Former world number one Andy Murray is considering returning to singles action at Cincinnati next month, saying he is "closer than he thought" to be ready.

The 32-year-old has not played singles since losing in the first round of the Australian Open in January to Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut, after which he underwent hip resurfacing surgery in a bid to salvage his career.

He returned to doubles action at Queen's Club this year, winning the title with Spain's Feliciano Lopez, and also played men's doubles with Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert and mixed with Serena Williams at Wimbledon.

Three-time Grand Slam champion Murray had previously said it was extremely unlikely he would be ready to play singles at the US Open but now believes a return on the Cincinnati hardcourts in two weeks' time is possible.

"I'm closer than I thought," Murray said at the Citi Open in Washington where he is playing doubles with brother Jamie.

"Best case scenario probably would be Cincinnati," he said.

"And then if I wasn't able to play in Cincinnati, there's a good chance I would probably wait until after New York, because I wouldn't want my first tournament, either, to be playing best-of-five sets."

Murray said he is practising singles in Washington and is also lined up to play doubles at the Rogers Cup next week in Toronto with Lopez.

"In terms of moving and feeling and waking up the next day, I'm feeling good," Murray said. "I'm quite close but there's stuff that would need to get better.

"I could (play singles), but to get where I would want to be I'd have to get back in the gym and get my cardio better."

Former world number one Andy Murray is considering returning to singles action at Cincinnati next month, saying he is "closer than he thought" to be ready. The 32-year-old has not played singles since losing in the first round of the Australian Open in January to Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut, after which he underwent hip resurfacing surgery in a bid to salvage his career.

Former world number one Andy Murray is considering returning to singles action at Cincinnati next month, saying he is "closer than he thought" to be ready. The 32-year-old has not played singles since losing in the first round of the Australian Open in January to Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut, after which he underwent hip resurfacing surgery in a bid to salvage his career. He returned to doubles action at Queen's Club this year, winning the title with Spain's Feliciano Lopez, and also played men's doubles with Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert and mixed with Serena Williams at Wimbledon. Three-time Grand Slam champion Murray had previously said it was extremely unlikely he would be ready to play singles at the US Open but now believes a return on the Cincinnati hardcourts in two weeks' time is possible. "I'm closer than I thought," Murray said at the Citi Open in Washington where he is playing doubles with brother Jamie. "Best case scenario probably would be Cincinnati," he said. "And then if I wasn't able to play in Cincinnati, there's a good chance I would probably wait until after New York, because I wouldn't want my first tournament, either, to be playing best-of-five sets." Murray said he is practising singles in Washington and is also lined up to play doubles at the Rogers Cup next week in Toronto with Lopez. "In terms of moving and feeling and waking up the next day, I'm feeling good," Murray said. "I'm quite close but there's stuff that would need to get better. "I could (play singles), but to get where I would want to be I'd have to get back in the gym and get my cardio better."

Andy Murray closer than he thought to singles return

Defending champion <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/second-seed-naomi-osaka-crashes-out-in-first-round-of-wimbledon-232123&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjT_KrHmL7jAhXi63MBHXA4Ba4QFjAFegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1Vn_-sn9OlWf7mMv-fRruM">Naomi Osaka</a> and runner-up <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/simona-halep-beats-serena-williams-to-win-wimbledon-singles-title-235579&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwivrbOsmL7jAhVZi3AKHd8_CwEQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1BZlAmjATmmBjhMu3FNzfC">Serena Williams</a> are among the 13 Grand Slam winners to compete at the US Open, beginning August 26.

Osaka and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/serena-williams-saw-therapist-after-us-open-meltdown-apologises-to-naomi-osaka-234558&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwivrbOsmL7jAhVZi3AKHd8_CwEQFjAEegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3rk_AeqjhObnjob5ZpZauH">Williams </a>will be joined by world number one Ashleigh Barty, the 2017 US Open champion and world number eight Sloane Stephens, two-time US Open champion Venus Williams, the 2016 US Open champion Angelique Kerber and the 2006 US Open champion Maria Sharapova.

Others to take part in the tournament include two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka, the 2017 Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza, the 2018 Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki, and the 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko.

America's number 43 CiCi Bellis and number 100 and former US Open semifinalist CoCo Vandeweghe used the special ranking to gain entry into the main draw.

Top 102 Women Tennis Association (WTA) players in the latest edition of the rankings will get direct entry to the tournament, WTA quoted the United States Tennis Association (USTA).

Sixteen more players will gain entry through the US Open Qualifying Tournament, which will take place from August 19 to 24.

The remaining eight spots will be filled through wildcards awarded by the USTA.

The United States has 15 women players who qualified for direct entry into the US Open's main draw.&nbsp;

Defending champion Naomi Osaka and runner-up Serena Williams are among the 13 Grand Slam winners to compete at the US Open, beginning August 26. Osaka and Williams will be joined by world number one Ashleigh Barty, the 2017 US Open champion and world number eight Sloane Stephens, two-time US Open champion Venus Williams, the 2016 US Open champion Angelique Kerber and the 2006 US Open champion Maria Sharapova.

Defending champion Naomi Osaka and runner-up Serena Williams are among the 13 Grand Slam winners to compete at the US Open, beginning August 26. Osaka and Williams will be joined by world number one Ashleigh Barty, the 2017 US Open champion and world number eight Sloane Stephens, two-time US Open champion Venus Williams, the 2016 US Open champion Angelique Kerber and the 2006 US Open champion Maria Sharapova. Others to take part in the tournament include two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka, the 2017 Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza, the 2018 Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki, and the 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko. America's number 43 CiCi Bellis and number 100 and former US Open semifinalist CoCo Vandeweghe used the special ranking to gain entry into the main draw. Top 102 Women Tennis Association (WTA) players in the latest edition of the rankings will get direct entry to the tournament, WTA quoted the United States Tennis Association (USTA). Sixteen more players will gain entry through the US Open Qualifying Tournament, which will take place from August 19 to 24. The remaining eight spots will be filled through wildcards awarded by the USTA. The United States has 15 women players who qualified for direct entry into the US Open's main draw.

Naomi Osaka, Serena Williams to compete at US Open

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-awards-presidential-medal-of-freedom-to-tiger-woods-216532&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwitrcCWvrvjAhVr_XMBHYjnDiMQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0MKAOgFWxJb4JzOKatxMgS">Tiger Woods</a> has shrugged off concerns about his lack of golf heading into this week's British Open, saying he needs to carefully manage the remaining years of his career.

Woods has played only 10 competitive rounds since winning the Masters in April and his last tournament start was at the US Open.

By the time the 43-year-old tees up on Thursday he will have gone 32 days without playing competitively.

"Last year, I played too much. I played 17 events," Woods told a news conference on Tuesday. "And a lot of it was trying to qualify for certain events.''

"So this year I made a conscious effort to cut back on my schedule to make sure that I don't play too much. I want to play here as long as I possibly can. And you have to understand, if I play a lot, I won't be out here that long," the American former world number one said.

"So it's understanding how much I can play, prepping how much I do at home and getting ready. And that's the tricky part is trying to determine how much tournament play I need to get the feel for the shots and also understanding where my body is," <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/tiger-woods-wins-15th-major-title-with-spectacular-masters-victory-210438&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwitrcCWvrvjAhVr_XMBHYjnDiMQFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3WYOtzf9mN0EZ12lrfohH7">Woods </a>added.

"I'm trying to figure it out and trying to play enough golf to where that I can compete and win events," he said.

Woods said his Masters victory took a lot out of him and he went on a two-week family vacation in Thailand after finishing tied for 21st at the US Open last month.

"It's not quite as sharp as I'd like to have it right now," he said. "My touch around the greens is right where I need to have it. I still need to get the ball - the shape of the golf ball a little bit better than I am right now, especially with the weather coming in and the winds are going to be changing.''

"I'm going to have to be able to cut the ball, draw the ball, hit at different heights and move it all around. Today it was a good range session. I need another one tomorrow. And hopefully, that will be enough to be ready," he said.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/tiger-woods-takes-a-stroll-down-memory-lane-of-15-stroke-victory-at-2000-us-open-226558&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwitrcCWvrvjAhVr_XMBHYjnDiMQFjAJegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3bSwi31DW6yXZGXlEhPWdJ">Woods</a>, who has 15 major titles to his name, reiterated his view that the British Open offers one of the best chances of adding to that tally.

"It allows the players that don't hit the ball very far or carry the ball as far to run the golf ball out there," he said.

"And plus, there is an art to playing links golf. It's not - okay, I have 152 yards, bring out the automatic 9-iron and hit it 152. Here, 152 could be a little bump-and-run pitching wedge. It could be a chip 6-iron. It could be a lot of different things.''

"Being able to control it as best you possibly can in the air to control it on the ground allows the older players to have a chance to do well in The Open Championship," said Woods.

Tiger Woods has shrugged off concerns about his lack of golf heading into this week's British Open, saying he needs to carefully manage the remaining years of his career.

Tiger Woods has shrugged off concerns about his lack of golf heading into this week's British Open, saying he needs to carefully manage the remaining years of his career. Woods has played only 10 competitive rounds since winning the Masters in April and his last tournament start was at the US Open. By the time the 43-year-old tees up on Thursday he will have gone 32 days without playing competitively. "Last year, I played too much. I played 17 events," Woods told a news conference on Tuesday. "And a lot of it was trying to qualify for certain events.'' "So this year I made a conscious effort to cut back on my schedule to make sure that I don't play too much. I want to play here as long as I possibly can. And you have to understand, if I play a lot, I won't be out here that long," the American former world number one said. "So it's understanding how much I can play, prepping how much I do at home and getting ready. And that's the tricky part is trying to determine how much tournament play I need to get the feel for the shots and also understanding where my body is," Woods added. "I'm trying to figure it out and trying to play enough golf to where that I can compete and win events," he said. Woods said his Masters victory took a lot out of him and he went on a two-week family vacation in Thailand after finishing tied for 21st at the US Open last month. "It's not quite as sharp as I'd like to have it right now," he said. "My touch around the greens is right where I need to have it. I still need to get the ball - the shape of the golf ball a little bit better than I am right now, especially with the weather coming in and the winds are going to be changing.'' "I'm going to have to be able to cut the ball, draw the ball, hit at different heights and move it all around. Today it was a good range session. I need another one tomorrow. And hopefully, that will be enough to be ready," he said. Woods, who has 15 major titles to his name, reiterated his view that the British Open offers one of the best chances of adding to that tally. "It allows the players that don't hit the ball very far or carry the ball as far to run the golf ball out there," he said. "And plus, there is an art to playing links golf. It's not - okay, I have 152 yards, bring out the automatic 9-iron and hit it 152. Here, 152 could be a little bump-and-run pitching wedge. It could be a chip 6-iron. It could be a lot of different things.'' "Being able to control it as best you possibly can in the air to control it on the ground allows the older players to have a chance to do well in The Open Championship," said Woods.

Tiger Woods defends his lack of competitive golf ahead of British Open

An online auction of German tennis great <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/boris-becker-auctions-trophies-to-pay-off-debts-229944&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwido4el2a7jAhUGuY8KHav_CFAQFjABegQIDRAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw3kRTuWquGmdUJ1ugVv7qfB">Boris Becker</a>'s trophies and memorabilia has raised more than $852,652, with his 1989 US&nbsp;Open trophy attracting the highest bid of £150,250.

The 51-year-old was declared bankrupt by a British court in 2017 in connection to a debt to private bankers Arbuthnot Latham &amp; Co, and the company dealing with his bankruptcy decided to auction 82 items from his collection.

They included a replica of the Davis Cup winners trophy, which fetched £52,100, an international tennis hall of fame ring as well as watches and playing clothes.

The auction was to be held last year but was delayed after Becker claimed diplomatic immunity from bankruptcy proceedings by taking up a role with Central African Republic as a sports envoy.

"The highest bid in 2018 for the US&nbsp;Open Trophy was £36,000 and this year it is £150,250, which is fantastic," Smith and Williamson's Mark Ford, lead trustee to Becker's bankruptcy estate, told the BBC.

Ford hoped a number of Becker's missing Grand Slam trophies would be located and recovered. Becker issued an appeal to the public last year after discovering they had been misplaced.

Becker won six Grand Slam singles titles in his career, including three at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-wins-100th-wimbledon-match-sets-up-clash-with-rafael-nadal-in-semi-final-234850">Wimbledon</a>, and a doubles gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

An online auction of German tennis great Boris Becker's trophies and memorabilia has raised more than $852,652, with his 1989 US Open trophy attracting the highest bid of £150,250.

An online auction of German tennis great Boris Becker's trophies and memorabilia has raised more than $852,652, with his 1989 US Open trophy attracting the highest bid of £150,250. The 51-year-old was declared bankrupt by a British court in 2017 in connection to a debt to private bankers Arbuthnot Latham & Co, and the company dealing with his bankruptcy decided to auction 82 items from his collection. They included a replica of the Davis Cup winners trophy, which fetched £52,100, an international tennis hall of fame ring as well as watches and playing clothes. The auction was to be held last year but was delayed after Becker claimed diplomatic immunity from bankruptcy proceedings by taking up a role with Central African Republic as a sports envoy. "The highest bid in 2018 for the US Open Trophy was £36,000 and this year it is £150,250, which is fantastic," Smith and Williamson's Mark Ford, lead trustee to Becker's bankruptcy estate, told the BBC. Ford hoped a number of Becker's missing Grand Slam trophies would be located and recovered. Becker issued an appeal to the public last year after discovering they had been misplaced. Becker won six Grand Slam singles titles in his career, including three at Wimbledon, and a doubles gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

Boris Becker's trophy auction to pay off debts raises over $852,652

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serena-williams-survives-riske-business-to-reach-wimbledon-semis-234457">Serena Williams</a> revealed Tuesday that she consulted a therapist after her infamous 2018 US Open final meltdown in which her bitter war of words with the umpire overshadowed Naomi Osaka's maiden Grand Slam victory.

The American superstar was widely vilified for her New York outburst in which she branded the chair umpire a "liar" and "thief".

She was handed a code violation for coaching,docked a point for smashing her racquet and penalised a game for verbal abuse.

