Wimbledon&nbsp;will introduce a final set tie-break starting from next year's Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), organisers said on Friday.

After a period of consultation with players and officials, the AELTC ruled that the tiebreak will be played when the score reaches 12-12 in the final set of all matches at the tournament, singles and doubles.

"The match winner(s) will be the first player(s) to win seven points with an advantage of two or more points. There will be no change to the current format of the Wheelchair and Quad Wheelchair events, which are the best of three tiebreak sets," the AELTC said.

The decision means there will be no repeat of the record-breaking marathon match in 2010 when American John Isner beat Frenchman Nicolas Mahut after 11 hours and five minutes of play over three days. The final set took eight hours and 11 minutes and was won by Isner 70-68.

“Our view was that the time had come to introduce a tiebreak method for matches that had not reached their natural conclusion at a reasonable point during the deciding set," AELTC Chairman Philip Brook said.

"While we know the instances of matches extending deep into the final set are rare, we feel that a tiebreak at 12-12 strikes an equitable balance between allowing players ample opportunity to complete the match to advantage, while also providing certainty that the match will reach a conclusion in an acceptable timeframe."

Wimbledon will introduce a final set tie-break starting from next year's Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), organisers said on Friday. After a period of consultation with players and officials, the AELTC ruled that the tiebreak will be played when the score reaches 12-12 in the final set of all matches at the tournament, singles and doubles.

Wimbledon will introduce a final set tie-break starting from next year's Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), organisers said on Friday. After a period of consultation with players and officials, the AELTC ruled that the tiebreak will be played when the score reaches 12-12 in the final set of all matches at the tournament, singles and doubles. "The match winner(s) will be the first player(s) to win seven points with an advantage of two or more points. There will be no change to the current format of the Wheelchair and Quad Wheelchair events, which are the best of three tiebreak sets," the AELTC said. The decision means there will be no repeat of the record-breaking marathon match in 2010 when American John Isner beat Frenchman Nicolas Mahut after 11 hours and five minutes of play over three days. The final set took eight hours and 11 minutes and was won by Isner 70-68. “Our view was that the time had come to introduce a tiebreak method for matches that had not reached their natural conclusion at a reasonable point during the deciding set," AELTC Chairman Philip Brook said. "While we know the instances of matches extending deep into the final set are rare, we feel that a tiebreak at 12-12 strikes an equitable balance between allowing players ample opportunity to complete the match to advantage, while also providing certainty that the match will reach a conclusion in an acceptable timeframe."

Wimbledon brings in final set tiebreak

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

Maria Sharapova and Madison Keys have withdrawn from next week's Nature Valley Classic in Birmingham as they look to regain full fitness ahead of Wimbledon.

Sharapova, the 2004 Wimbledon champion, said she needed rest after reaching the French Open quarter-finals. The 31-year-old Russian served a doping ban in 2016 and was forced to skip the grass-court season last year with a thigh injury.

"I need to take care of my body and make sure I stay healthy," Sharapova said in a statement. "Sometimes that means you have to take tough decisions like this one."

American Keys, 23, will miss the Birmingham event due to an abdominal injury.

Sharapova, the 2004 Wimbledon champion, said she needed rest after reaching the French Open quarter-finals

Maria Sharapova and Madison Keys have withdrawn from next week's Nature Valley Classic in Birmingham as they look to regain full fitness ahead of Wimbledon. Sharapova, the 2004 Wimbledon champion, said she needed rest after reaching the French Open quarter-finals. The 31-year-old Russian served a doping ban in 2016 and was forced to skip the grass-court season last year with a thigh injury. "I need to take care of my body and make sure I stay healthy," Sharapova said in a statement. "Sometimes that means you have to take tough decisions like this one." American Keys, 23, will miss the Birmingham event due to an abdominal injury.

Maria Sharapova, Madison Keys withdraw from Birmingham

59-time Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova recently&nbsp;revealed that she was paid at least 10-times less than her fellow Wimbledon pundit John McEnroe by BBC for their broadcasting roles at Wimbledon.

She accused the British broadcaster when they published the salaries of their highest-paid stars last July, in brackets of &pound;50,000.

After analysing the salary brackets, she realised that her fellow presenter McEnroe&#39;s pay packet was between &pound;150,000 and &pound;199,999 which was comparatively more than her.

&quot;It&#39;s shocking,&quot; Navratilova told the BBC&#39;s Panorama programme.

She also added, &quot;It&#39;s still the good old boys network.... The bottom line is that male voices are valued more than women&#39;s voices.&quot;

Navratilova said her agent will ask for more money in future to work for the BBC.

McEnroe responded to the controversy saying, &quot;Well, you know, to me, I&#39;m just hearing about it. I believe that the BBC has responded in a way that I believe is appropriate.&quot;

On the other hand, BBC defended itself and said McEnroe&#39;s contract is &quot;entirely different&quot; to Navratilova&#39;s and the two are not comparable.

&nbsp;

Navratilova accused the British broadcaster when she realised that fellow presenter McEnroe's pay packet was 10-times more than her

59-time Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova recently revealed that she was paid at least 10-times less than her fellow Wimbledon pundit John McEnroe by BBC for their broadcasting roles at Wimbledon. She accused the British broadcaster when they published the salaries of their highest-paid stars last July, in brackets of £50,000. After analysing the salary brackets, she realised that her fellow presenter McEnroe's pay packet was between £150,000 and £199,999 which was comparatively more than her. "It's shocking," Navratilova told the BBC's Panorama programme. She also added, "It's still the good old boys network.... The bottom line is that male voices are valued more than women's voices." Navratilova said her agent will ask for more money in future to work for the BBC. McEnroe responded to the controversy saying, "Well, you know, to me, I'm just hearing about it. I believe that the BBC has responded in a way that I believe is appropriate." On the other hand, BBC defended itself and said McEnroe's contract is "entirely different" to Navratilova's and the two are not comparable.

Tennis great Martina Navratilova 'unhappy' with BBC's pay disparity

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

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

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

Opinion: Roger Federer is best ever sportsperson across all sports

Former world number one Andy Murray withdrew from the Brisbane International with a hip problem on Tuesday, further putting in doubt the Briton&#39;s prospects of being fit in time for the Australian Open later this month.

Murray has not played a competitive match since a Wimbledon quarter-final loss last July due to the complaint and despite coming through a one-set exhibition in Abu Dhabi last week, he was unable to train on Tuesday and announced his withdrawal.

&quot;I&#39;m very disappointed to be withdrawing from the Brisbane International,&quot; Murray, seeded second in Brisbane, told tournament organisers.

