my game today. I was playing aggressive almost without mistakes. There was not one thing what I would change in this match.&quot; 
 
The Czech, who now owns seven career titles and stands 3-4 against Kerber, claimed the opening set in 32 minutes and needed 62 minutes in total to complete her role as spoiler. 
 
Pliskova is the first Czech to win the Cincinnati trophy. She finished with seven aces and five breaks of Kerber. 
 
She earned her second title of the season after claiming the honours in June on grass at the Aegon Open in Great Britain and is predicted to rise to 11th in the world. 
 
Kerber fell into a 5-1 deficit in the second set after a double-fault. Pliskova served out the biggest win of her career a game later on a second match point. 
 
Kerber is looking forward to the US Open which begins in eight days. 
 
&quot;This season I won my first grand slam, everything what&#39;s happened in the last months is just incredible. I&#39;m trying to enjoy it,&quot; she said. 
 
&quot;Some days you&#39;re losing matches, some days you win. I&#39;ll try to take the positive things from the match and from the last few weeks to New York,&quot; she said in reference to the upcoming US Open, the year&#39;s final Grand Slam Tournament. 
 
(AFP)

The 94-minute victory for the 27-year-old Croatian marked a career breakthrough as he earned his first Masters title in his 71st attempt

Former US Open champ Marin Cilic snapped Andy Murray's 22 match win streak on Sunday to claim his first ATP Masters 1000 title with a 6-4, 7-5 win at the Cincinnati tournament. The 94-minute victory for the 27-year-old Croatian marked a career breakthrough as he earned his first Masters title on his 71st career attempt. "This week is going to be remembered, it's really, really something special," said Cilic, who had seven aces and broke Murray three times. "I look forward to the US Open in a couple of weeks. I hope we can continue with good form." Cilic accomplished the feat on little rest, as he did not leave the court after his semifinal win over Grigor Dimitrov until 2:00 am on Sunday morning due to rain delays. Olympic silver medalist Angelique Kerber lost to Czech Karolina Pliskova 6-3, 6-1 in the women's final of the joint WTA-ATP tournament. The defeat ended Kerber's chances of replacing Serena Williams as the No. 1 ranked player in the world. It was the German's the second defeat in a final in just over a week after losing to Monica Puig in the gold medal Rio match. "I tried my best, but sometimes you have days where it's not working so good," Kerber said. Cincinnati is only Cilic's second title since winning the US Open two years ago. Murray has been on a tear this season, winning grass titles at Queen's and Wimbledon before triumphing a week ago over Juan Martin del Potro at the Olympic final. But the accumulation of tennis finally proved to be too much for the Scot, who played his 14th match in 15 days dating back to the Games. Cilic's win was his third against 11 losses to Murray. He is the lowest-ranked Cincinnati champion since number 17 Carlos Moya in 2002. Momentum mounted for Pliskova on a sunny day as she lifted the trophy after hitting 24 winners. "The match was not as easy as the score looked. I think she might be a little bit tired or she felt a little bit of pressure on herself," Pliskova said. "I'm really happy with my game today. I was playing aggressive almost without mistakes. There was not one thing what I would change in this match." The Czech, who now owns seven career titles and stands 3-4 against Kerber, claimed the opening set in 32 minutes and needed 62 minutes in total to complete her role as spoiler. Pliskova is the first Czech to win the Cincinnati trophy. She finished with seven aces and five breaks of Kerber. She earned her second title of the season after claiming the honours in June on grass at the Aegon Open in Great Britain and is predicted to rise to 11th in the world. Kerber fell into a 5-1 deficit in the second set after a double-fault. Pliskova served out the biggest win of her career a game later on a second match point. Kerber is looking forward to the US Open which begins in eight days. "This season I won my first grand slam, everything what's happened in the last months is just incredible. I'm trying to enjoy it," she said. "Some days you're losing matches, some days you win. I'll try to take the positive things from the match and from the last few weeks to New York," she said in reference to the upcoming US Open, the year's final Grand Slam Tournament. (AFP)

Tennis: Cilic snaps Murray's 22-match win streak, claims Cincinnati title

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