"I couldn't find peace. I started seeing a therapist," Williams wrote in a first-person account published in US glossy magazine Harper's Bazaar.

"I was searching for answers, and although I felt like I was making progress, I still wasn't ready to pick up a racquet."

Williams's essay appeared online and on her own Instagram account in the middle of her Wimbledon quarter-final defeat of Alison Riske on Tuesday.

In it, she says she has apologised to Osaka, the breakout Japanese star who won the US Open final in straight sets.

"I am so proud of you and I am truly sorry. I thought I was doing the right thing in sticking up for myself. But I had no idea the media would pit us against each other," said the 37-year-old Williams.

"I would love the chance to live that moment over again. I am, was, and will always be happy for you and supportive of you.&nbsp;

"I would never, ever want the light to shine away from another female, specifically another black female athlete."

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Williams said that Osaka, who went on to take the Australian Open title and the world number one spot, had accepted her apology.

Osaka's reply, she insisted, had even moved her to tears.

Despite her apology, Williams still insists she was a victim of sexism at Flushing Meadows.

"Why is it that when women get passionate, they're labeled emotional, crazy, and irrational, but when men do they're seen as passionate and strong?

"So often, in situations similar to mine, when men fight back against the referees, they're met with a smile or even a laugh from the umpire, as if they're sharing an inside joke.&nbsp;

"I'm not asking to avoid being penalized. I am asking to be treated the same way as everyone else. Sadly, that's simply not the world we currently live in."

After partnering Andy Murray in the mixed doubles on Tuesday, the American said it had been a tough decision to seek counselling.

"It wasn't very easy. I've had a lot of things happen to me at that particular tournament in general," she explained.

"It was just important to always try to better yourself in any way that you can."

Serena Williams revealed Tuesday that she consulted a therapist after her infamous 2018 US Open final meltdown in which her bitter war of words with the umpire overshadowed Naomi Osaka's maiden Grand Slam victory.

Serena Williams revealed Tuesday that she consulted a therapist after her infamous 2018 US Open final meltdown in which her bitter war of words with the umpire overshadowed Naomi Osaka's maiden Grand Slam victory. The American superstar was widely vilified for her New York outburst in which she branded the chair umpire a "liar" and "thief". She was handed a code violation for coaching,docked a point for smashing her racquet and penalised a game for verbal abuse. "I couldn't find peace. I started seeing a therapist," Williams wrote in a first-person account published in US glossy magazine Harper's Bazaar. "I was searching for answers, and although I felt like I was making progress, I still wasn't ready to pick up a racquet." Williams's essay appeared online and on her own Instagram account in the middle of her Wimbledon quarter-final defeat of Alison Riske on Tuesday. In it, she says she has apologised to Osaka, the breakout Japanese star who won the US Open final in straight sets. "I am so proud of you and I am truly sorry. I thought I was doing the right thing in sticking up for myself. But I had no idea the media would pit us against each other," said the 37-year-old Williams. "I would love the chance to live that moment over again. I am, was, and will always be happy for you and supportive of you. "I would never, ever want the light to shine away from another female, specifically another black female athlete." A 12th semi-final appearance at The Championships awaits...#Wimbledon | @serenawilliamshttps://t.co/Xjet5pHKHU — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 10, 2019 × Williams said that Osaka, who went on to take the Australian Open title and the world number one spot, had accepted her apology. Osaka's reply, she insisted, had even moved her to tears. Despite her apology, Williams still insists she was a victim of sexism at Flushing Meadows. "Why is it that when women get passionate, they're labeled emotional, crazy, and irrational, but when men do they're seen as passionate and strong? "So often, in situations similar to mine, when men fight back against the referees, they're met with a smile or even a laugh from the umpire, as if they're sharing an inside joke. "I'm not asking to avoid being penalized. I am asking to be treated the same way as everyone else. Sadly, that's simply not the world we currently live in." After partnering Andy Murray in the mixed doubles on Tuesday, the American said it had been a tough decision to seek counselling. "It wasn't very easy. I've had a lot of things happen to me at that particular tournament in general," she explained. "It was just important to always try to better yourself in any way that you can."

Serena Williams 'saw therapist' after US Open meltdown, apologised to Naomi Osaka

Twice Wimbledon champion Andy Murray said his doubles title at Queen's Club on Sunday with Feliciano Lopez was "more special" than many of his singles triumphs.

The 32-year-old capped a dream week at his first tournament since having hip surgery in February by beating 7-6(6), 5-7, 10-5 over Briton Joe Salisbury and American Rajeev Ram.

Murray has won 45 titles, including three Grand Slams, finished 2016 as world number one and is the only man to retain the Olympic singles gold.

But Sunday's title was his first with what he described as a "metal hip", his first anywhere since winning in Dubai in 2017 and one that proved he may well have something more to offer having believed his career was all but over in January.

He left open the possibility that he could return as a singles player in time for the US&nbsp;Open.

"I mean, look, this is very different for me, and it's more special than a lot of the singles tournaments that I have won for a lot of different reasons," Murray, who celebrated winning match point in ecstatic fashion, told reporters.

"Like, I just won the doubles here with Feli, you know, with a metal hip. It's mental, really. That's a cool thing to be able to have done, just because of probably where I was a few months ago. And at times, even as far as just two months ago.

"I just wasn't thinking about this. I was just really, really happy just to be pain-free and enjoying life, literally just doing normal things. So it's really special."

Murray, who had hip resurfacing surgery after years of playing in pain, will play doubles in Eastbourne next week with Marcelo Melo and then partner Pierre-Hugues Herbert at Wimbledon where he also hopes to play mixed.

He is relaxed about whether the US&nbsp;Open singles was realistic and even said he would be happy to consider playing doubles only to continue his career.

US Open

Asked about whether he could target the singles at the US&nbsp;Open, Murray said: "Potentially, yeah. But I don't care either way. It would be nice to play at the U.S. Open, but if I don't -- look, I got so much enjoyment and happiness after winning a first-round doubles match here that, you know, that's enough.

"I don't have to be getting to the US&nbsp;Open this year and be really competitive and have to win it to enjoy it. I'm going to go at my own pace, hopefully keep progressing.

"I'm sure at some stage it will come, a bit of a plateau because it's been very quick and constant improvements. But I still have to improve quite a few things, like, physically."

Murray clearly revelled in being back on court and produced some stunning returns alongside Lopez who co-starred after earlier winning the singles title Murray has won five times.

His movement looked free and he ran down several drop shots.

Lopez, 37, was clearly impressed.

"I don't know how much he can still progress," he said. "I hope that he's going to be playing singles soon. But this is up to him and his team that they have to make a decision on when it's going to be the right time.

"But I'm sure that if he keeps progressing the way he's doing right now, we're gonna see him playing singles again."

Twice Wimbledon champion Andy Murray said his doubles title at Queen's Club on Sunday with Feliciano Lopez was "more special" than many of his singles triumphs. The 32-year-old capped a dream week at his first tournament since having hip surgery in February by beating 7-6(6), 5-7, 10-5 over Briton Joe Salisbury and American Rajeev Ram.

Twice Wimbledon champion Andy Murray said his doubles title at Queen's Club on Sunday with Feliciano Lopez was "more special" than many of his singles triumphs. The 32-year-old capped a dream week at his first tournament since having hip surgery in February by beating 7-6(6), 5-7, 10-5 over Briton Joe Salisbury and American Rajeev Ram. Murray has won 45 titles, including three Grand Slams, finished 2016 as world number one and is the only man to retain the Olympic singles gold. But Sunday's title was his first with what he described as a "metal hip", his first anywhere since winning in Dubai in 2017 and one that proved he may well have something more to offer having believed his career was all but over in January. He left open the possibility that he could return as a singles player in time for the US Open. "I mean, look, this is very different for me, and it's more special than a lot of the singles tournaments that I have won for a lot of different reasons," Murray, who celebrated winning match point in ecstatic fashion, told reporters. "Like, I just won the doubles here with Feli, you know, with a metal hip. It's mental, really. That's a cool thing to be able to have done, just because of probably where I was a few months ago. And at times, even as far as just two months ago. "I just wasn't thinking about this. I was just really, really happy just to be pain-free and enjoying life, literally just doing normal things. So it's really special." Murray, who had hip resurfacing surgery after years of playing in pain, will play doubles in Eastbourne next week with Marcelo Melo and then partner Pierre-Hugues Herbert at Wimbledon where he also hopes to play mixed. He is relaxed about whether the US Open singles was realistic and even said he would be happy to consider playing doubles only to continue his career. US Open Asked about whether he could target the singles at the US Open, Murray said: "Potentially, yeah. But I don't care either way. It would be nice to play at the U.S. Open, but if I don't -- look, I got so much enjoyment and happiness after winning a first-round doubles match here that, you know, that's enough. "I don't have to be getting to the US Open this year and be really competitive and have to win it to enjoy it. I'm going to go at my own pace, hopefully keep progressing. "I'm sure at some stage it will come, a bit of a plateau because it's been very quick and constant improvements. But I still have to improve quite a few things, like, physically." Murray clearly revelled in being back on court and produced some stunning returns alongside Lopez who co-starred after earlier winning the singles title Murray has won five times. His movement looked free and he ran down several drop shots. Lopez, 37, was clearly impressed. "I don't know how much he can still progress," he said. "I hope that he's going to be playing singles soon. But this is up to him and his team that they have to make a decision on when it's going to be the right time. "But I'm sure that if he keeps progressing the way he's doing right now, we're gonna see him playing singles again."

Andy Murray hails 'special' doubles title at Queen's Club

Boris Becker auctions trophies to pay off debts

Gary Woodland held his nerve to claim his first major with a three-shot victory at the US&nbsp;Open on Sunday, bringing Brooks Koepka's two-year reign to an end.

Woodland had not managed a top-10 finish in his first 27 majors before last year's PGA Championship, where he tied for sixth, but he handled the final round with the composure of someone who had been playing for golf's biggest prizes his entire career.

Ending his round in style with a birdie at the last, Woodland carded a two-under 69 to keep Koepka from becoming the first man in more than a century to sweep three straight US&nbsp;Opens.

"Just glad it was over," smiled Woodland. "I didn't let myself get ahead at all today.

"Didn't ever let myself think the tournament was over.

"So I just stayed in it."

World number one Koepka went down fighting, finishing with a three-under 68 to leave him three short of Woodland's winning total of 13-under 271.

Justin Rose began the day one shot back of Woodland but the Englishman crumbled on the back nine with three bogeys for a three-over 74 and a tie for third at seven-under with Xander Schauffele, Chez Reavie and Spain's Jon Rahm.

It was a remarkable display of determination and guts by the 35-year-old Woodland, who seven times before had held a 54-hole lead in a PGA Tour event and seven times could not close the deal.

As Woodland made the turn with a two-shot lead, faint cracks in his composure began to show as Koepka trimmed the advantage to one with a birdie at 11.

With tension building with each shot, Woodland kept his cool and collected his first birdie of the back nine at the par five 14th to reclaim a two-stroke advantage and turn the US&nbsp;Open into a two horse race.

Rose, who saw the red-hot putter that had come to his rescue so often during the week suddenly turn cold, had his bid for a second US&nbsp;Open title seriously wounded with back-to-back bogeys at 12 and 13 and then killed off completely with another at 15 that dropped him five off the pace with three to play.

Down to the closing two holes and a relentless Koepka had one last opportunity to put pressure on Woodland with a birdie at the 18th that would have left his opponent clinging to a one-shot lead coming home.

But Koepka watched his nine-foot putt slip by the cup, settling for a par to give Woodland some breathing room.

"I hit a good putt, it just dove right across the front," said Koepka. "Sometimes there's just nothing you can do.

"I thought it would be nice to put some pressure on him, one shot going into the last hole.

"Nothing I could do. I gave it my all. I give it my all every time and sometimes it's not meant to be."

A maiden major now within his grasp, a relaxed Woodland capped off his round in spectacular style, rolling in a 30-foot birdie at the last to trigger a standing ovation and chants of "Gary, Gary".

Tiger Woods, a three-time US&nbsp;Open winner, had ended the third round 11 shots back of the leader but still gave himself a chance of winning a 16th major on Sunday.

Those slim hopes disappeared quickly when he bogeyed four of his opening five holes.

Woods hit back with six birdies, including one at the 18th, for a two-under round, his lowest final round at a US&nbsp;Open in a decade but still 11 back of winner.

Gary Woodland held his nerve to claim his first major with a three-shot victory at the US Open on Sunday, bringing Brooks Koepka's two-year reign to an end. Woodland had not managed a top-10 finish in his first 27 majors before last year's PGA Championship, where he tied for sixth, but he handled the final round with the composure of someone who had been playing for golf's biggest prizes his entire career.

Gary Woodland held his nerve to claim his first major with a three-shot victory at the US Open on Sunday, bringing Brooks Koepka's two-year reign to an end. Woodland had not managed a top-10 finish in his first 27 majors before last year's PGA Championship, where he tied for sixth, but he handled the final round with the composure of someone who had been playing for golf's biggest prizes his entire career. Ending his round in style with a birdie at the last, Woodland carded a two-under 69 to keep Koepka from becoming the first man in more than a century to sweep three straight US Opens. "Just glad it was over," smiled Woodland. "I didn't let myself get ahead at all today. "Didn't ever let myself think the tournament was over. "So I just stayed in it." World number one Koepka went down fighting, finishing with a three-under 68 to leave him three short of Woodland's winning total of 13-under 271. Justin Rose began the day one shot back of Woodland but the Englishman crumbled on the back nine with three bogeys for a three-over 74 and a tie for third at seven-under with Xander Schauffele, Chez Reavie and Spain's Jon Rahm. It was a remarkable display of determination and guts by the 35-year-old Woodland, who seven times before had held a 54-hole lead in a PGA Tour event and seven times could not close the deal. As Woodland made the turn with a two-shot lead, faint cracks in his composure began to show as Koepka trimmed the advantage to one with a birdie at 11. With tension building with each shot, Woodland kept his cool and collected his first birdie of the back nine at the par five 14th to reclaim a two-stroke advantage and turn the US Open into a two horse race. Rose, who saw the red-hot putter that had come to his rescue so often during the week suddenly turn cold, had his bid for a second US Open title seriously wounded with back-to-back bogeys at 12 and 13 and then killed off completely with another at 15 that dropped him five off the pace with three to play. Down to the closing two holes and a relentless Koepka had one last opportunity to put pressure on Woodland with a birdie at the 18th that would have left his opponent clinging to a one-shot lead coming home. But Koepka watched his nine-foot putt slip by the cup, settling for a par to give Woodland some breathing room. "I hit a good putt, it just dove right across the front," said Koepka. "Sometimes there's just nothing you can do. "I thought it would be nice to put some pressure on him, one shot going into the last hole. "Nothing I could do. I gave it my all. I give it my all every time and sometimes it's not meant to be." A maiden major now within his grasp, a relaxed Woodland capped off his round in spectacular style, rolling in a 30-foot birdie at the last to trigger a standing ovation and chants of "Gary, Gary". Tiger Woods, a three-time US Open winner, had ended the third round 11 shots back of the leader but still gave himself a chance of winning a 16th major on Sunday. Those slim hopes disappeared quickly when he bogeyed four of his opening five holes. Woods hit back with six birdies, including one at the 18th, for a two-under round, his lowest final round at a US Open in a decade but still 11 back of winner.