&quot;I came here with every intention of making a strong start to the year, but sadly my team and I don&#39;t feel that I&#39;m where I need to be just yet to compete at the highest level.&quot;

The world number 16 had been due to play his first tournament match of the season on Thursday with a second-round encounter against American Ryan Harrison at Pat Rafter Arena. He will be replaced by German lucky loser Yannick Hanfmann.

The 30-year-old three-time grand slam winner is now facing a race against time to be fit for the year&#39;s opening major in Melbourne starting on Jan. 15, along with fellow ailing &quot;Big Four&quot; members Rafael Nadal (back) and Novak Djokovic (elbow).

Murray, who said on Sunday that he planned to trim his schedule in 2018 to prevent a recurrence of his injury issues, will remain in Brisbane as he works towards returning to the tennis circuit.

&quot;I have great memories of playing here in Brisbane and I have always enjoyed competing in front of the Queensland fans, so look forward to returning in the near future,&quot; he added.

Tournament director Cameron Pearson wished Murray well as he continued his rehabilitation.

&quot;I&#39;m really disappointed for Andy, as I know how much he was looking forward to getting his season started in Brisbane,&quot; he said.

&quot;As a two-time former champion, he has great memories of playing on Pat Rafter Arena and thrilling his fans. I wish him all the best to be ready to play the Australian Open.&quot;

Former world number one Andy Murray withdrew from the Brisbane International with a hip problem on Tuesday, further putting in doubt the Briton's prospects of being fit in time for the Australian Open later this month

Former world number one Andy Murray withdrew from the Brisbane International with a hip problem on Tuesday, further putting in doubt the Briton's prospects of being fit in time for the Australian Open later this month. Murray has not played a competitive match since a Wimbledon quarter-final loss last July due to the complaint and despite coming through a one-set exhibition in Abu Dhabi last week, he was unable to train on Tuesday and announced his withdrawal. "I'm very disappointed to be withdrawing from the Brisbane International," Murray, seeded second in Brisbane, told tournament organisers. "I came here with every intention of making a strong start to the year, but sadly my team and I don't feel that I'm where I need to be just yet to compete at the highest level." The world number 16 had been due to play his first tournament match of the season on Thursday with a second-round encounter against American Ryan Harrison at Pat Rafter Arena. He will be replaced by German lucky loser Yannick Hanfmann. The 30-year-old three-time grand slam winner is now facing a race against time to be fit for the year's opening major in Melbourne starting on Jan. 15, along with fellow ailing "Big Four" members Rafael Nadal (back) and Novak Djokovic (elbow). Murray, who said on Sunday that he planned to trim his schedule in 2018 to prevent a recurrence of his injury issues, will remain in Brisbane as he works towards returning to the tennis circuit. "I have great memories of playing here in Brisbane and I have always enjoyed competing in front of the Queensland fans, so look forward to returning in the near future," he added. Tournament director Cameron Pearson wished Murray well as he continued his rehabilitation. "I'm really disappointed for Andy, as I know how much he was looking forward to getting his season started in Brisbane," he said. "As a two-time former champion, he has great memories of playing on Pat Rafter Arena and thrilling his fans. I wish him all the best to be ready to play the Australian Open."

Tennis: Murray out of Brisbane event with hip injury

&quot;If Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are still winning I think there&rsquo;s something wrong,&quot; said former World No. 1 Marat Safin. Throwing light on the domination these two legends have had in the history of tennis. Let&#39;s roll back to the start of the 2017 season, where both Federer and Nadal were written off, forget getting to a Grand Slam final.

&nbsp;

The Swiss maestro had taken a break in the mid of the 2016 season to give his body some rest and allow enough time to recover for the 2017 season. And Nadal&#39;s never-ending knee injuries saw him have an abysmal 2016. But the two bounced back and bounced back how!

&nbsp;

Federer and Nadal split the Grand Slam titles, winning two each. The 37-year-old won as many as seven titles despite missing the whole of the clay court season. And it was a good decision by Federer to skip the clay season as the &#39;King of clay&#39; was in sublime form, winning all the clay court tournaments -- but one-- in the calendar season.

&nbsp;

It all began in the month of January where Federer, who started the year as World No. 16, went on to defeat Nadal at the Melbourne Park, his first Australian Open title since 2010. It was as if the evergreen Federer came out of his hiatus rolling back the years. His moments on the court was swift, agile and he was moving pain-free. Federer even defeated his biggest nemesis Nadal in all the finals they played in the 2017 season.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&quot;I&rsquo;m out of words and Rafa said so many great things. I&rsquo;d like to congratulate Rafa on an amazing comeback. I don&rsquo;t think either of us thought we&rsquo;d be in the finals when we were at your academy four or five years ago. I&rsquo;d just like to thank my team. It&rsquo;s been a different last six months. I didn&rsquo;t think I was going to make it here,&rdquo; said Federer.

There it was, Federer won his 18th Grand Slam title, aged 35.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The stage then moved to Wimbledon. Considered as one the most prestigious of the Grand Slams, the stage was set for Federer to add to his tally of his 18 Grand Slam titles. Everyone tipped Federer to lift the Wimbledon, even the promos suggested the same. The road was not easy for the Swiss. But the wizard that he is, he streamed past a teary-eyed Marin Cilic, to be on seventh heaven, winning the 2017 edition of Wimbledon.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

And then there was another Grand Slam title added to Federer, making it his 19th overall.

&nbsp;

Then came the season of clay. And the &#39;King of clay&#39; stood up and stamped his authority, instilling fears in his counterparts. So much so that, Federer opted to skip the whole of the clay season, including the French Open. The Spaniard went on to win all the clay titles, barring the Rome Masters.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Then came the French Open. A Grand Slam, that the southpaw had won for nine times before 2017. Going into the French Open, the 31-year-old was tipped to win the clay Grand Slam. Having won the event nine times, Nadal knew the courts and the conditions like the back of his palm. The beast came out roaring. He went on to win the French Open for an unprecedented 10th time, making him the only player ever to win a Grand Slam 10 times!

&nbsp;

&quot;I play my best in all events but the feeling I have here is impossible to describe and you can&#39;t compare it. The nerves and adrenaline I feel on this court is impossible to compare. It&#39;s the most important event in my career,&quot; said Nadal after lifting the La Coupe des Mousquetaires (The Musketeers&#39; Trophy).

&nbsp;

Nadal stamped the authority over the world as to who the true &#39;King of clay&#39; really is.