Gary Woodland fends off Brooks Koepka to claim US Open

Gary Woodland shot out of the US&nbsp;Open woodwork with an error-free six-under 65 to steal the halfway lead from Justin Rose on Friday, while a fuming Tiger Woods insisted he was still in the ball game after a bogey-bogey finish.

Out in the morning wave, overnight leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/records-on-line-as-tiger-woods-justin-rose-target-us-open-227078">Rose </a>set the target with a grinding one-under 70 and saw off all his early challengers on a chilly day on the Monterey Peninsula.

But as the sun sank into the Pacific Ocean, Woodland knocked him from his perch in style by rolling in a monster 50-foot birdie putt at the last to get to nine-under 133 and take a two-shot lead over the Englishman.

The 65 equalled the lowest round ever at a US&nbsp;Open held at Pebble Beach set by Woods in 2000 and matched by Rose on Thursday.

Having finished no higher than a tie for 23rd in eight previous US&nbsp;Opens, Woodland went about his business in anonymity as headliners Brooks Koepka, Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson and Woods took the spotlight.

Only three times in 26 rounds at the US&nbsp;Open had Woodland scored under 70 but the 35-year-old American hardly put a step wrong at the Pebble Beach Golf Links with not a single bogey on his card.

For much of his, career Woodland has been a non-factor at the majors.

Without a top 10 finish in his first 27 majors up to last year, he earned his first with a tie for sixth at the PGA Championship followed by a tie for eighth in the same event this year.

"It's not something that you're proud of. From all those experiences you learn," said Woodland.

"I don't have to be perfect with my ball striking because I have other things that can pick me up, that's been a big confidence boost for me, knowing I don't have to be perfect I can still contend and have a chance to win,"&nbsp;Woodland added.

Lurking three back was South African Louis Oosthuizen, shot a 70, with his erstwhile compatriot Aaron Wise and Northern Irishman McIlroy one shot further adrift at five-under.

McIlroy, US&nbsp;Open winner in 2011, had a heart-stopping afternoon plunging up and down the leaderboard before signing for a two-under 69.

WILD RIDE

The wild ride began when he picked up two birdies on an error-free outward nine and another at 11 to get within one of the lead.

Without a bogey since his opening hole on Thursday, McIlroy picked up his second on the 13 and disaster struck at 14 when he took a double-bogey and skidded out of sight.

The 30-year-old quickly pulled out of the tailspin with back-to-back birdies at 15 and 16 to get right back into contention.

"You're going to make bogeys around here, that's what's going to happen obviously I played a very solid round up until that point," said McIlroy.

"I bounced back well, those birdies on 15 and 16 were huge to get me right back into this golf tournament,"&nbsp;McIlroy said.

Koepka, bidding to become the first player in over a century to sweep three consecutive US&nbsp;Opens, also battled to stay in contention, turning in a 69 for a second straight day to leave him on four-under, five back of the leader.

"I feel great. I'm excited. I've got a chance. That's all you can ask for. I just need to make a few putts," enthused <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/brooks-koepka-tiger-woods-chase-history-at-us-open-226739">Koepka.</a>

Woods began his day five off the pace but picked up what would be his only birdie at his second hole before stringing together 14 pars and stumbling to the finish with back-to-back bogeys that left him fuming.

A one-over 72 left Woods at level par, nine shots off the pace and with work do if he is to contend for a 16th major.

"I'm a little hot right now. Right now I'm still in the ball game. There are&nbsp;so many guys with a chance to win. We've got a long way to go," growled Woods.

Gary Woodland shot out of the US Open woodwork with an error-free six-under 65 to steal the halfway lead from Justin Rose on Friday, while a fuming Tiger Woods insisted he was still in the ball game after a bogey-bogey finish.

Gary Woodland shot out of the US Open woodwork with an error-free six-under 65 to steal the halfway lead from Justin Rose on Friday, while a fuming Tiger Woods insisted he was still in the ball game after a bogey-bogey finish. Out in the morning wave, overnight leader Rose set the target with a grinding one-under 70 and saw off all his early challengers on a chilly day on the Monterey Peninsula. But as the sun sank into the Pacific Ocean, Woodland knocked him from his perch in style by rolling in a monster 50-foot birdie putt at the last to get to nine-under 133 and take a two-shot lead over the Englishman. The 65 equalled the lowest round ever at a US Open held at Pebble Beach set by Woods in 2000 and matched by Rose on Thursday. Having finished no higher than a tie for 23rd in eight previous US Opens, Woodland went about his business in anonymity as headliners Brooks Koepka, Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson and Woods took the spotlight. Only three times in 26 rounds at the US Open had Woodland scored under 70 but the 35-year-old American hardly put a step wrong at the Pebble Beach Golf Links with not a single bogey on his card. For much of his, career Woodland has been a non-factor at the majors. Without a top 10 finish in his first 27 majors up to last year, he earned his first with a tie for sixth at the PGA Championship followed by a tie for eighth in the same event this year. "It's not something that you're proud of. From all those experiences you learn," said Woodland. "I don't have to be perfect with my ball striking because I have other things that can pick me up, that's been a big confidence boost for me, knowing I don't have to be perfect I can still contend and have a chance to win," Woodland added. Lurking three back was South African Louis Oosthuizen, shot a 70, with his erstwhile compatriot Aaron Wise and Northern Irishman McIlroy one shot further adrift at five-under. McIlroy, US Open winner in 2011, had a heart-stopping afternoon plunging up and down the leaderboard before signing for a two-under 69. WILD RIDE The wild ride began when he picked up two birdies on an error-free outward nine and another at 11 to get within one of the lead. Without a bogey since his opening hole on Thursday, McIlroy picked up his second on the 13 and disaster struck at 14 when he took a double-bogey and skidded out of sight. The 30-year-old quickly pulled out of the tailspin with back-to-back birdies at 15 and 16 to get right back into contention. "You're going to make bogeys around here, that's what's going to happen obviously I played a very solid round up until that point," said McIlroy. "I bounced back well, those birdies on 15 and 16 were huge to get me right back into this golf tournament," McIlroy said. Koepka, bidding to become the first player in over a century to sweep three consecutive US Opens, also battled to stay in contention, turning in a 69 for a second straight day to leave him on four-under, five back of the leader. "I feel great. I'm excited. I've got a chance. That's all you can ask for. I just need to make a few putts," enthused Koepka. Woods began his day five off the pace but picked up what would be his only birdie at his second hole before stringing together 14 pars and stumbling to the finish with back-to-back bogeys that left him fuming. A one-over 72 left Woods at level par, nine shots off the pace and with work do if he is to contend for a 16th major. "I'm a little hot right now. Right now I'm still in the ball game. There are so many guys with a chance to win. We've got a long way to go," growled Woods.

US Open: Gary Woodland takes lead over Justin Rose, Tiger Woods fumes

Tiger Woods would tie Sam Snead for the most PGA Tour wins and pull within two majors of Jack Nicklaus with a victory at the US&nbsp;Open this week, but on Thursday he saw Justin Rose muscle in on one of his own records at Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Rose's six-under-par 65 matched the American's record low round for a US&nbsp;Open contested at the iconic seaside layout and gave the Briton a one-shot lead on a spectacular day of low scoring.

"Obviously a fun day of golf," said Rose, the 2013 US&nbsp;Open champion. "I was three-under par, had a rough patch, had to scramble, work hard, keep my round together.

"I was trying to stay patient with myself mentally, but kept up-and-downing the ball, kept the momentum up. And then got rewarded with a hot finish, birdieing the last three, took a good round to a great round," Rose added.

<a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/brooks-koepka-tiger-woods-chase-history-at-us-open-226739">Woods </a>flashed a familiar grimace during a sometimes torturous round on Thursday but it was his play that was proving troublesome, not his surgically repaired back.

The 43-year-old, who claimed his 15th major at the Masters in April, limited the damage from an early double-bogey by hitting back with two birdies and closing with 11 straight pars for a one-under 70.

The former world number one's start was a far cry from his opening to the 2000 tournament when he carded a 65 and romped to a record 15-shot victory.

It was good enough to keep him in contention, however.

"Well, it's just fighting it out and grinding it out," said Woods. "But I still say that it's important to miss the ball in the correct spots.

"Granted, I made a few putts today, but they were all uphill. Hitting the ball in the correct spots, if I happened to not feel comfortable with a number, dump the ball 30, 40 feet, move on about my business," Woods added.

While <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/tiger-woods-takes-a-stroll-down-memory-lane-of-15-stroke-victory-at-2000-us-open-226558&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjZo5OjwujiAhVUnI8KHSfuA-wQFjACegQIEhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3q_sqMD0foFmz_DI2NeU0T">Woods </a>saw one of his longstanding marks equalled he has quite a few records within reach.

A win on Sunday would pull him even with Snead for the most career PGA Tour wins at 82 and he would join Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Bobby Jones and Willie Anderson as winners of the most US&nbsp;Open with four.

Perhaps most importantly, however, it would see him move another step closer to his Holy Grail, Nicklaus's record of 18 career major titles.

For the moment though the only thing on Woods's mind is the next round.

"It's a quick turnaround into tomorrow," said Woods. "Right away we've got a tough par four right from the get-go.''

"And we have the harder side to start off on, and hopefully I can finish up on the front side and have the full seven holes where I can get it going," added Woods.

Tiger Woods would tie Sam Snead for the most PGA Tour wins and pull within two majors of Jack Nicklaus with a victory at the US Open this week, but on Thursday he saw Justin Rose muscle in on one of his own records at Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Tiger Woods would tie Sam Snead for the most PGA Tour wins and pull within two majors of Jack Nicklaus with a victory at the US Open this week, but on Thursday he saw Justin Rose muscle in on one of his own records at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Rose's six-under-par 65 matched the American's record low round for a US Open contested at the iconic seaside layout and gave the Briton a one-shot lead on a spectacular day of low scoring. "Obviously a fun day of golf," said Rose, the 2013 US Open champion. "I was three-under par, had a rough patch, had to scramble, work hard, keep my round together. "I was trying to stay patient with myself mentally, but kept up-and-downing the ball, kept the momentum up. And then got rewarded with a hot finish, birdieing the last three, took a good round to a great round," Rose added. Woods flashed a familiar grimace during a sometimes torturous round on Thursday but it was his play that was proving troublesome, not his surgically repaired back. The 43-year-old, who claimed his 15th major at the Masters in April, limited the damage from an early double-bogey by hitting back with two birdies and closing with 11 straight pars for a one-under 70. The former world number one's start was a far cry from his opening to the 2000 tournament when he carded a 65 and romped to a record 15-shot victory. It was good enough to keep him in contention, however. "Well, it's just fighting it out and grinding it out," said Woods. "But I still say that it's important to miss the ball in the correct spots. "Granted, I made a few putts today, but they were all uphill. Hitting the ball in the correct spots, if I happened to not feel comfortable with a number, dump the ball 30, 40 feet, move on about my business," Woods added. While Woods saw one of his longstanding marks equalled he has quite a few records within reach. A win on Sunday would pull him even with Snead for the most career PGA Tour wins at 82 and he would join Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Bobby Jones and Willie Anderson as winners of the most US Open with four. Perhaps most importantly, however, it would see him move another step closer to his Holy Grail, Nicklaus's record of 18 career major titles. For the moment though the only thing on Woods's mind is the next round. "It's a quick turnaround into tomorrow," said Woods. "Right away we've got a tough par four right from the get-go.'' "And we have the harder side to start off on, and hopefully I can finish up on the front side and have the full seven holes where I can get it going," added Woods.

Records on line as Tiger Woods, Justin Rose target US Open

Brooks Koepka launches his bid for a historic US Open treble on Thursday at Pebble Beach, where Tiger Woods once separated himself from all rivals and now returns chasing a 16th major.

Pebble Beach, where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tiger-woods-takes-a-stroll-down-memory-lane-of-15-stroke-victory-at-2000-us-open-226558">Woods won the first of his three US Opens in 2000 </a>with a breathtaking 12-under par total and a crushing 15-stroke margin, is a vastly different player now at 43 and with spinal fusion surgery behind him.

But he cemented his return to golf's elite with his 15th major win at the US Masters in April.

He has risen to fifth in the world rankings led by Koepka, who has won four majors in less than two years -&nbsp;back-to-back US Opens in 2017 and 2018 and back-to-back PGA Championships in 2018 and last month at Bethpage Black.

With his win at Shinnecock Hills, last year Koepka became the first player since Curtis Strange in 1988-89 to win the conecutive US Opens.

Willie Anderson, from 1903-05, is the only player to have won three straight.

"I'm not thinking about it," Koepka said of his treble chance. "I know the odds are stacked up probably even more against me now. It's hard to win the same event three times in a row."

But he likes the idea of pursuing history at Pebble, where prior editions have produced champions such as Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and, of course, Woods.

The beauty of Pebble Beach's coastal views can distract from the challenge it presents, especially with the pinched fairways and deep rough of a US Open.

"The rough is definitely going to be a factor this week. Very juicy. You need to put the ball in the fairways," Koepka said.

"These greens are so small, you can almost put it in the centre of every green and have 20 feet, no matter where the flagstick is. It really comes down to who's going to make putts,"&nbsp;Koepka said.

Woods said the 7,075-yard, par-71 course is playing similarly to the last time it hosted the US Open in 2010 when Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell won.

"We're all going to be playing from virtually the same spots, and especially if it dries out," Woods said.

"How you put the ball in the correct position is key... We don't have greens like this, this small and steep, so it puts a premium on iron play."

'What's not to like?' 
 
Koepka is scheduled to tee off at 1:47 pm (2047 GMT) alongside British Open champion Francesco Molinari of Italy and US Amateur champion Viktor Hovland of Norway.

Woods tees off at 2:09 pm alongside former US Open winners Jordan Spieth and Justin Rose.

Early starters include Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, and Phil Mickelson.

McIlroy, who goes off the 10th tee with Spain's Jon Rahm and Australian Marc Leishman at 7:51 am, is seeking to add to his tally of four majors for the first time since 2014.

The Northern Ireland star is riding high after a seven-shot victory romp at the Canadian Open on Sunday, his second win of the season after the Players Championship.

Johnson, who was leading at Pebble in 2010 when he ballooned to a final-round 82, tees it up alongside that year's winner McDowell and Mickelson -&nbsp;a five-time major winner still seeking to complete the career grand slam with a first US Open title.

Johnson has won the US PGA Tour's Pebble Beach National Pro-am twice and finished runner-up twice. Despite his disappointment in the 2010 US Open, he remains a fan of the course and a favourite to contend.

"What's not to like. The golf course is fantastic from start to finish," Johnson said.

Brooks Koepka launches his bid for a historic US Open treble on Thursday at Pebble Beach, where Tiger Woods once separated himself from all rivals and now returns chasing a 16th major.

Brooks Koepka launches his bid for a historic US Open treble on Thursday at Pebble Beach, where Tiger Woods once separated himself from all rivals and now returns chasing a 16th major. Pebble Beach, where Woods won the first of his three US Opens in 2000 with a breathtaking 12-under par total and a crushing 15-stroke margin, is a vastly different player now at 43 and with spinal fusion surgery behind him. But he cemented his return to golf's elite with his 15th major win at the US Masters in April. He has risen to fifth in the world rankings led by Koepka, who has won four majors in less than two years - back-to-back US Opens in 2017 and 2018 and back-to-back PGA Championships in 2018 and last month at Bethpage Black. With his win at Shinnecock Hills, last year Koepka became the first player since Curtis Strange in 1988-89 to win the conecutive US Opens. Willie Anderson, from 1903-05, is the only player to have won three straight. "I'm not thinking about it," Koepka said of his treble chance. "I know the odds are stacked up probably even more against me now. It's hard to win the same event three times in a row." But he likes the idea of pursuing history at Pebble, where prior editions have produced champions such as Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and, of course, Woods. The beauty of Pebble Beach's coastal views can distract from the challenge it presents, especially with the pinched fairways and deep rough of a US Open. "The rough is definitely going to be a factor this week. Very juicy. You need to put the ball in the fairways," Koepka said. "These greens are so small, you can almost put it in the centre of every green and have 20 feet, no matter where the flagstick is. It really comes down to who's going to make putts," Koepka said. Woods said the 7,075-yard, par-71 course is playing similarly to the last time it hosted the US Open in 2010 when Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell won. "We're all going to be playing from virtually the same spots, and especially if it dries out," Woods said. "How you put the ball in the correct position is key... We don't have greens like this, this small and steep, so it puts a premium on iron play." 'What's not to like?' Koepka is scheduled to tee off at 1:47 pm (2047 GMT) alongside British Open champion Francesco Molinari of Italy and US Amateur champion Viktor Hovland of Norway. Woods tees off at 2:09 pm alongside former US Open winners Jordan Spieth and Justin Rose. Early starters include Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, and Phil Mickelson. McIlroy, who goes off the 10th tee with Spain's Jon Rahm and Australian Marc Leishman at 7:51 am, is seeking to add to his tally of four majors for the first time since 2014. The Northern Ireland star is riding high after a seven-shot victory romp at the Canadian Open on Sunday, his second win of the season after the Players Championship. Johnson, who was leading at Pebble in 2010 when he ballooned to a final-round 82, tees it up alongside that year's winner McDowell and Mickelson - a five-time major winner still seeking to complete the career grand slam with a first US Open title. Johnson has won the US PGA Tour's Pebble Beach National Pro-am twice and finished runner-up twice. Despite his disappointment in the 2010 US Open, he remains a fan of the course and a favourite to contend. "What's not to like. The golf course is fantastic from start to finish," Johnson said.

Brooks Koepka, Tiger Woods chase history at US Open

Much has changed since <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-awards-presidential-medal-of-freedom-to-tiger-woods-216532&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjX0fGI9uPiAhUGf30KHQI_BggQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1P-DbD8H2wHkPwrHPiCMiH">Tiger Woods</a> romped to a record 15-stroke victory at the 2000 US&nbsp;Open at scenic Pebble Beach.

In the ensuing 19 years, Woods' body has been battered and surgically repaired, the equipment has improved and his hairline is receding.

However, the Pebble Beach Golf Links has remained pretty much unchanged and so has Woods' strategy as the US&nbsp;Open returns to the breath-taking coastal California course.

"That part really hasn't changed that much," said Woods during his pre-tournament press conference on Tuesday. Because of the golf ball is going further than it did back in 2000, I'm slower than I was in 2000. I am about the same distance, so the golf course really doesn't play that much differently for me,'' Woods said.

"It's just a matter of putting the ball in the right spots," Woods added.

Before things turn serious with start of first-round play on Thursday, Woods allowed himself a pleasant stroll down memory lane as he recalled what is arguably the greatest performance in the game's history.

At the height of his powers, a then 24-year-old <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/tiger-woods-to-play-memorial-ahead-of-us-open-221390&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjX0fGI9uPiAhUGf30KHQI_BggQFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0DzAVedIRFPS3vHi2gznAm">Woods </a>demolished the field with a tournament for the ages.

He won his first US&nbsp;Open by what remains the biggest winning margin in major championship golf.

"It's crazy. It's been 19 years. I still remember most of the shots I hit that week. It was just one of those weeks where I don't know how I pulled it off, but on seaside poa annua, I never missed a putt inside 10 feet for a week. It happened to be a very special week. I made everything. And not only that, I was hitting it well. And when I did miss it, I missed it in all the correct spots," reminisced Woods.

Now 43, Woods has reached the stage of his career where each victory carries more significance.

In April, the former world number one completed one of the sport's great all-time comebacks when he ended an 11-year major title drought with an inspiring win at the Masters.

A win on Sunday would give <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/tiger-woods-primed-for-us-open-after-solid-finish-at-memorial-223819&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjX0fGI9uPiAhUGf30KHQI_BggQFjAFegQIDBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0ivFoQm2f890DkOhkETBjT">Woods </a>his 82nd PGA Tour title and leave him two shy of Jack Nicklaus's major record of 18.

Even if he fails to achieve either of those milestones this week, a buoyant Woods reckons time is still on his side with 10 years and 40 majors left to achieve his Holy Grail.

"If I keep progressing how I am physically and how I'm getting better and better physically the last couple of years, I just need to give myself chances. Hypothetically, let's say I give myself 10 years," said Woods.

"That's 40 major championships. That's a lot of majors," added Woods.

Much has changed since Tiger Woods romped to a record 15-stroke victory at the 2000 US Open at scenic Pebble Beach. In the ensuing 19 years, Woods' body has been battered and surgically repaired, the equipment has improved and his hairline is receding.

Much has changed since Tiger Woods romped to a record 15-stroke victory at the 2000 US Open at scenic Pebble Beach. In the ensuing 19 years, Woods' body has been battered and surgically repaired, the equipment has improved and his hairline is receding. However, the Pebble Beach Golf Links has remained pretty much unchanged and so has Woods' strategy as the US Open returns to the breath-taking coastal California course. "That part really hasn't changed that much," said Woods during his pre-tournament press conference on Tuesday. Because of the golf ball is going further than it did back in 2000, I'm slower than I was in 2000. I am about the same distance, so the golf course really doesn't play that much differently for me,'' Woods said. "It's just a matter of putting the ball in the right spots," Woods added. Before things turn serious with start of first-round play on Thursday, Woods allowed himself a pleasant stroll down memory lane as he recalled what is arguably the greatest performance in the game's history. At the height of his powers, a then 24-year-old Woods demolished the field with a tournament for the ages. He won his first US Open by what remains the biggest winning margin in major championship golf. "It's crazy. It's been 19 years. I still remember most of the shots I hit that week. It was just one of those weeks where I don't know how I pulled it off, but on seaside poa annua, I never missed a putt inside 10 feet for a week. It happened to be a very special week. I made everything. And not only that, I was hitting it well. And when I did miss it, I missed it in all the correct spots," reminisced Woods. Now 43, Woods has reached the stage of his career where each victory carries more significance. In April, the former world number one completed one of the sport's great all-time comebacks when he ended an 11-year major title drought with an inspiring win at the Masters. A win on Sunday would give Woods his 82nd PGA Tour title and leave him two shy of Jack Nicklaus's major record of 18. Even if he fails to achieve either of those milestones this week, a buoyant Woods reckons time is still on his side with 10 years and 40 majors left to achieve his Holy Grail. "If I keep progressing how I am physically and how I'm getting better and better physically the last couple of years, I just need to give myself chances. Hypothetically, let's say I give myself 10 years," said Woods. "That's 40 major championships. That's a lot of majors," added Woods.

Tiger Woods takes a stroll down memory lane of 15-stroke victory at 2000 US Open

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Tiger+Woods">Tiger Woods</a> lit up the Memorial tournament on Sunday with an early feast of birdies during his final round 67 to dispel any doubts about his preparations for next week's US&nbsp;Open.

Woods rolled in seven birdies in 11 holes at Muirfield Village, a venue where he has won a record five times, before a couple of late bogeys had him finish equal ninth at nine-under 279, 10 strokes behind winner Patrick Cantlay.

His momentum was halted by his first bogey at the 14th, where his approach nestled in deep greenside rough, but he was a picture of contentment afterwards.

"I played really well today," Woods told CBS television.

"I hit the ball so crisp and so solid and made some nice putts there on the front nine and had things rolling for a little bit."

Woods will have a week off before heading to Pebble Beach, the seaside California course where he won the 2000 US&nbsp;Open by an astonishing 15 strokes.

Woods won the Masters in April, his 15th major title, but missed the cut at the PGA Championship at Bethpage two weeks ago.

He was feeling under the weather at Bethpage and was clearly a little rusty after not having played a tournament in more than a month.

The 43-year-old was determined to go into the US&nbsp;Open prepared and his trip to the Jack Nicklaus-hosted Memorial served its purpose.

Woods is second on the all-time major championship victory list, three behind Nicklaus.

"I wanted to have something positive going into the Open and kind of sneak up there with a nice little top 10 possibly," Woods said of his goal on Sunday.

"I was never going to win the tournament with where I was at. I wanted to get to double digits (under par) today and I did. I just didn't stay there."

Tiger Woods lit up the Memorial tournament on Sunday with an early feast of birdies during his final round 67 to dispel any doubts about his preparations for next week's US Open.

Tiger Woods lit up the Memorial tournament on Sunday with an early feast of birdies during his final round 67 to dispel any doubts about his preparations for next week's US Open. Woods rolled in seven birdies in 11 holes at Muirfield Village, a venue where he has won a record five times, before a couple of late bogeys had him finish equal ninth at nine-under 279, 10 strokes behind winner Patrick Cantlay. His momentum was halted by his first bogey at the 14th, where his approach nestled in deep greenside rough, but he was a picture of contentment afterwards. "I played really well today," Woods told CBS television. "I hit the ball so crisp and so solid and made some nice putts there on the front nine and had things rolling for a little bit." Woods will have a week off before heading to Pebble Beach, the seaside California course where he won the 2000 US Open by an astonishing 15 strokes. Woods won the Masters in April, his 15th major title, but missed the cut at the PGA Championship at Bethpage two weeks ago. He was feeling under the weather at Bethpage and was clearly a little rusty after not having played a tournament in more than a month. The 43-year-old was determined to go into the US Open prepared and his trip to the Jack Nicklaus-hosted Memorial served its purpose. Woods is second on the all-time major championship victory list, three behind Nicklaus. "I wanted to have something positive going into the Open and kind of sneak up there with a nice little top 10 possibly," Woods said of his goal on Sunday. "I was never going to win the tournament with where I was at. I wanted to get to double digits (under par) today and I did. I just didn't stay there."

Tiger Woods primed for US Open after solid finish at Memorial

Tiger Woods confirmed Thursday that he will play next week's Memorial Tournament as he aims to rediscover his best form ahead of next month's US Open, tournament organisers said.

Woods, who bagged a dramatic 15th major title at the Masters last month, was brought back down to earth with a bump last week after missing the cut at the US PGA Championship.

The tournament at Bethpage Black was the first competitive golf Woods had played since his emotional victory at Augusta -- his first major title in 11 years -- and the American said he had not practised enough leading into the tournament.

"Just don't feel well and just not able to do it. But resting would be better, so I would have energy to play," he said.

However, he expressed optimism that he could rediscover his best form.

"There's no reason why I can't get up to speed again and crank it back up," he added.&nbsp;

"I've got to start feeling a little bit better first before that happens. We'll do that first and then start cranking it back up again."

Woods has added the Memorial in Dublin, Ohio to his schedule in order to get more rounds in ahead of the US Open, which is being held between June 13-16 at Pebble Beach in California.

The 43 -year-old will be making his 17th appearance the invitational tournament hosted by golf legend Jack Nicklaus at Muirfield Village Golf Club.

He most recently won the event in 2012, when he chipped in for birdie on the event's 70th hole to claim his 73rd PGA Tour victory.

Tiger Woods confirmed Thursday that he will play next week's Memorial Tournament as he aims to rediscover his best form ahead of next month's US Open, tournament organisers said.