&nbsp;

Then came the US Open. The last Grand Slam of the season. Federer went down in the quarterfinal stage, losing to Juan Martin del Potro in a pulsating four-setter. While, Nadal defeated the&nbsp; Argentine, in four-setter to make the final of the 2017 edition of US Open. Nadal broke no sweat in defeating South Africa&#39;s Kevin Anderson to take his 16th Grand Slam title. With Federer winning two and Nadal just one, it was only poetic justice that Nadal won the fourth.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

And there it was. Federer-2, Nadal-2.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Entering 2017, Federer had not won a Grand Slam in almost five years while Nadal had not won a Grand Slam in three years. &#39;Fedal&#39; were considered essentially done as title contenders. And yet! And yet! As we come to the end of 2017, both roared back in style to redefine the prowess, the greatness that &#39;Fedal&#39; are!

&nbsp;

For all those who say, &quot;Wine ages better with time.&quot; For once, just once, watch Federer-Nadal play. Watch them roll back the years, the rivalry and the drama. You will know for sure, &quot;Nothing ages better than &#39;Fedal&#39;! Not even wine!

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

For once, just once, watch Federer-Nadal play. Watch them roll back the years, the rivalry and the drama. You will know for sure, "Nothing ages better than 'Fedal'! Not even wine!

"If Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are still winning I think there’s something wrong," said former World No. 1 Marat Safin. Throwing light on the domination these two legends have had in the history of tennis. Let's roll back to the start of the 2017 season, where both Federer and Nadal were written off, forget getting to a Grand Slam final. The Swiss maestro had taken a break in the mid of the 2016 season to give his body some rest and allow enough time to recover for the 2017 season. And Nadal's never-ending knee injuries saw him have an abysmal 2016. But the two bounced back and bounced back how! Federer and Nadal split the Grand Slam titles, winning two each. The 37-year-old won as many as seven titles despite missing the whole of the clay court season. And it was a good decision by Federer to skip the clay season as the 'King of clay' was in sublime form, winning all the clay court tournaments -- but one-- in the calendar season. It all began in the month of January where Federer, who started the year as World No. 16, went on to defeat Nadal at the Melbourne Park, his first Australian Open title since 2010. It was as if the evergreen Federer came out of his hiatus rolling back the years. His moments on the court was swift, agile and he was moving pain-free. Federer even defeated his biggest nemesis Nadal in all the finals they played in the 2017 season. "I’m out of words and Rafa said so many great things. I’d like to congratulate Rafa on an amazing comeback. I don’t think either of us thought we’d be in the finals when we were at your academy four or five years ago. I’d just like to thank my team. It’s been a different last six months. I didn’t think I was going to make it here,” said Federer. There it was, Federer won his 18th Grand Slam title, aged 35. The stage then moved to Wimbledon. Considered as one the most prestigious of the Grand Slams, the stage was set for Federer to add to his tally of his 18 Grand Slam titles. Everyone tipped Federer to lift the Wimbledon, even the promos suggested the same. The road was not easy for the Swiss. But the wizard that he is, he streamed past a teary-eyed Marin Cilic, to be on seventh heaven, winning the 2017 edition of Wimbledon. And then there was another Grand Slam title added to Federer, making it his 19th overall. Then came the season of clay. And the 'King of clay' stood up and stamped his authority, instilling fears in his counterparts. So much so that, Federer opted to skip the whole of the clay season, including the French Open. The Spaniard went on to win all the clay titles, barring the Rome Masters. Then came the French Open. A Grand Slam, that the southpaw had won for nine times before 2017. Going into the French Open, the 31-year-old was tipped to win the clay Grand Slam. Having won the event nine times, Nadal knew the courts and the conditions like the back of his palm. The beast came out roaring. He went on to win the French Open for an unprecedented 10th time, making him the only player ever to win a Grand Slam 10 times! "I play my best in all events but the feeling I have here is impossible to describe and you can't compare it. The nerves and adrenaline I feel on this court is impossible to compare. It's the most important event in my career," said Nadal after lifting the La Coupe des Mousquetaires (The Musketeers' Trophy). Nadal stamped the authority over the world as to who the true 'King of clay' really is. Then came the US Open. The last Grand Slam of the season. Federer went down in the quarterfinal stage, losing to Juan Martin del Potro in a pulsating four-setter. While, Nadal defeated the Argentine, in four-setter to make the final of the 2017 edition of US Open. Nadal broke no sweat in defeating South Africa's Kevin Anderson to take his 16th Grand Slam title. With Federer winning two and Nadal just one, it was only poetic justice that Nadal won the fourth. And there it was. Federer-2, Nadal-2. Entering 2017, Federer had not won a Grand Slam in almost five years while Nadal had not won a Grand Slam in three years. 'Fedal' were considered essentially done as title contenders. And yet! And yet! As we come to the end of 2017, both roared back in style to redefine the prowess, the greatness that 'Fedal' are! For all those who say, "Wine ages better with time." For once, just once, watch Federer-Nadal play. Watch them roll back the years, the rivalry and the drama. You will know for sure, "Nothing ages better than 'Fedal'! Not even wine! (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: 'Fedal' age better than wine

Not every day, do&nbsp;we see something funny come out of a serious press conference.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, a kid reporter cum fan was at the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/us-open-federer-narrowly-beats-american-teenager-frances-tiafoe-19656">US Open Tennis Tournament press conference where Roger Federer </a>was addressing the media.

The kid got his chance to speak at the conference and he went on to ask the 19-time champion (Grand Slam singles titles) about why he&#39;s referred to by the nickname of G.O.A.T even though there is not a lot of livestock in his native country, Switzerland. The kid thought he was actually nicknamed after the farm animal.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/us-open-japanese-teen-naomi-osaka-upsets-defending-champion-kerber-429">Roger Federer looked amused by the question</a> and he laughed before answering it. The tennis champion said, &ldquo;Some fans call me that; I don&rsquo;t call myself that.&quot; After taking a pause, he added, &ldquo;But yeah, we have a lot of animals in Switzerland and goats are part of the livestock we have over there, yes.&rdquo;

After this the cute kid went on to say that he has a &quot;serious&nbsp;question&quot; and asked if he &quot;could continue playing for another 8-9 years&quot; so that he could get to play Roger Federer when he &quot;becomes a pro&quot; himself.&nbsp;

Being a sport, Federer answered that he would try to &quot;make a comeback&quot; for him and that it is a &quot;pinky promise&quot;.&nbsp;

Roger Federer, is currently ranked world No. 3 in men&#39;s singles tennis by the Association of Tennis Professionals and is commonly referred to by the nickname G.O.A.T which stands for&nbsp;Greatest of All Time.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<h2>Watch the video:&nbsp;</h2>

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0gfEqBdUkfE" width="970"></iframe>

(WION)

&nbsp;

He seemed amused with the question and laughed before answering

Not every day, do we see something funny come out of a serious press conference. On Tuesday, a kid reporter cum fan was at the US Open Tennis Tournament press conference where Roger Federer was addressing the media. The kid got his chance to speak at the conference and he went on to ask the 19-time champion (Grand Slam singles titles) about why he's referred to by the nickname of G.O.A.T even though there is not a lot of livestock in his native country, Switzerland. The kid thought he was actually nicknamed after the farm animal. Roger Federer looked amused by the question and he laughed before answering it. The tennis champion said, “Some fans call me that; I don’t call myself that." After taking a pause, he added, “But yeah, we have a lot of animals in Switzerland and goats are part of the livestock we have over there, yes.” After this the cute kid went on to say that he has a "serious question" and asked if he "could continue playing for another 8-9 years" so that he could get to play Roger Federer when he "becomes a pro" himself. Being a sport, Federer answered that he would try to "make a comeback" for him and that it is a "pinky promise". Roger Federer, is currently ranked world No. 3 in men's singles tennis by the Association of Tennis Professionals and is commonly referred to by the nickname G.O.A.T which stands for Greatest of All Time. Watch the video: (WION)

Kid reporter asks Roger Federer why he's called the G.O.A.T. at the US Open

By Yash Jha

&quot;I wasn&#39;t sure if I was going to ever be here in another finals after last year. I had some tough ones losing to Novak in 2014 and 2015. But I always believed that I can maybe come back and do it again, and if you believe you can go really, really far in your life, and I think I did that and I&#39;m happy. I kept on believing and dreaming and here I am today, with the eighth. It&#39;s fantastic.&quot;

When Roger Federer first won a Wimbledon Men&#39;s Singles title, on July 6, 2003, George W Bush was President of the USA, Facebook was yet to launch, Wayne Rooney played for Everton, and Andre Agassi was ranked world number one.

Over 14 years from the day he became a Grand Slam champion - in a world where Donald Trump presides over the US, the world seemingly exists on social media, Rooney has returned to Everton after about a lifetime at Manchester United, and Agassi has been retired for over a decade - <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-wins-record-8th-wimbledon-title-as-cilic-bid-ends-in-tears-17973" target="_blank">Federer became the most successful male player in the history</a> of the oldest and most prestigious competition in tennis.&nbsp;

&quot;It is very special. Wimbledon was always my favourite tournament, will always be my favourite tournament. My heroes walked the grounds here, the courts here, and because of them, I think I became a better player too. So to mark history here at Wimbledon means a lot to me,&quot; he said at the post-match press conference following his capturing of a record-extending 19th Grand Slam title.

<h2><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/martina-hingis-jamie-murray-win-wimbledon-mixed-doubles-17976" target="_blank">Also Read: Swiss dish the flavour in mixed doubles</a></h2>

At 35 years and 342 days, he also became the oldest singles champion at Wimbledon, irrespective of gender, in the Open Era.&nbsp;

History would have always had room - one of its better suites, even - for Federer, regardless of what happened on Sunday. Regardless of what happened in 2017. Or the year before that.

In July 2009, with his securing of a sixth title at the All England Club after a four-hour, 77-game long marathon against Andy Roddick, Federer had become the most decorated player in men&#39;s tennis, surpassing Pete Sampras&#39; haul of 14 titles.

A 16th Slam followed soon at the 2010 Australian Open, but then came 2011 - his first year without a Slam since his breakthrough win in 2003.&nbsp;

He continued the love affair with Wimbledon in 2012, but then came four-and-a-half years bereft of victory.&nbsp;

It wasn&#39;t so much the slide of the Swiss maestro that was discomforting - what goes up comes down, the best get bettered, it&#39;s all par for the course - as the manner. Federer was losing his mojo, his opponents were finding their feet, the aura of invincibility was gone.&nbsp;

Then, in 2016, came the &quot;clicking&quot;&nbsp;of his knees while he ran a bath for his twin daughters at home. A torn cartilage would need a surgery; the return would read 18 matches, zero finals, zero wins against top-10 players.

And when it was known that Federer would miss the entire season post-Wimbledon, including the US Open - only the second major he skipped in 17 years - the inevitable question of retirement that had been following him ever since he completed his career Grand Slam at Roland Garros in 2009 had resurfaced.

&quot;I&rsquo;ve heard retirement [talk]since 2009 when I won the French Open and people were like, well, what else are you playing for? I&rsquo;m like, what&rsquo;s wrong with you people? Don&rsquo;t you understand that playing tennis is great fun? I don&rsquo;t need to win three slams a year to be content. If the body doesn&rsquo;t want to do it, if the mind doesn&rsquo;t want to do it, if my wife doesn&rsquo;t want me to do it, if my kids don&rsquo;t like it, I&rsquo;ll stop tomorrow. zero problem. But I love tennis in such a big way that I don&rsquo;t care if I don&rsquo;t win so much any more. For me that is irrelevant,&quot; the then-17-time-major-winner said in an interview with The Guardian during his hiatus.

Away from the tour for six months, Federer returned at the Australian Open in January. &nbsp;His record since: 31-2. At Grand Slams and Masters 1000 events: 25-0. Titles won: Australian Open, Indian Wells, Miami, Wimbledon.

The king of SW19 had waited five years to regain his kingdom. His Center Court audience had never had to endure as long between any two Federer titles.

But all that was now over; the man who turns 36 next month had made it 19 at SW19.

&quot;It&#39;s a dream to play here really, and I hope this wasn&#39;t my last match, and I hope I can come back next year and try to defend the title,&quot; was his parting shot to the faithful.

In the time between Federer&#39;s first title and this, his latest, the landscape of the world has changed a fair bit. It isn&#39;t the greatest place to be around.

But till the time Roger Federer keeps winning Grand Slams, till he keeps turning up at Center Court at Wimbledon, till he keeps playing this sport - the world doesn&#39;t need any saving.