Tiger Woods confirmed Thursday that he will play next week's Memorial Tournament as he aims to rediscover his best form ahead of next month's US Open, tournament organisers said. Woods, who bagged a dramatic 15th major title at the Masters last month, was brought back down to earth with a bump last week after missing the cut at the US PGA Championship. The tournament at Bethpage Black was the first competitive golf Woods had played since his emotional victory at Augusta -- his first major title in 11 years -- and the American said he had not practised enough leading into the tournament. "Just don't feel well and just not able to do it. But resting would be better, so I would have energy to play," he said. However, he expressed optimism that he could rediscover his best form. "There's no reason why I can't get up to speed again and crank it back up," he added. "I've got to start feeling a little bit better first before that happens. We'll do that first and then start cranking it back up again." Woods has added the Memorial in Dublin, Ohio to his schedule in order to get more rounds in ahead of the US Open, which is being held between June 13-16 at Pebble Beach in California. The 43 -year-old will be making his 17th appearance the invitational tournament hosted by golf legend Jack Nicklaus at Muirfield Village Golf Club. He most recently won the event in 2012, when he chipped in for birdie on the event's 70th hole to claim his 73rd PGA Tour victory.

Tiger Woods to play Memorial ahead of US Open

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-awards-presidential-medal-of-freedom-to-tiger-woods-216532">Tiger Woods</a> acknowledged after missing the cut at the PGA Championship on Friday that he had paid the price for not being adequately prepared for another major quest so soon after winning the Masters.

A month after claiming his 15th major title at Augusta National, Woods crashed back to earth in his first tournament appearance since, recording a five-over 145 total at Bethpage Black.

Even the support of a boisterous Long Island gallery could not lift Woods, who putted poorly in the first round and drove the ball badly in the second.

"I'm the Masters Champion and 43 years old and that's a pretty good accomplishment," Woods said after shooting a 36-hole score that was 17 strokes worse than leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/brooks-koepka-makes-flying-start-with-63-to-lead-brooks-koepka-219316">Brooks Koepka.</a>

"I've enjoyed being the Masters champion again, and the PGA was a quick turnaround, and unfortunately I just didn't play well", Woods said.

Woods probably paid the price for not playing a tournament between the Masters and PGA and for only getting in nine holes at Bethpage in practice this week.

He had planned to play a further nine holes on Wednesday, but his preparation took a further hit when he did not feel well on tournament eve and spent the day resting instead.

"It's just the way it goes. Just (did not) feel well and just not able to do it, but resting would be better so I would have the energy to play," he said.

"I just made too many mistakes and just didn't do the little things I need to do. I had a couple of three-putts, didn't hit wedges close, didn't hit any fairways today, did a lot of little things wrong", Woods added.

It is the third time in his past four appearances at the PGA Championship that Woods has bowed out early, though he was hampered by a bad back injury in 2014 and 2015.

He did not play the following two years, before finishing second to Koepka last year.

Woods' next appearance is likely to be the Jack Nicklaus-hosted Memorial tournament in Ohio in two weeks, before his next major start at the US&nbsp;Open at Pebble Beach from June 13-16.

He vowed to be better prepared then.

"There's no reason why I can't get up to speed again and crank it back up. I've got to start feeling a little bit better first before that happens," he said.

"We'll do that first and then start cranking it back up again. I just wasn't moving the way I needed to. That's the way it goes. There's going to be days and weeks where it's just not going to work, and today was one of those days", Tiger Woods added.

Tiger Woods acknowledged after missing the cut at the PGA Championship on Friday that he had paid the price for not being adequately prepared for another major quest so soon after winning the Masters.

Tiger Woods acknowledged after missing the cut at the PGA Championship on Friday that he had paid the price for not being adequately prepared for another major quest so soon after winning the Masters. A month after claiming his 15th major title at Augusta National, Woods crashed back to earth in his first tournament appearance since, recording a five-over 145 total at Bethpage Black. Even the support of a boisterous Long Island gallery could not lift Woods, who putted poorly in the first round and drove the ball badly in the second. "I'm the Masters Champion and 43 years old and that's a pretty good accomplishment," Woods said after shooting a 36-hole score that was 17 strokes worse than leader Brooks Koepka. "I've enjoyed being the Masters champion again, and the PGA was a quick turnaround, and unfortunately I just didn't play well", Woods said. Woods probably paid the price for not playing a tournament between the Masters and PGA and for only getting in nine holes at Bethpage in practice this week. He had planned to play a further nine holes on Wednesday, but his preparation took a further hit when he did not feel well on tournament eve and spent the day resting instead. "It's just the way it goes. Just (did not) feel well and just not able to do it, but resting would be better so I would have the energy to play," he said. "I just made too many mistakes and just didn't do the little things I need to do. I had a couple of three-putts, didn't hit wedges close, didn't hit any fairways today, did a lot of little things wrong", Woods added. It is the third time in his past four appearances at the PGA Championship that Woods has bowed out early, though he was hampered by a bad back injury in 2014 and 2015. He did not play the following two years, before finishing second to Koepka last year. Woods' next appearance is likely to be the Jack Nicklaus-hosted Memorial tournament in Ohio in two weeks, before his next major start at the US Open at Pebble Beach from June 13-16. He vowed to be better prepared then. "There's no reason why I can't get up to speed again and crank it back up. I've got to start feeling a little bit better first before that happens," he said. "We'll do that first and then start cranking it back up again. I just wasn't moving the way I needed to. That's the way it goes. There's going to be days and weeks where it's just not going to work, and today was one of those days", Tiger Woods added.

Tiger Woods pays price for being inadequately prepared for PGA Championship

World number one Naomi Osaka welcomed US coach Jermaine Jenkins to her team on Thursday, just in time for her title defense at Indian Wells next week.&nbsp;

"Had a great dinner with the team," Japan's US and Australian Open champion said in a Twitter post. "Also taking this moment to thank Jermaine for joining us and coming on board lol."&nbsp;

An article on the WTA website said Jenkins would fill the role of head coach in the wake of Osaka's shock split with coach Sascha Bajin just 17 days after she won a second straight Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.&nbsp;

Jenkins, 34, is a former US collegiate star who served as hitting partner to Venus Williams from 2015 until the end of last season.&nbsp;

His younger brother Jarmere is Serena Williams's hitting partner.&nbsp;

In January, Jenkins was named&nbsp;by the US Tennis Association as a national women's coach.&nbsp;

Osaka, 21, said in Dubai last week that her split with Bajin was "kind of brewing" in Melbourne and that she didn't expect to be without a coach for long.&nbsp;

"It's not really ideal to go to Indian Wells without a coach," she said.&nbsp;

Women's main draw play in the combined WTA and ATP Masters event in the California desert begins on March 6. Osaka like all the 32 seeded women will enjoy a first-round bye.&nbsp;

World number one Naomi Osaka welcomed US coach Jermaine Jenkins to her team on Thursday, just in time for her title defense at Indian Wells next week. "Had a great dinner with the team," Japan's US and Australian Open champion said in a Twitter post.

World number one Naomi Osaka welcomed US coach Jermaine Jenkins to her team on Thursday, just in time for her title defense at Indian Wells next week. "Had a great dinner with the team," Japan's US and Australian Open champion said in a Twitter post. "Also taking this moment to thank Jermaine for joining us and coming on board lol." An article on the WTA website said Jenkins would fill the role of head coach in the wake of Osaka's shock split with coach Sascha Bajin just 17 days after she won a second straight Grand Slam title at the Australian Open. Jenkins, 34, is a former US collegiate star who served as hitting partner to Venus Williams from 2015 until the end of last season. His younger brother Jarmere is Serena Williams's hitting partner. In January, Jenkins was named by the US Tennis Association as a national women's coach. Osaka, 21, said in Dubai last week that her split with Bajin was "kind of brewing" in Melbourne and that she didn't expect to be without a coach for long. "It's not really ideal to go to Indian Wells without a coach," she said. Women's main draw play in the combined WTA and ATP Masters event in the California desert begins on March 6. Osaka like all the 32 seeded women will enjoy a first-round bye.

Naomi Osaka adds US coach Jermaine Jenkins to team

A controversial Australian newspaper <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/cheating-sexism-and-now-racism-serena-williams-cartoon-depiction-divides-twitter-165034">cartoon of Serena Williams</a> which was blasted as racist and sexist did not breach media standards, the country's press watchdog ruled Monday.&nbsp;

Melbourne Herald-Sun illustrator Mark Knight's caricature in September showed a butch and fat-lipped Williams throwing a temper tantrum at last year's US Open after losing to Naomi Osaka.

It sparked widespread condemnation across the world, including from Harry Potter author JK Rowling and the Washington Post, which likened it to the era of racial segregation in the United States.

The Herald-Sun <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/australian-newspaper-defies-criticism-reprints-serena-williams-cartoon-165199">defiantly republished the cartoon</a> on its front page in the wake of the criticism under the headline "WELCOME TO PC WORLD".

The Australian Press Council received complaints that Williams' depiction "may cause it to be an offensive and sexist representation of a woman and a prejudicial racial stereotype of African-American people generally".

It said there was concern about her being shown with "large lips, a broad flat nose, a wild afro-styled ponytail hairstyle different to that worn by Ms Williams during the match and positioned in an ape-like pose".

But it accepted that the newspaper's intent was simply to depict her behaviour as "childish by showing her spitting a pacifier out while she jumps up and down". "The Council considers that the cartoon uses exaggeration and absurdity to make its point," it said.

"It accepts the publisher's claim that it does not depict Ms Williams as an ape, rather showing her as 'spitting the dummy', a non-racist caricature familiar to most Australian readers."&nbsp;

The Council did acknowledge that some readers found it offensive, but added that there was "sufficient public interest in commenting on behaviour and sportsmanship during a significant dispute between a tennis player with a globally high profile and an umpire at the US Open final".

"As such, the Council does not consider that the publication failed to take reasonable steps to avoid causing substantial offence, distress or prejudice, without sufficient justification in the public interest."&nbsp;

The furore followed 23-time Grand Slam champion Williams smashing her racquet and calling the umpire a "thief" and a "liar" during her Flushing Meadows meltdown.

At the time, Knight -- who has a reputation for controversial cartoons -- said the uproar was a sign that the "world has just gone crazy".

"The cartoon about Serena is about her poor behaviour on the day, not about race," he said.

Australia is a highly multicultural country, but also sees occasional public dust-ups about the use of racially and sexually loaded language.&nbsp;

A controversial Australian newspaper cartoon of Serena Williams which was blasted as racist and sexist did not breach media standards, the country's press watchdog ruled Monday.

A controversial Australian newspaper cartoon of Serena Williams which was blasted as racist and sexist did not breach media standards, the country's press watchdog ruled Monday. Melbourne Herald-Sun illustrator Mark Knight's caricature in September showed a butch and fat-lipped Williams throwing a temper tantrum at last year's US Open after losing to Naomi Osaka. It sparked widespread condemnation across the world, including from Harry Potter author JK Rowling and the Washington Post, which likened it to the era of racial segregation in the United States. The Herald-Sun defiantly republished the cartoon on its front page in the wake of the criticism under the headline "WELCOME TO PC WORLD". The Australian Press Council received complaints that Williams' depiction "may cause it to be an offensive and sexist representation of a woman and a prejudicial racial stereotype of African-American people generally". It said there was concern about her being shown with "large lips, a broad flat nose, a wild afro-styled ponytail hairstyle different to that worn by Ms Williams during the match and positioned in an ape-like pose". But it accepted that the newspaper's intent was simply to depict her behaviour as "childish by showing her spitting a pacifier out while she jumps up and down". "The Council considers that the cartoon uses exaggeration and absurdity to make its point," it said. "It accepts the publisher's claim that it does not depict Ms Williams as an ape, rather showing her as 'spitting the dummy', a non-racist caricature familiar to most Australian readers." The Council did acknowledge that some readers found it offensive, but added that there was "sufficient public interest in commenting on behaviour and sportsmanship during a significant dispute between a tennis player with a globally high profile and an umpire at the US Open final". "As such, the Council does not consider that the publication failed to take reasonable steps to avoid causing substantial offence, distress or prejudice, without sufficient justification in the public interest." The furore followed 23-time Grand Slam champion Williams smashing her racquet and calling the umpire a "thief" and a "liar" during her Flushing Meadows meltdown. At the time, Knight -- who has a reputation for controversial cartoons -- said the uproar was a sign that the "world has just gone crazy". "The cartoon about Serena is about her poor behaviour on the day, not about race," he said. Australia is a highly multicultural country, but also sees occasional public dust-ups about the use of racially and sexually loaded language.

Serena Williams cartoon given Australian all-clear

Japanese noodle firm Nissin announced Thursday it was scrapping an "anime" advert featuring tennis star Naomi Osaka, after portraying the half-Haitian player with pale skin, sparking accusations of "whitewashing."

The cup noodle firm, which sponsors the US Open women's champion, found itself in hot water with its cartoon advert also featuring fellow tennis star Kei Nishikori, as the pale-skinned character bore scant resemblance to the 21-year-old Osaka.

The anime adverts "have already been dropped", Daisuke Okabayashi, a spokesman for Nissin Foods, told AFP.

"We never had the intention to do what is known as 'whitewashing', but with this becoming an issue, we will pay more attention to respect for diversity in our PR activities," added Okabayashi.

He added that they did not consider either blackening or whitening the skin colour of the characters. "We were trying to create them to match the world of Japanese animation," stressed Okabayashi.

The firm had intially obtained agreement from Osaka via her representatives, added the spokesman.

Osaka, who has a Japanese mother, a Haitian father and was raised in the United States, has not commented publicly on the issue as she bids for a second consecutive Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.

The advert sparked debate on social media, with one user writing: "Didn't anyone question why her skin colour was so pale? Her identity is completely ignored."

Another Japanese twitter user complained: "This isn't Naomi Osaka. Isn't this clearly whitewashing?"

However, others noted Nishikori was also portrayed with lighter skin, which tends to be the norm in "anime" cartoons.

The real Nishikori "isn't that light, eyes aren't that round, and nose is wider. They are both drawn in anime style," said one defender of the advert.