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Asian Games gold medallist and former India No 1 Somdev Devvarman speaks to WION&#39;s sports editor Digvijay Singh Deo on Roger Federer&#39;s record 8th Wimbledon title. (WION)
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&nbsp;

With his Wimbledon win, Federer becomes the most successful male player in the history of the oldest and most prestigious competition in tennis

By Yash Jha "I wasn't sure if I was going to ever be here in another finals after last year. I had some tough ones losing to Novak in 2014 and 2015. But I always believed that I can maybe come back and do it again, and if you believe you can go really, really far in your life, and I think I did that and I'm happy. I kept on believing and dreaming and here I am today, with the eighth. It's fantastic." When Roger Federer first won a Wimbledon Men's Singles title, on July 6, 2003, George W Bush was President of the USA, Facebook was yet to launch, Wayne Rooney played for Everton, and Andre Agassi was ranked world number one. Over 14 years from the day he became a Grand Slam champion - in a world where Donald Trump presides over the US, the world seemingly exists on social media, Rooney has returned to Everton after about a lifetime at Manchester United, and Agassi has been retired for over a decade - Federer became the most successful male player in the history of the oldest and most prestigious competition in tennis. "It is very special. Wimbledon was always my favourite tournament, will always be my favourite tournament. My heroes walked the grounds here, the courts here, and because of them, I think I became a better player too. So to mark history here at Wimbledon means a lot to me," he said at the post-match press conference following his capturing of a record-extending 19th Grand Slam title. Also Read: Swiss dish the flavour in mixed doubles At 35 years and 342 days, he also became the oldest singles champion at Wimbledon, irrespective of gender, in the Open Era. History would have always had room - one of its better suites, even - for Federer, regardless of what happened on Sunday. Regardless of what happened in 2017. Or the year before that. In July 2009, with his securing of a sixth title at the All England Club after a four-hour, 77-game long marathon against Andy Roddick, Federer had become the most decorated player in men's tennis, surpassing Pete Sampras' haul of 14 titles. A 16th Slam followed soon at the 2010 Australian Open, but then came 2011 - his first year without a Slam since his breakthrough win in 2003. He continued the love affair with Wimbledon in 2012, but then came four-and-a-half years bereft of victory. It wasn't so much the slide of the Swiss maestro that was discomforting - what goes up comes down, the best get bettered, it's all par for the course - as the manner. Federer was losing his mojo, his opponents were finding their feet, the aura of invincibility was gone. Then, in 2016, came the "clicking" of his knees while he ran a bath for his twin daughters at home. A torn cartilage would need a surgery; the return would read 18 matches, zero finals, zero wins against top-10 players. And when it was known that Federer would miss the entire season post-Wimbledon, including the US Open - only the second major he skipped in 17 years - the inevitable question of retirement that had been following him ever since he completed his career Grand Slam at Roland Garros in 2009 had resurfaced. "I’ve heard retirement [talk]since 2009 when I won the French Open and people were like, well, what else are you playing for? I’m like, what’s wrong with you people? Don’t you understand that playing tennis is great fun? I don’t need to win three slams a year to be content. If the body doesn’t want to do it, if the mind doesn’t want to do it, if my wife doesn’t want me to do it, if my kids don’t like it, I’ll stop tomorrow. zero problem. But I love tennis in such a big way that I don’t care if I don’t win so much any more. For me that is irrelevant," the then-17-time-major-winner said in an interview with The Guardian during his hiatus. Away from the tour for six months, Federer returned at the Australian Open in January. His record since: 31-2. At Grand Slams and Masters 1000 events: 25-0. Titles won: Australian Open, Indian Wells, Miami, Wimbledon. The king of SW19 had waited five years to regain his kingdom. His Center Court audience had never had to endure as long between any two Federer titles. But all that was now over; the man who turns 36 next month had made it 19 at SW19. "It's a dream to play here really, and I hope this wasn't my last match, and I hope I can come back next year and try to defend the title," was his parting shot to the faithful. In the time between Federer's first title and this, his latest, the landscape of the world has changed a fair bit. It isn't the greatest place to be around. But till the time Roger Federer keeps winning Grand Slams, till he keeps turning up at Center Court at Wimbledon, till he keeps playing this sport - the world doesn't need any saving. Asian Games gold medallist and former India No 1 Somdev Devvarman speaks to WION's sports editor Digvijay Singh Deo on Roger Federer's record 8th Wimbledon title. (WION) ×

Eighth heaven: King Federer reclaims his kingdom

An inspired Garbine Muguruza stormed to her first Wimbledon title on Saturday, blowing away in-form American Venus Williams 7-5 6-0 with arguably the performance of her career after tight and tense early exchanges.

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Muguruza holding the Wimbledon trophy. (Reuters)
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In the first women&#39;s final played under the Centre Court roof, a high-quality first set gradually built towards a captivating conclusion after both players began with two comfortable service holds.

Muguruza saved two set points in the 10th game, the first a 19-stroke rally that ended when Williams netted a forehand. The Spaniard broke in the following game when another lung-bursting rally ended on a forehand error from the American.

An astonishing defensive lob in the next then took Muguruza to two set points, the second of which she converted.

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Venus Williams holding the runner up trophy at the Wimbledon final. (Reuters)
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That three-game sequence seemed to break the resolve of the American who, trying to become the oldest woman to win Wimbledon for 109 years, lost the second set to love in an equally astonishing turnaround.

The Venezuela-born 23-year-old sealed her second grand slam victory after a successful Hawkeye challenge of a Williams forehand that sailed just beyond the baseline.

This is Muguruza's second grand slam title

An inspired Garbine Muguruza stormed to her first Wimbledon title on Saturday, blowing away in-form American Venus Williams 7-5 6-0 with arguably the performance of her career after tight and tense early exchanges. Muguruza holding the Wimbledon trophy. (Reuters) × In the first women's final played under the Centre Court roof, a high-quality first set gradually built towards a captivating conclusion after both players began with two comfortable service holds. Muguruza saved two set points in the 10th game, the first a 19-stroke rally that ended when Williams netted a forehand. The Spaniard broke in the following game when another lung-bursting rally ended on a forehand error from the American. An astonishing defensive lob in the next then took Muguruza to two set points, the second of which she converted. Venus Williams holding the runner up trophy at the Wimbledon final. (Reuters) × That three-game sequence seemed to break the resolve of the American who, trying to become the oldest woman to win Wimbledon for 109 years, lost the second set to love in an equally astonishing turnaround. The Venezuela-born 23-year-old sealed her second grand slam victory after a successful Hawkeye challenge of a Williams forehand that sailed just beyond the baseline.

Spain's Muguruza beats Venus Williams to clinch first Wimbledon title

By Yash Jha

On June 9, seven-time Grand Slam champion and former world number one Venus Williams was involved in a car crash in Florida, which would lead to the death of a 78-year-old man two weeks later.

Less than a month later, on July 3, Williams was asked about the incident at the post-match press conference following her win in her first round clash at Wimbledon 2017 against Belgian Elise Mertens.

&quot;There are really no words to describe, like, how devastating and &ndash; yeah. I&rsquo;m completely speechless. It&rsquo;s just &ndash; yeah, I mean, I&rsquo;m just &hellip;&rdquo; a visibly shaken Williams said, before breaking down and walking out of the room.