Osaka has dual Japanese-American citizenship and often replies to questions from Japan's media in English, apologising for not knowing the appropriate word when she speaks Japanese.

Japan remains a fairly homogeneous country, and mixed race children can often face prejudice, although attitudes among younger generations are changing.

Osaka became the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam last year after beating Serena Williams at the US Open.

That match also sparked a cartoon/race controversy when a caricature of Williams, who is black, appeared showing a butch and fat-lipped player jumping up and down on a broken racquet.

The match was marked by heated exchanges between Williams and the umpire.

Osaka and Williams were on a semi-final collision course at the Australian Open but the American coughed up a match point to lose to Karolina Pliskova.

Japanese noodle firm Nissin announced Thursday it was scrapping an "anime" advert featuring tennis star Naomi Osaka, after portraying the half-Haitian player with pale skin, sparking accusations of "whitewashing.

Japanese noodle firm Nissin announced Thursday it was scrapping an "anime" advert featuring tennis star Naomi Osaka, after portraying the half-Haitian player with pale skin, sparking accusations of "whitewashing." The cup noodle firm, which sponsors the US Open women's champion, found itself in hot water with its cartoon advert also featuring fellow tennis star Kei Nishikori, as the pale-skinned character bore scant resemblance to the 21-year-old Osaka. The anime adverts "have already been dropped", Daisuke Okabayashi, a spokesman for Nissin Foods, told AFP. "We never had the intention to do what is known as 'whitewashing', but with this becoming an issue, we will pay more attention to respect for diversity in our PR activities," added Okabayashi. He added that they did not consider either blackening or whitening the skin colour of the characters. "We were trying to create them to match the world of Japanese animation," stressed Okabayashi. The firm had intially obtained agreement from Osaka via her representatives, added the spokesman. Osaka, who has a Japanese mother, a Haitian father and was raised in the United States, has not commented publicly on the issue as she bids for a second consecutive Grand Slam title at the Australian Open. The advert sparked debate on social media, with one user writing: "Didn't anyone question why her skin colour was so pale? Her identity is completely ignored." Another Japanese twitter user complained: "This isn't Naomi Osaka. Isn't this clearly whitewashing?" However, others noted Nishikori was also portrayed with lighter skin, which tends to be the norm in "anime" cartoons. The real Nishikori "isn't that light, eyes aren't that round, and nose is wider. They are both drawn in anime style," said one defender of the advert. Osaka has dual Japanese-American citizenship and often replies to questions from Japan's media in English, apologising for not knowing the appropriate word when she speaks Japanese. Japan remains a fairly homogeneous country, and mixed race children can often face prejudice, although attitudes among younger generations are changing. Osaka became the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam last year after beating Serena Williams at the US Open. That match also sparked a cartoon/race controversy when a caricature of Williams, who is black, appeared showing a butch and fat-lipped player jumping up and down on a broken racquet. The match was marked by heated exchanges between Williams and the umpire. Osaka and Williams were on a semi-final collision course at the Australian Open but the American coughed up a match point to lose to Karolina Pliskova.

Japan firm pulls Naomi Osaka ad amid 'whitewash' spat

Japan's Naomi Osaka defeated seventh seed Karolina Pliskova to enter her maiden Australian Open final&nbsp;on&nbsp;Thursday to set up final with&nbsp;Petra Kvitova.&nbsp;

The 21-year-old Osaka won 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 to reach a second straight Grand Slam decider after her breakthrough triumph at last year's US Open.&nbsp;

Fourth seed Osaka hit winners almost at will from both her forehand and backhand and broke Pliskova's service games twice while facing not a single breakpoint to canter through the first set.&nbsp;

Czech eighth seed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/petra-kvitova-defeats-danielle-collins-to-reach-australian-open-final-192410">Kvitova defeated unseeded American Danielle Collins</a> 7-6(2), 6-0 to enter her first Grand Slam final in five years.

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Two Grand Slam finals in a row. Only 21-years-old.<a href="https://twitter.com/Naomi_Osaka_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Naomi_Osaka_</a> is a star 🌟<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/AHs37jIfkM">pic.twitter.com/AHs37jIfkM</a>
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Our 2019 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> Women's Singles finalist <a href="https://twitter.com/Naomi_Osaka_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Naomi_Osaka_</a>'s message to her Japanese fans 🎌<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/eSjkAd1HFU">pic.twitter.com/eSjkAd1HFU</a>
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😴🚶‍♀️<a href="https://twitter.com/Naomi_Osaka_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Naomi_Osaka_</a>'s itinerary as she prepares for her first <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> final against Petra Kvitova 😂 <a href="https://t.co/b6hJOzBvZD">pic.twitter.com/b6hJOzBvZD</a>
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Pliskova, who had stunned Serena Williams in the quarter-finals, failed to live up to her reputation as a big server but showed lot of pluck to level the match with a second break at 5-4 after the players had an early trade of breaks.&nbsp;

Osaka converted her only breakpoint opportunity in the decider while her opponent wasted four and the 21-year-old made it to her second straight Grand Slam final with her 15th ace to seal the match in an hour and 53 minutes.&nbsp;

Japan's Naomi Osaka defeated seventh seed Karolina Pliskova to enter her maiden Australian Open final on Thursday to set up final with Petra Kvitova. The 21-year-old Osaka won 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 to reach a second straight Grand Slam decider after her breakthrough triumph at last year's US Open.

Japan's Naomi Osaka defeated seventh seed Karolina Pliskova to enter her maiden Australian Open final on Thursday to set up final with Petra Kvitova. The 21-year-old Osaka won 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 to reach a second straight Grand Slam decider after her breakthrough triumph at last year's US Open. Fourth seed Osaka hit winners almost at will from both her forehand and backhand and broke Pliskova's service games twice while facing not a single breakpoint to canter through the first set. Czech eighth seed Kvitova defeated unseeded American Danielle Collins 7-6(2), 6-0 to enter her first Grand Slam final in five years. Two Grand Slam finals in a row. Only 21-years-old.@Naomi_Osaka_ is a star 🌟#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/AHs37jIfkM — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 24, 2019 × Our 2019 #AusOpen Women's Singles finalist @Naomi_Osaka_'s message to her Japanese fans 🎌#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/eSjkAd1HFU — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 24, 2019 × 😴🚶‍♀️@Naomi_Osaka_'s itinerary as she prepares for her first #AusOpen final against Petra Kvitova 😂 pic.twitter.com/b6hJOzBvZD — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 24, 2019 × Pliskova, who had stunned Serena Williams in the quarter-finals, failed to live up to her reputation as a big server but showed lot of pluck to level the match with a second break at 5-4 after the players had an early trade of breaks. Osaka converted her only breakpoint opportunity in the decider while her opponent wasted four and the 21-year-old made it to her second straight Grand Slam final with her 15th ace to seal the match in an hour and 53 minutes.

Australian Open: Naomi Osaka beats Pliskova, will play final against Czech Republic's Petra Kvitova

Roger Federer has given cold comfort to the next generation of men's players hoping for Grand Slam glory, saying he, Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal are still deserving favourites to claim the game's biggest trophies.&nbsp;

The top three seeds at Melbourne Park raffled all four of the majors between them last year, with Federer winning his sixth Australian Open, Nadal claiming his 11th French Open and world number one Djokovic sweeping Wimbledon and the US&nbsp;Open.&nbsp;

The Swiss master is bidding for his 21st Grand Slam crown and a hat-trick of Melbourne titles this year, and he sailed into the third round on Wednesday with a straight sets win over British qualifier Dan Evans.

Before the tournament, top seed Djokovic declared the three should be favourites to win the Slams, and Federer agreed when asked after his Evans match.

"Yes, I guess so," the third seed told reporters.

"I mean, look, I think we know how to win Slams, Novak, Rafa, myself. I mean, Rafa has to be the number one favourite, I don't care how he feels, before the French.

"Novak is always a favourite on the hard courts, basically any court if he's feeling 100 percent, if he plays like last year.

"Maybe just because of my amount of titles I have at Wimbledon and other places, maybe also have to put me in the mix every time, as well."

The last time a player not named Federer, Djokovic or Nadal won a Grand Slam was at the 2016 US&nbsp;Open where Swiss Stan Wawrinka claimed his third Grand Slam trophy.

Pundits have decried the younger generation's failure to break into the Grand Slam cartel enjoyed by the old guard but have some tipped change at the top this year.

The 21-year-old Alexander Zverev, who claimed the ATP Tour Finals and is seeded fourth in Melbourne, is often touted as the player most likely to upset the apple cart but has only a solitary Grand Slam quarter-final to his name, at Roland Garros last year.

"There are other guys, no doubt about it," said 37-year-old Federer, who will play American Taylor Fritz in the third round.

"I think also with Sascha (Zverev) holding the World Tour Finals, I think it's fair to say that even though he has not ripped through those Slams yet, he will go deep this year definitely at one of them.

"Maybe even here. We'll see."

Roger Federer has given cold comfort to the next generation of men's players hoping for Grand Slam glory, saying he, Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal are still deserving favourites to claim the game's biggest trophies.

Roger Federer has given cold comfort to the next generation of men's players hoping for Grand Slam glory, saying he, Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal are still deserving favourites to claim the game's biggest trophies. The top three seeds at Melbourne Park raffled all four of the majors between them last year, with Federer winning his sixth Australian Open, Nadal claiming his 11th French Open and world number one Djokovic sweeping Wimbledon and the US Open. The Swiss master is bidding for his 21st Grand Slam crown and a hat-trick of Melbourne titles this year, and he sailed into the third round on Wednesday with a straight sets win over British qualifier Dan Evans. Before the tournament, top seed Djokovic declared the three should be favourites to win the Slams, and Federer agreed when asked after his Evans match. "Yes, I guess so," the third seed told reporters. "I mean, look, I think we know how to win Slams, Novak, Rafa, myself. I mean, Rafa has to be the number one favourite, I don't care how he feels, before the French. "Novak is always a favourite on the hard courts, basically any court if he's feeling 100 percent, if he plays like last year. "Maybe just because of my amount of titles I have at Wimbledon and other places, maybe also have to put me in the mix every time, as well." The last time a player not named Federer, Djokovic or Nadal won a Grand Slam was at the 2016 US Open where Swiss Stan Wawrinka claimed his third Grand Slam trophy. Pundits have decried the younger generation's failure to break into the Grand Slam cartel enjoyed by the old guard but have some tipped change at the top this year. The 21-year-old Alexander Zverev, who claimed the ATP Tour Finals and is seeded fourth in Melbourne, is often touted as the player most likely to upset the apple cart but has only a solitary Grand Slam quarter-final to his name, at Roland Garros last year. "There are other guys, no doubt about it," said 37-year-old Federer, who will play American Taylor Fritz in the third round. "I think also with Sascha (Zverev) holding the World Tour Finals, I think it's fair to say that even though he has not ripped through those Slams yet, he will go deep this year definitely at one of them. "Maybe even here. We'll see."

Djokovic, Nadal and I know how to win Grand Slams: Roger Federer

As Australia sizzles, 'Serena-tard' clashes with tennis dress code

Reigning US Open champion Naomi Osaka said her poor attitude cost her during her 6-2, 6-4 loss to Lesia Tsurenko in Saturday's Brisbane International semi-finals.

Osaka went into the match as firm favourite but looked flat from the outset as Tsurenko raced through the match in just 65 minutes.

The Japanese star, who burst to prominence with her eventful US Open final win over Serena Williams, made 26 unforced errors and was broken three times in a disappointing display.

She said after the match that she didn't know how to cope once things started to go against her.

"If I'm being really frank, I just feel like I had the worst attitude today," she said.

"I feel like I didn't really know how to cope with not playing well.

"I was sulking a little bit, and like there are moments that I tried not to do that, but then the ball wouldn't go in, and then I would go back to being, like, childish and stuff.

"I feel like last year I did a lot of that," she added.

"I'm trying to change it more, and I think I have."

But Osaka said Saturday's loss was probably a better learning experience than if she had made the final.

"I think today I learned... what I can do to improve the situation," she said.

The 29-year-old Tsurenko, who will now rise to a career-high world ranking of 24, said she had adopted a new game plan during the off-season.

"I feel better with my serve and that I am moving well," she said.

"I feel more strong now, so I can kind of handle every kind of pressure on court, even when someone like Naomi is playing really strong.&nbsp;

"I can really stay there and I can be aggressive also."&nbsp;

Tsurenko will play either fifth-seeded Czech Karolina Pliskova or Croatia's Donna Vekic in Sunday's final.

Reigning US Open champion Naomi Osaka said her poor attitude cost her during her 6-2, 6-4 loss to Lesia Tsurenko in Saturday's Brisbane International semi-finals.

Reigning US Open champion Naomi Osaka said her poor attitude cost her during her 6-2, 6-4 loss to Lesia Tsurenko in Saturday's Brisbane International semi-finals. Osaka went into the match as firm favourite but looked flat from the outset as Tsurenko raced through the match in just 65 minutes. The Japanese star, who burst to prominence with her eventful US Open final win over Serena Williams, made 26 unforced errors and was broken three times in a disappointing display. She said after the match that she didn't know how to cope once things started to go against her. "If I'm being really frank, I just feel like I had the worst attitude today," she said. "I feel like I didn't really know how to cope with not playing well. "I was sulking a little bit, and like there are moments that I tried not to do that, but then the ball wouldn't go in, and then I would go back to being, like, childish and stuff. "I feel like last year I did a lot of that," she added. "I'm trying to change it more, and I think I have." But Osaka said Saturday's loss was probably a better learning experience than if she had made the final. "I think today I learned... what I can do to improve the situation," she said. The 29-year-old Tsurenko, who will now rise to a career-high world ranking of 24, said she had adopted a new game plan during the off-season. "I feel better with my serve and that I am moving well," she said. "I feel more strong now, so I can kind of handle every kind of pressure on court, even when someone like Naomi is playing really strong. "I can really stay there and I can be aggressive also." Tsurenko will play either fifth-seeded Czech Karolina Pliskova or Croatia's Donna Vekic in Sunday's final.

Naomi Osaka blames her poor attitude for Brisbane semi-final loss

Serena Williams lost to her sister Venus Williams on her return to the court at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship on Thursday (December 27).