Two weeks on from the meltdown, the 37-year-old will walk out on Center Court at the All England Club in London to contest the 131st Ladies&#39; Singles Final at Wimbledon - her ninth - knowing a win would make her the oldest female Grand Slam champion in the Open Era of tennis.

The sport, just in itself, is not all rainbows and butterflies - or strawberries and cream, to keep with the SW19 theme - and irrespective of the lessons Messrs Roger and Rafael, and Misses Serena and Venus are teaching us this year, it doesn&#39;t really get any easier on the other side of 30.

Add to that the mental strains from the incident in Florida last month, and you can see why this is history in the making - if not a tale for the ages already.

&quot;There&#39;s definitely a lot of ups and downs, and I just try to hold my head up high. In life, in sport especially, you have injuries, you have illnesses. You&#39;re not going to always be playing a 100%, but you try to...if I decide to walk out on the court I try to just compete that day,&quot; said Williams &nbsp;after her knocking out of sixth seed and local favourite Johanna Konta in the semi-final.

The American was way surer, emotionally speaking, as compared to the start of the fortnight in London. She sounded every bit the woman who had been through the troughs and crests that make the roller-coaster of sport, as indeed life.

In 2003, with the Venus-Serena combine truly reigning over the women&#39;s game, the elder sister had her first serious injury (abdomen) - she dropped outside the top-ten for the first time since 1997.

In 2006, Venus missed over half the season with injuries to her wrist - she finished the year ranked 46, her lowest since 1997.

In 2011, the then-31-year-old was diagnosed with Sj&ouml;grens Syndrome, an autoimmune disease leading to fatigue, swollen joints, dry eyes, dry mouth and heavy limbs - she finished the year outside the top-100 for the first time since 1997.&nbsp;

The year 1997 comes up a lot, for that was when Williams first broke into the upper echelons of tennis. Yes, it&#39;s been that long - Garbine Muguruza, her opponent in Saturday&#39;s final, was barely four&nbsp;years old then.

The Spanish 23-year-old was still three years away from turning professional when Williams last reached the finals at Wimbledon, in 2009 (the road to redemption has been a lengthy one).

Longevity, battling odds, strength of character, sheer bloody-mindedness - all hallmarks of a champion, which the elder of the Williams sisters has been, despite having 16 lesser Slam titles than the little one. All have been on display over the years, as they have over the last fortnight, as the tenth seed made it to the summit clash having dropped just one set.

Ironically, if Williams does win on Saturday, she will be displacing a record already belonging to the family - to her biggest competitor, to her biggest inspiration.

&quot;I miss her (Serena) so much, even more yesterday and today. And I try to take the same courage that she would have. I did think of that, and I tried to do the things she would do. I don&#39;t know that I play exactly the same way she does, but I really try to be inspired by it,&quot; Venus said two days ahead of the final.

Serena will still hold more Grand Slams, overall as well as at Wimbledon.&nbsp;

But Venus will return to the younger sister having vanquished her demons with a vintage display. Having pocketed a piece of indelible history. Having brought home, for a sixth time, the Venus Rosewater Dish.&nbsp;

Yes, that&#39;s what they call the Women&#39;s Singles silverware at Wimbledon.&nbsp;

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Five-times Wimbledon champion Venus Williams left a news conference in tears on Monday after she was asked questions about the fatal motoring accident she was involved in that led to the death of a 78-year-old man (WION)
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A win in the Wimbledon final would make Venus Williams the oldest female Grand Slam champion in the Open Era of tennis

By Yash Jha On June 9, seven-time Grand Slam champion and former world number one Venus Williams was involved in a car crash in Florida, which would lead to the death of a 78-year-old man two weeks later. Less than a month later, on July 3, Williams was asked about the incident at the post-match press conference following her win in her first round clash at Wimbledon 2017 against Belgian Elise Mertens. "There are really no words to describe, like, how devastating and – yeah. I’m completely speechless. It’s just – yeah, I mean, I’m just …” a visibly shaken Williams said, before breaking down and walking out of the room. Two weeks on from the meltdown, the 37-year-old will walk out on Center Court at the All England Club in London to contest the 131st Ladies' Singles Final at Wimbledon - her ninth - knowing a win would make her the oldest female Grand Slam champion in the Open Era of tennis. The sport, just in itself, is not all rainbows and butterflies - or strawberries and cream, to keep with the SW19 theme - and irrespective of the lessons Messrs Roger and Rafael, and Misses Serena and Venus are teaching us this year, it doesn't really get any easier on the other side of 30. Add to that the mental strains from the incident in Florida last month, and you can see why this is history in the making - if not a tale for the ages already. "There's definitely a lot of ups and downs, and I just try to hold my head up high. In life, in sport especially, you have injuries, you have illnesses. You're not going to always be playing a 100%, but you try to...if I decide to walk out on the court I try to just compete that day," said Williams after her knocking out of sixth seed and local favourite Johanna Konta in the semi-final. The American was way surer, emotionally speaking, as compared to the start of the fortnight in London. She sounded every bit the woman who had been through the troughs and crests that make the roller-coaster of sport, as indeed life. In 2003, with the Venus-Serena combine truly reigning over the women's game, the elder sister had her first serious injury (abdomen) - she dropped outside the top-ten for the first time since 1997. In 2006, Venus missed over half the season with injuries to her wrist - she finished the year ranked 46, her lowest since 1997. In 2011, the then-31-year-old was diagnosed with Sjögrens Syndrome, an autoimmune disease leading to fatigue, swollen joints, dry eyes, dry mouth and heavy limbs - she finished the year outside the top-100 for the first time since 1997. The year 1997 comes up a lot, for that was when Williams first broke into the upper echelons of tennis. Yes, it's been that long - Garbine Muguruza, her opponent in Saturday's final, was barely four years old then. The Spanish 23-year-old was still three years away from turning professional when Williams last reached the finals at Wimbledon, in 2009 (the road to redemption has been a lengthy one). Longevity, battling odds, strength of character, sheer bloody-mindedness - all hallmarks of a champion, which the elder of the Williams sisters has been, despite having 16 lesser Slam titles than the little one. All have been on display over the years, as they have over the last fortnight, as the tenth seed made it to the summit clash having dropped just one set. Ironically, if Williams does win on Saturday, she will be displacing a record already belonging to the family - to her biggest competitor, to her biggest inspiration. "I miss her (Serena) so much, even more yesterday and today. And I try to take the same courage that she would have. I did think of that, and I tried to do the things she would do. I don't know that I play exactly the same way she does, but I really try to be inspired by it," Venus said two days ahead of the final. Serena will still hold more Grand Slams, overall as well as at Wimbledon. But Venus will return to the younger sister having vanquished her demons with a vintage display. Having pocketed a piece of indelible history. Having brought home, for a sixth time, the Venus Rosewater Dish. Yes, that's what they call the Women's Singles silverware at Wimbledon. Five-times Wimbledon champion Venus Williams left a news conference in tears on Monday after she was asked questions about the fatal motoring accident she was involved in that led to the death of a 78-year-old man (WION) ×

Back from the abyss, Venus vies for history

Roger Federer&#39;s relentless pursuit of an eighth Wimbledon title continued as he beat stubborn Czech Tomas Berdych 7-6(4) 7-6(4) 6-4 to reach the final for the 11th time on Friday.

The 35-year-old Swiss was given a tough test by the 11th seed, who beat him in the quarter-finals in 2010, but raised his game at the crucial moments to become the oldest men&#39;s singles finalist here since Ken Rosewall in 1974.

Rosewall, 39, went on to lose to Jimmy Connors but Federer will be a huge favourite to reclaim the title against big-serving Croatian Marin Cilic on Sunday.

Federer has now reached 29 grand slam finals, winning 18, and he has carved his way through the draw without dropping a set.

This was his toughest test so far, though, as Czech Berdych put in a solid shift at the coalface to keep Federer on his toes.

Twice he dragged Federer into tiebreaks but on both occasions he was helpless as Federer simply flicked the switch, conjuring winners at will to move two sets ahead.

Berdych refused to throw in the towel and even had breaks points at 3-3 in the third set, only for Federer to smash down three aces and an unreturnable serve.

Federer, who took six months off after losing in the semis last year, broke in the next game and the end came quickly as he held serve at 5-4 to seal his 90th win at the All England Club.

The 35-year-old Swiss was given a tough test by the 11th seed Tomas Berdych, who beat him in the quarter-finals in 2010

Roger Federer's relentless pursuit of an eighth Wimbledon title continued as he beat stubborn Czech Tomas Berdych 7-6(4) 7-6(4) 6-4 to reach the final for the 11th time on Friday. The 35-year-old Swiss was given a tough test by the 11th seed, who beat him in the quarter-finals in 2010, but raised his game at the crucial moments to become the oldest men's singles finalist here since Ken Rosewall in 1974. Rosewall, 39, went on to lose to Jimmy Connors but Federer will be a huge favourite to reclaim the title against big-serving Croatian Marin Cilic on Sunday. Federer has now reached 29 grand slam finals, winning 18, and he has carved his way through the draw without dropping a set. This was his toughest test so far, though, as Czech Berdych put in a solid shift at the coalface to keep Federer on his toes. Twice he dragged Federer into tiebreaks but on both occasions he was helpless as Federer simply flicked the switch, conjuring winners at will to move two sets ahead. Berdych refused to throw in the towel and even had breaks points at 3-3 in the third set, only for Federer to smash down three aces and an unreturnable serve. Federer, who took six months off after losing in the semis last year, broke in the next game and the end came quickly as he held serve at 5-4 to seal his 90th win at the All England Club.

Federer beats Berdych, breezes into Wimbledon final

Canadian Milos Raonic has once again lost to Roger Federer at Wimbledon. He had earlier lost to the former Wimbledon&nbsp;champion three years ago in the semi-final, in fact, the 26-year-old Canadian&nbsp;has lost 13 finals in his career including the Wimbledon final&nbsp;to Andy Murray last year.&nbsp;

Raonic climbed to No-3 in the world rankings last year, however, he has&nbsp;won&nbsp;just 8 titles. He&nbsp;has failed to raise his game at the right time losing twice to Roger Federer at Wimbledon and last year in the finals to Andy Murray. It could be nerves, the &#39;fear of finals&#39; or maybe he has found Federer, Murray, and Nadal too hot to handle.&nbsp;

Milos Raonic&#39;s career statistics:

-Lost 2013: Rogers Cup final to Rafael Nadal 
-Lost 2014: Paris Masters final to Novak Djokovic 
-Lost Grand Slam semi-final:&nbsp;2014 Wimbledon Championships against Roger Federer 
-Lost 2016 Indian Wells Masters final to Novak Djokovic 
-Lost Grand Slam semifinal&nbsp;2016 Australian Open against Andy Murray 
-Lost Grand Slam final:&nbsp;2016 Wimbledon Championships against Andy Murray 
-Lost Grand Slam quarter-final:&nbsp;2017 Wimbledon Championship against Roger Federer

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Raonic has won?just 8 titles but has failed to raise his game at the right time losing twice to Roger Federer at Wimbledon

Canadian Milos Raonic has once again lost to Roger Federer at Wimbledon. He had earlier lost to the former Wimbledon champion three years ago in the semi-final, in fact, the 26-year-old Canadian has lost 13 finals in his career including the Wimbledon final to Andy Murray last year. Raonic climbed to No-3 in the world rankings last year, however, he has won just 8 titles. He has failed to raise his game at the right time losing twice to Roger Federer at Wimbledon and last year in the finals to Andy Murray. It could be nerves, the 'fear of finals' or maybe he has found Federer, Murray, and Nadal too hot to handle. Milos Raonic's career statistics: -Lost 2013: Rogers Cup final to Rafael Nadal -Lost 2014: Paris Masters final to Novak Djokovic -Lost Grand Slam semi-final: 2014 Wimbledon Championships against Roger Federer -Lost 2016 Indian Wells Masters final to Novak Djokovic -Lost Grand Slam semifinal 2016 Australian Open against Andy Murray -Lost Grand Slam final: 2016 Wimbledon Championships against Andy Murray -Lost Grand Slam quarter-final: 2017 Wimbledon Championship against Roger Federer

Meet Milos Raonic, the 'unluckiest player' in tennis

Spain&#39;s Garbine Muguruza reached her second Wimbledon final in three years with a thumping 6-1 6-1 win over Slovakia&#39;s Magdalena Rybarikova on Thursday.

A visibly confident Muguruza needed just 64 minutes to beat the 87th-ranked Rybarikova, who had beaten third seed Karolina Pliskova and American Coco Vanderweghe on her unexpected run to the last four.

Muguruza, who lost to Serena Williams in the 2015 final, will face the winner of Thursday&#39;s other semi between Venus Williams and Britain&#39;s Johanna Konta.

The Spaniard was 3-0 up after just 10 minutes, her aggressive approach paying dividends against an opponent who looked nervous in what was the biggest game of her career to date.

&quot;I think I stepped on the court super-confident and I played well,&quot; said Muguruza, who is being coached at this tournament by Conchita Martinez, the only Spaniard to win the women&#39;s singles at the All England Club.