Former world number one Serena was playing her first competitive match since she lost a controversial US Open final to Japan's Naomi Osaka in September.

Serena, 37, broke 38-year-old Venus' serve twice to win the first set, but faltered in the second, dropping three service games on the way to losing 6-3.

The contest went to a super tie-break.

While Venus dropped her opening serve, she outlasted Serena to win 10-8.

"Serena said I was playing well. I think we can only go up from here and that's our plan," Venus said after defeating the winner of 23 Grand Slam titles.

"It was really fun and so good to see everyone come out to support myself and Venus. It was really fun out here," Serena said.

The exhibition match is part of Serena's build-up for the Australian Open, where she will try to equal Margaret Court's tally of 24 grand slam singles titles.

Serena Williams lost to her sister Venus Williams on her return to the court at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship on Thursday (December 27). Former world number one Serena was playing her first competitive match since she lost a controversial US Open final to Japan's Naomi Osaka in September.

Serena Williams lost to her sister Venus Williams on her return to the court at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship on Thursday (December 27). Former world number one Serena was playing her first competitive match since she lost a controversial US Open final to Japan's Naomi Osaka in September. Serena, 37, broke 38-year-old Venus' serve twice to win the first set, but faltered in the second, dropping three service games on the way to losing 6-3. The contest went to a super tie-break. While Venus dropped her opening serve, she outlasted Serena to win 10-8. "Serena said I was playing well. I think we can only go up from here and that's our plan," Venus said after defeating the winner of 23 Grand Slam titles. "It was really fun and so good to see everyone come out to support myself and Venus. It was really fun out here," Serena said. The exhibition match is part of Serena's build-up for the Australian Open, where she will try to equal Margaret Court's tally of 24 grand slam singles titles.

Serena Willaims loses to sister Venus in exhibition match

Serena Williams, the 23-time Grand Slam winner returned to the court after a 14-month maternity leave, but at times it appeared like she'd never missed a day. 
&nbsp; 
That was Serena’s return to tennis in a nutshell, but her 2018 season was far more than that. 
&nbsp; 
If Serena looks back on her 2018 season, she just might find it to be the most meaningful as she returned to the court this past March a wife, a mother and an American tennis star.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
She donned a Marvel-worthy cat suit at the French Open and reached the final at the Wimbledon, but it was the impact she made off the court and during a final that set her apart. 
&nbsp; 
The former world No1 had already revealed in an interview that she was bedridden for six weeks after the birth of her daughter Alexis Olympia last year following an emergency caesarean section. 
&nbsp; 
“First my C-section wound popped open due to the intense coughing I endured as a result of the embolism. I returned to surgery, where the doctors found a large hematoma, a swelling of clotted blood, in my abdomen. And then I returned to the operating room for a procedure that prevents clots from travelling to my lungs,” Serena had revealed. 
&nbsp; 
Aiming to return to No 1 spot, Williams took to the court at Roland Garros wearing her 'Black Panther' cat suit which she insisted also performed a key health role for a woman who had suffered life-threatening blood clots when giving birth last year. 
 
However, weeks after the tournament ended, French Tennis Federation President Bernard Giudicelli created a uproar saying the cat suit would be banned as “one must respect the game and the place.” 
&nbsp; 
Things turned sour with many supporting the former No 1 while some agreeing for a proper dress code for the professional tournament like French Open. 
&nbsp; 
However, the major controversy that tainted Serena's image during the US Open final against Naomi Osaka in September when chair umpire Carlos Ramos handed Williams a rare coaching penalty in the second set. 
&nbsp; 
Williams was given a game penalty for her outburst, which followed racquet smashing and another code violation as Osaka won 6-2 6-4 in New York. She believed the penalty could be interpreted as her being called a cheater and frustrated with that she raised her voice, "I'd rather lose than cheat." 
&nbsp; 
The crowd largely reacted in defence of Williams but in the days after the match, many people who had once praised her began to question her behaviour.

Serena Williams, the 23-time Grand Slam winner returned to the court after a 14-month maternity leave, but at times it appeared like she'd never missed a day. That was Serena’s return to tennis in a nutshell, but her 2018 season was far more than that.

Serena Williams, the 23-time Grand Slam winner returned to the court after a 14-month maternity leave, but at times it appeared like she'd never missed a day. That was Serena’s return to tennis in a nutshell, but her 2018 season was far more than that. If Serena looks back on her 2018 season, she just might find it to be the most meaningful as she returned to the court this past March a wife, a mother and an American tennis star. She donned a Marvel-worthy cat suit at the French Open and reached the final at the Wimbledon, but it was the impact she made off the court and during a final that set her apart. The former world No1 had already revealed in an interview that she was bedridden for six weeks after the birth of her daughter Alexis Olympia last year following an emergency caesarean section. “First my C-section wound popped open due to the intense coughing I endured as a result of the embolism. I returned to surgery, where the doctors found a large hematoma, a swelling of clotted blood, in my abdomen. And then I returned to the operating room for a procedure that prevents clots from travelling to my lungs,” Serena had revealed. Aiming to return to No 1 spot, Williams took to the court at Roland Garros wearing her 'Black Panther' cat suit which she insisted also performed a key health role for a woman who had suffered life-threatening blood clots when giving birth last year. However, weeks after the tournament ended, French Tennis Federation President Bernard Giudicelli created a uproar saying the cat suit would be banned as “one must respect the game and the place.” Things turned sour with many supporting the former No 1 while some agreeing for a proper dress code for the professional tournament like French Open. However, the major controversy that tainted Serena's image during the US Open final against Naomi Osaka in September when chair umpire Carlos Ramos handed Williams a rare coaching penalty in the second set. Williams was given a game penalty for her outburst, which followed racquet smashing and another code violation as Osaka won 6-2 6-4 in New York. She believed the penalty could be interpreted as her being called a cheater and frustrated with that she raised her voice, "I'd rather lose than cheat." The crowd largely reacted in defence of Williams but in the days after the match, many people who had once praised her began to question her behaviour.

Serena Williams’ 2018: 3 major appearances, 2 Grand Slam finals and an infamous controversy

Novak Djokovic of Serbia defeated&nbsp;Croatian Borna Coric 6-3, 6-4 to win the Shanghai Masters title for the fourth time.

Djokovic will surpass Roger Federer as world number two when the next edition of the ATP rankings are released on Monday.

On his way to the finals,&nbsp;Djokovic had defeated Germany's Alexander Zverev in straight sets.

After winning the title, Djokovic interacted with media and said, "It's phenomenal. Not many holes in the game, especially this week, everything worked perfectly. This has been one of the best serving weeks I've ever had."

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"It's phenomenal. Not many holes in the game, especially this week, everything worked perfectly. This has been one of the best serving weeks I've ever had." - <a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DjokerNole</a> on his perfect week at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RolexSHMasters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RolexSHMasters</a>. Now owns 32 Masters 1000 titles, just one behind <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RafaelNadal</a> <a href="https://t.co/CeZlWI7aff">pic.twitter.com/CeZlWI7aff</a>
— RolexShMasters (@SH_RolexMasters) <a href="https://twitter.com/SH_RolexMasters/status/1051424800957071362?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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And he's done it! <a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DjokerNole</a> is your 2018 Rolex Shanghai Masters champion for the fourth time, defeating <a href="https://twitter.com/borna_coric?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@borna_coric</a> 6-3, 6-4. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RolexSHMasters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RolexSHMasters</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/jpmorgan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jpmorgan</a> <a href="https://t.co/O5uAQi2qsl">pic.twitter.com/O5uAQi2qsl</a>
— RolexShMasters (@SH_RolexMasters) <a href="https://twitter.com/SH_RolexMasters/status/1051417000986066944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Halfway to a record-setting 4th <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RolexSHMasters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RolexSHMasters</a> title, a focused <a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DjokerNole</a> takes the first set 6-3 over <a href="https://twitter.com/borna_coric?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@borna_coric</a>. Can the youngster create some kind of momentum in the 2nd? No opportunities so far... <a href="https://t.co/UHtsTZoBbJ">pic.twitter.com/UHtsTZoBbJ</a>
— RolexShMasters (@SH_RolexMasters) <a href="https://twitter.com/SH_RolexMasters/status/1051402622706507778?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Coric?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Coric</a> gets his right thigh strapping tightened during the changeover. The Croat is ready to give it all he's got in these final games of the 2nd! Can he manage a break here? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RolexSHMasters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RolexSHMasters</a> <a href="https://t.co/TlbOFF09fv">pic.twitter.com/TlbOFF09fv</a>
— RolexShMasters (@SH_RolexMasters) <a href="https://twitter.com/SH_RolexMasters/status/1051414046791032832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The 31-year-old Serb broke Coric's serve in the sixth game and made a series of forays to the net as he consolidated his lead.

The Serb grabbed the opening set with a hold to love, having dropped just four points on his serve overall.

Coric&nbsp;looked far from his best in his first ATP Masters final as he dropped his serve in the opening game of the second set.

The 21-year-old saved three match points to hold serve in the ninth game before Djokovic served out to clinch his fourth title of the season.

Djokovic&nbsp;has returned to his brutal best this season with Grand Slam wins at Wimbledon and the US Open.

The 14-times Grand Slam champion extended his winning streak to 18 matches as he continues to chase Rafa Nadal's world number one crown, with the Spaniard skipping the Asian swing to recover from a knee injury.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia defeated Croatian Borna Coric 6-3, 6-4 to win the Shanghai Masters title for the fourth time. Djokovic will surpass Roger Federer as world number two when the next edition of the ATP rankings are released on Monday.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia defeated Croatian Borna Coric 6-3, 6-4 to win the Shanghai Masters title for the fourth time. Djokovic will surpass Roger Federer as world number two when the next edition of the ATP rankings are released on Monday. On his way to the finals, Djokovic had defeated Germany's Alexander Zverev in straight sets. After winning the title, Djokovic interacted with media and said, "It's phenomenal. Not many holes in the game, especially this week, everything worked perfectly. This has been one of the best serving weeks I've ever had." "It's phenomenal. Not many holes in the game, especially this week, everything worked perfectly. This has been one of the best serving weeks I've ever had." - @DjokerNole on his perfect week at the #RolexSHMasters. Now owns 32 Masters 1000 titles, just one behind @RafaelNadal pic.twitter.com/CeZlWI7aff — RolexShMasters (@SH_RolexMasters) October 14, 2018 × And he's done it! @DjokerNole is your 2018 Rolex Shanghai Masters champion for the fourth time, defeating @borna_coric 6-3, 6-4. #RolexSHMasters @jpmorgan pic.twitter.com/O5uAQi2qsl — RolexShMasters (@SH_RolexMasters) October 14, 2018 × Halfway to a record-setting 4th #RolexSHMasters title, a focused @DjokerNole takes the first set 6-3 over @borna_coric. Can the youngster create some kind of momentum in the 2nd? No opportunities so far... pic.twitter.com/UHtsTZoBbJ — RolexShMasters (@SH_RolexMasters) October 14, 2018 × #Coric gets his right thigh strapping tightened during the changeover. The Croat is ready to give it all he's got in these final games of the 2nd! Can he manage a break here? #RolexSHMasters pic.twitter.com/TlbOFF09fv — RolexShMasters (@SH_RolexMasters) October 14, 2018 × The 31-year-old Serb broke Coric's serve in the sixth game and made a series of forays to the net as he consolidated his lead. The Serb grabbed the opening set with a hold to love, having dropped just four points on his serve overall. Coric looked far from his best in his first ATP Masters final as he dropped his serve in the opening game of the second set. The 21-year-old saved three match points to hold serve in the ninth game before Djokovic served out to clinch his fourth title of the season. Djokovic has returned to his brutal best this season with Grand Slam wins at Wimbledon and the US Open. The 14-times Grand Slam champion extended his winning streak to 18 matches as he continues to chase Rafa Nadal's world number one crown, with the Spaniard skipping the Asian swing to recover from a knee injury.

Novak Djokovic defeats Borna Coric to win fourth Shanghai title

Twenty-time Grand Slam Roger Federer will look to start his campaign at the ongoing Shanghai Master on a winning note while facing Daniil Medvedev of Russia in their Round Two match of the men's singles event here on Wednesday.

The 37-year-old will be heading into the tournament, having won 13 of his last 16 matches.

Since missing out on the US Open title after being defeated by Australia's John Millman in their pre-quarters clash, he had played just two matches in Laver Cup.

Medvedev, on the other hand, is also on a roll having recently clinched the Japan Open trophy after registering a stunning victory over home favourite Kei Nishikori. Both the players will be playing for the first time against each other.

Meanwhile, Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic moved to the third round of the ongoing tournament after thrashing France`s Jeremy Chardy 6-3, 7-5 in their round of 32 clash.

Twenty-time Grand Slam Roger Federer will look to start his campaign at the ongoing Shanghai Master on a winning note while facing Daniil Medvedev of Russia in their Round Two match of the men's singles event here on Wednesday.

Twenty-time Grand Slam Roger Federer will look to start his campaign at the ongoing Shanghai Master on a winning note while facing Daniil Medvedev of Russia in their Round Two match of the men's singles event here on Wednesday. The 37-year-old will be heading into the tournament, having won 13 of his last 16 matches. Since missing out on the US Open title after being defeated by Australia's John Millman in their pre-quarters clash, he had played just two matches in Laver Cup. Medvedev, on the other hand, is also on a roll having recently clinched the Japan Open trophy after registering a stunning victory over home favourite Kei Nishikori. Both the players will be playing for the first time against each other. Meanwhile, Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic moved to the third round of the ongoing tournament after thrashing France`s Jeremy Chardy 6-3, 7-5 in their round of 32 clash.

Roger Federer looks to kickstart Shanghai Masters with a bang

Japan’s Naomi Osaka defeated Shuai Zhang of China on Friday in the China Open quarter-final.

The US Open champion fought back from a set down to win 3-6, 7-5, 6-4 to book her place in the semi-final of the tournament.

As well as overcoming the first set deficit, Osaka came back from 1-4 down in the third to seal the win.

"She's such an incredible player and it was really hard to play against her here," Osaka said after the match. "I'm just thinking one match at a time, and it can only get harder from here."

Osaka hit 66 unforced errors during the two hour and 33 minute-long match, but showed a ruthless streak to convert her opportunities, hitting 51 winners to Zhang's 13.

The number 8 seed moves on to the semi-final where she will face Anastasija Sevastova of Latvia.

Japan’s Naomi Osaka defeated Shuai Zhang of China on Friday in the China Open quarter-final. The US Open champion fought back from a set down to win 3-6, 7-5, 6-4 to book her place in the semi-final of the tournament.

Japan’s Naomi Osaka defeated Shuai Zhang of China on Friday in the China Open quarter-final. The US Open champion fought back from a set down to win 3-6, 7-5, 6-4 to book her place in the semi-final of the tournament. As well as overcoming the first set deficit, Osaka came back from 1-4 down in the third to seal the win. "She's such an incredible player and it was really hard to play against her here," Osaka said after the match. "I'm just thinking one match at a time, and it can only get harder from here." Osaka hit 66 unforced errors during the two hour and 33 minute-long match, but showed a ruthless streak to convert her opportunities, hitting 51 winners to Zhang's 13. The number 8 seed moves on to the semi-final where she will face Anastasija Sevastova of Latvia.

Osaka survives marathon China Open quarter-final against Zhang

US Open champion Naomi Osaka secured a berth at the WTA finals, scheduled to take place at the Singapore Indoor Stadium from 21-28 October.

The 20-year-old, who became the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam singles tournament after defeating Serena Williams in straight sets in New York last month, is the third player to confirm her qualification for the event.&nbsp;

World No. 1 Simona Halep and No. 3 Angelique Kerber have qualified ahead of Osaka.

"Qualifying for the WTA Finals is a huge accomplishment," said Osaka.

The Japanese tennis star defeated Frenchwoman Caroline Garcia to win a junior version of the Singapore tournament and will be returning for the first time as a senior.

"Winning the WTA Rising Stars Invitational in 2015 helped give me the confidence to play on the big stages, so I am excited to go back to Singapore and compete with the top players of the season," she added.

It would be Osaka's maiden appearance in the WTA Finals singles competition, which features only the top eight players of the women’s tennis season.

US Open champion Naomi Osaka secured a berth at the WTA finals, scheduled to take place at the Singapore Indoor Stadium from 21-28 October. The 20-year-old, who became the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam singles tournament after defeating Serena Williams in straight sets in New York last month, is the third player to confirm her qualification for the event.

US Open champion Naomi Osaka secured a berth at the WTA finals, scheduled to take place at the Singapore Indoor Stadium from 21-28 October. The 20-year-old, who became the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam singles tournament after defeating Serena Williams in straight sets in New York last month, is the third player to confirm her qualification for the event. World No. 1 Simona Halep and No. 3 Angelique Kerber have qualified ahead of Osaka. "Qualifying for the WTA Finals is a huge accomplishment," said Osaka. The Japanese tennis star defeated Frenchwoman Caroline Garcia to win a junior version of the Singapore tournament and will be returning for the first time as a senior. "Winning the WTA Rising Stars Invitational in 2015 helped give me the confidence to play on the big stages, so I am excited to go back to Singapore and compete with the top players of the season," she added. It would be Osaka's maiden appearance in the WTA Finals singles competition, which features only the top eight players of the women’s tennis season.

US Open champ Naomi Osaka secures WTA Finals berth

US Open finalist Juan Martin del Potro on Tuesday reached the second roundof the china open after defeating Spain's Albert Ramos-Vinolas 7-5 6-2.&nbsp;

Del Potro, playing his first match since losing to Novak Djokovic in the US Open final last month, played a fair game as he fired 10 aces and won 86 per cent of points on his first serve to seal victory in 90 minutes.&nbsp;

The 30-year-old Argentine can qualify for next month's ATP Finals in London for the first time since 2013 if he reaches the final in Beijing.&nbsp;

He will now face Russia's Karen Khachanov.

US Open finalist Juan Martin del Potro on Tuesday reached the second roundof the china open after defeating Spain's Albert Ramos-Vinolas 7-5 6-2. Del Potro, playing his first match since losing to Novak Djokovic in the US Open final last month, played a fair game as he fired 10 aces and won 86 per cent of points on his first serve to seal victory in 90 minutes.

US Open finalist Juan Martin del Potro on Tuesday reached the second roundof the china open after defeating Spain's Albert Ramos-Vinolas 7-5 6-2. Del Potro, playing his first match since losing to Novak Djokovic in the US Open final last month, played a fair game as he fired 10 aces and won 86 per cent of points on his first serve to seal victory in 90 minutes. The 30-year-old Argentine can qualify for next month's ATP Finals in London for the first time since 2013 if he reaches the final in Beijing. He will now face Russia's Karen Khachanov.

Del Potro beats Ramos-Vinolas in Beijing opener

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/naomi-osaka-not-saddened-by-serena-row-in-us-open-final-165397">Naomi Osaka</a> made the startling admission on Monday that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/naomi-osaka-wins-us-open-after-defeating-her-idol-serena-williams-164506">winning the US Open</a> was "bittersweet" and "not the happiest memory" and revealed that she has been trying to forget about the career-defining victory.

The 20-year-old rising star from Japan stunned Serena Williams last month in a tempestuous final in which the American called chair umpire Carlos Ramos "a thief" and later accused him of sexism.

"There's a lot of stuff I want to say about how I felt and whatever," the world number six said.

Williams's high-profile meltdown made headlines over Osaka's feat in becoming the first Japanese to win a Grand Slam, although Osaka has declined to point the finger at the American great.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/opinion-how-osaka-suffered-because-of-serenas-feud-with-umpire-165091">Opinion: How Osaka suffered because of Serena's feud with umpire</a>

"For me, I don't know, I don't know, the memory of the US Open is a little bit bittersweet," Osaka said.

"Right after, the day after, I really didn't want to think about it because it wasn't necessarily the happiest memory for me.

"I just sort of wanted to move on at that point."

Speaking in Beijing, where Osaka powered into round two of the China Open with a dominant performance over Kazakh qualifier Zarina Diyas, the young Japanese light-heartedly compared her Grand Slam success to green-tea ice cream.

"When you bite into it, it's sweet, but also very strong -- that's how that memory feels to me.

"Of course I'm happy that I won a Grand Slam, I don't think there's anything that can take away from that... but I feel like it was so strange, I didn't just want to think about it.

"I wanted to just push it to the side."&nbsp;

Osaka, who defeated Diyas 6-4, 6-3 despite not playing her best, faces unseeded American Danielle Collins next.

Wozniacki emphatic

Also safely through on Beijing's outdoor hard courts is another reigning Grand Slam champion, Australian Open winner Caroline Wozniacki.

With world number one Simona Halep retiring from the tournament with a back injury and Serena Williams absent, Osaka and Wozniacki are among the favourites.

Former world number one Wozniacki was emphatic with a 6-2, 6-3 demolition of Switzerland's Belinda Bencic.

The world number two Dane was never in serious trouble against 41st-ranked Bencic, although it has not always been like that down the years, Bencic winning four of their past six meetings.&nbsp;

Wozniacki will play Croatia's unseeded Petra Martic in round two.

It was a case of seventh time lucky for another former number one, Garbine Muguruza, as the Spaniard set up a meeting with Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus.

Muguruza, who is down to 15th in the world, made a fast start as she hammered Ekaterina Makarova 6-0, 6-4, making the seventh match point count against the Russian.

Elise Mertens, the 15th seed from Belgium, suffered a surprise defeat to home player Zhang Shuai, the Chinese winning 6-1, 3-6, 6-3.

Also out is the 17th seed Madison Keys after the American, the 2017 US Open finalist, withdrew with a knee injury.

The top men's seeds make their entrance on Tuesday, with Juan Martin del Potro, Alexander Zverev and Grigor Dimitrov all in action.

Naomi Osaka made the startling admission on Monday that winning the US Open was "bittersweet" and "not the happiest memory" and revealed that she has been trying to forget about the career-defining victory.

Naomi Osaka made the startling admission on Monday that winning the US Open was "bittersweet" and "not the happiest memory" and revealed that she has been trying to forget about the career-defining victory. The 20-year-old rising star from Japan stunned Serena Williams last month in a tempestuous final in which the American called chair umpire Carlos Ramos "a thief" and later accused him of sexism. "There's a lot of stuff I want to say about how I felt and whatever," the world number six said. Williams's high-profile meltdown made headlines over Osaka's feat in becoming the first Japanese to win a Grand Slam, although Osaka has declined to point the finger at the American great. Opinion: How Osaka suffered because of Serena's feud with umpire "For me, I don't know, I don't know, the memory of the US Open is a little bit bittersweet," Osaka said. "Right after, the day after, I really didn't want to think about it because it wasn't necessarily the happiest memory for me. "I just sort of wanted to move on at that point." Speaking in Beijing, where Osaka powered into round two of the China Open with a dominant performance over Kazakh qualifier Zarina Diyas, the young Japanese light-heartedly compared her Grand Slam success to green-tea ice cream. "When you bite into it, it's sweet, but also very strong -- that's how that memory feels to me. "Of course I'm happy that I won a Grand Slam, I don't think there's anything that can take away from that... but I feel like it was so strange, I didn't just want to think about it. "I wanted to just push it to the side." Osaka, who defeated Diyas 6-4, 6-3 despite not playing her best, faces unseeded American Danielle Collins next. Wozniacki emphatic Also safely through on Beijing's outdoor hard courts is another reigning Grand Slam champion, Australian Open winner Caroline Wozniacki. With world number one Simona Halep retiring from the tournament with a back injury and Serena Williams absent, Osaka and Wozniacki are among the favourites. Former world number one Wozniacki was emphatic with a 6-2, 6-3 demolition of Switzerland's Belinda Bencic. The world number two Dane was never in serious trouble against 41st-ranked Bencic, although it has not always been like that down the years, Bencic winning four of their past six meetings. Wozniacki will play Croatia's unseeded Petra Martic in round two. It was a case of seventh time lucky for another former number one, Garbine Muguruza, as the Spaniard set up a meeting with Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus. Muguruza, who is down to 15th in the world, made a fast start as she hammered Ekaterina Makarova 6-0, 6-4, making the seventh match point count against the Russian. Elise Mertens, the 15th seed from Belgium, suffered a surprise defeat to home player Zhang Shuai, the Chinese winning 6-1, 3-6, 6-3. Also out is the 17th seed Madison Keys after the American, the 2017 US Open finalist, withdrew with a knee injury. The top men's seeds make their entrance on Tuesday, with Juan Martin del Potro, Alexander Zverev and Grigor Dimitrov all in action.

US Open title 'not the happiest memory', says Osaka

US&nbsp;Open champion Naomi Osaka stormed past Italy's Camila Giorgi 6-2, 6-3 on Saturday to reach the final of the Pan Pacific Open, where she will face Karolina Pliskova.

Osaka's victory in front of an expectant home crowd was her 10th in a row and did not look in doubt from the moment she pounded down a huge ace with her first serve of the match.

The 20-year-old, who became Japan's first ever Grand Slam singles champion in New York two weeks ago, hit a further eight aces to overwhelm world number 37 Giorgi.

Osaka has carried the poise and power that saw her overcome Serena Williams in the Flushing Meadows final across the Pacific with her and, helped by eight double-faults from Giorgi, wrapped up the victory in just 72 minutes.

A runner up at this event two years ago, Osaka has not dropped a set so far this week and has had her service broken just once.

She will face world number eight Pliskova in the final after the Czech outlasted Croatia's Donna Vekic 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 in a topsy-turvy match that lasted over two hours.

Pliskova has spent more time on court than any other player at this tournament despite a first-round bye and was once again dragged into a long contest by a dogged Vekic.

The former world number one started as if intent on finishing the contest as quickly as possible and stormed into an early 4-0 lead before wrapping up the first set in under half an hour.

Vekic, though, had defeated top 10 players Sloane Stephens and Caroline Garcia on route to the last four and recovered from an early break of serve in the second set to secure two breaks of her own.

Pliskova looked tired but dug deep in the third set and the quality of her superior hitting eventually told as she broke Vekic's resolve.

Currently, just outside the top eight qualifying places for the WTA Finals in Singapore, Pliskova has now spent 420 minutes on court in Tokyo compared to 222 minutes for Osaka.

US Open champion Naomi Osaka stormed past Italy's Camila Giorgi 6-2, 6-3 on Saturday to reach the final of the Pan Pacific Open, where she will face Karolina Pliskova.

US Open champion Naomi Osaka stormed past Italy's Camila Giorgi 6-2, 6-3 on Saturday to reach the final of the Pan Pacific Open, where she will face Karolina Pliskova. Osaka's victory in front of an expectant home crowd was her 10th in a row and did not look in doubt from the moment she pounded down a huge ace with her first serve of the match. The 20-year-old, who became Japan's first ever Grand Slam singles champion in New York two weeks ago, hit a further eight aces to overwhelm world number 37 Giorgi. Osaka has carried the poise and power that saw her overcome Serena Williams in the Flushing Meadows final across the Pacific with her and, helped by eight double-faults from Giorgi, wrapped up the victory in just 72 minutes. A runner up at this event two years ago, Osaka has not dropped a set so far this week and has had her service broken just once. She will face world number eight Pliskova in the final after the Czech outlasted Croatia's Donna Vekic 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 in a topsy-turvy match that lasted over two hours. Pliskova has spent more time on court than any other player at this tournament despite a first-round bye and was once again dragged into a long contest by a dogged Vekic. The former world number one started as if intent on finishing the contest as quickly as possible and stormed into an early 4-0 lead before wrapping up the first set in under half an hour. Vekic, though, had defeated top 10 players Sloane Stephens and Caroline Garcia on route to the last four and recovered from an early break of serve in the second set to secure two breaks of her own. Pliskova looked tired but dug deep in the third set and the quality of her superior hitting eventually told as she broke Vekic's resolve. Currently, just outside the top eight qualifying places for the WTA Finals in Singapore, Pliskova has now spent 420 minutes on court in Tokyo compared to 222 minutes for Osaka.

Osaka wins 10th straight match to power into Tokyo final

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