The women&#39;s tournament this year has been marked by some fiercely contested and tight battles but this was a disappointingly one-sided affair.

Muguruza appeared with heavy tape on her left thigh but there was no sign of any hindrance to her movement.

Indeed, she was simply stronger in every department, hitting 22 winners and just 11 unforced errors as she won 60 points to Rybarikova&#39;s 33 with her backhand down the line, fundamental to her win.

The Venezuela-born 23-year-old, the 2016 French Open winner, was quick to the net and her groundstrokes flowed easily as she rattled off the first set in just 30 minutes.

Her serve was strong and she was positive in going to the net, while Rybarikova struggled with her serve and found her returns coming up against a wave of attacks from the Spaniard.

Muguruza won ten of 13 points at the net in the first set and that lay the foundation for her dominance in the second.

The Slovak&#39;s first service game of the set was broken, as she went wide on break point and a sizzling backhand return winner down the line, the shot of the match, established another 3-0 lead.

Rybarikova had done remarkably well to reach this stage after a seventh month injury lay-off, getting herself into great form by winning International Tennis Federation tournaments at Fukuoka, Surbiton and Ilkley.

But this was a step too far. Even when she was able to hold in the second, she needed to stave off two break points to do so.

The final point was a rare rally but it ended with Rybarikova finding the net after being forced into the corner by Muguruza&#39;s relentless returns.

Muguruza will face the winner of Thursday's other semi between Venus Williams and Britain's Johanna Konta

Spain's Garbine Muguruza reached her second Wimbledon final in three years with a thumping 6-1 6-1 win over Slovakia's Magdalena Rybarikova on Thursday. A visibly confident Muguruza needed just 64 minutes to beat the 87th-ranked Rybarikova, who had beaten third seed Karolina Pliskova and American Coco Vanderweghe on her unexpected run to the last four. Muguruza, who lost to Serena Williams in the 2015 final, will face the winner of Thursday's other semi between Venus Williams and Britain's Johanna Konta. The Spaniard was 3-0 up after just 10 minutes, her aggressive approach paying dividends against an opponent who looked nervous in what was the biggest game of her career to date. "I think I stepped on the court super-confident and I played well," said Muguruza, who is being coached at this tournament by Conchita Martinez, the only Spaniard to win the women's singles at the All England Club. The women's tournament this year has been marked by some fiercely contested and tight battles but this was a disappointingly one-sided affair. Muguruza appeared with heavy tape on her left thigh but there was no sign of any hindrance to her movement. Indeed, she was simply stronger in every department, hitting 22 winners and just 11 unforced errors as she won 60 points to Rybarikova's 33 with her backhand down the line, fundamental to her win. The Venezuela-born 23-year-old, the 2016 French Open winner, was quick to the net and her groundstrokes flowed easily as she rattled off the first set in just 30 minutes. Her serve was strong and she was positive in going to the net, while Rybarikova struggled with her serve and found her returns coming up against a wave of attacks from the Spaniard. Muguruza won ten of 13 points at the net in the first set and that lay the foundation for her dominance in the second. The Slovak's first service game of the set was broken, as she went wide on break point and a sizzling backhand return winner down the line, the shot of the match, established another 3-0 lead. Rybarikova had done remarkably well to reach this stage after a seventh month injury lay-off, getting herself into great form by winning International Tennis Federation tournaments at Fukuoka, Surbiton and Ilkley. But this was a step too far. Even when she was able to hold in the second, she needed to stave off two break points to do so. The final point was a rare rally but it ended with Rybarikova finding the net after being forced into the corner by Muguruza's relentless returns.

Spain's Muguruza beats Rybarikova to reach Wimbledon final

Five-times champion Venus Williams rolled back the years to reach her first Wimbledon final since 2009 with a clinically-executed 6-4 6-2 victory over home hope Johanna Konta on Thursday.

Konta was looking to become the first British woman to reach the Wimbledon final since Virginia Wade lifted the trophy in 1977, but she was picked off at crucial times by Williams, who claimed the last of her Wimbledon titles nine years ago.

Williams, who will face Garbine Muguruza in Saturday&#39;s final, broke in the 10th game to clinch the first set and then turned the screw on her sixth-seeded opponent, breaking twice more to wrap up the match.

Konta saved two match points before Williams crunched a forehand past the Briton and then twirled in celebration on Centre Court.

Five-times champion Venus Williams rolled back the years to reach her first Wimbledon final since 2009 with a clinically-executed 6-4 6-2 victory over home hope Johanna Konta on Thursday. Konta was looking to become the first British woman to reach the Wimbledon final since Virginia Wade lifted the trophy in 1977, but she was picked off at crucial times by Williams, who claimed the last of her Wimbledon titles nine years ago. Williams, who will face Garbine Muguruza in Saturday's final, broke in the 10th game to clinch the first set and then turned the screw on her sixth-seeded opponent, breaking twice more to wrap up the match. Konta saved two match points before Williams crunched a forehand past the Briton and then twirled in celebration on Centre Court.

Venus beats Konta, clinically, to reach Wimbledon final

The Wimbledon tennis tournament started on 25th June and after 128 women battled each other for sixteen days, the tournament has reached the&nbsp;final stage- the semis. Following some breathtaking face-offs and thrilling matches, the final four women tennis players have entered the Wimbledon semi-finals.&nbsp;

The top 4 names include&mdash;Venus Williams, Johanna Konta, Magdalena Rybarikova and Garbi&ntilde;e Muguruza.&nbsp;

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Venus Williams is all set to play her 10th semi final match at Wimbledon. (AFP)
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Venus Williams

Five-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams entered the semis by defeating French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko in straight set 6-3, 7-5. The match also marked her 86th win at Wimbledon in her 100th game.

Venus won her first Wimbledon title in&nbsp;2001 with her sister Serena Williams in Women&#39;s Doubles. Ever since then she has played in nine&nbsp;semi-finals at Wimbledon and won five finals.

Venus @ Wimbledon:

Women&#39;s Singles (2000) defeated Lindsay Davenport 
Women&#39;s Singles (2001) defeated Justine Henin 
Women&#39;s Singles (2005) defeated Lindsay Davenport 
Women&#39;s Singles (2007) defeated Marion Bartoli 
Women&#39;s Singles (2008) defeated&nbsp;Serena Williams

Venus will now face British player <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/johanna-konta-became-the-second-british-woman-to-enter-wimbledon-semi-finals-17845">Johanna Konta in her semi-final match on Thursday</a>.

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Johanna Konta after defeating Simona Halep in the quarter final match on Tuesday. (AFP)
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Johanna Konta

Johanna Konta beat&nbsp;Simona Halep in the quarter-final match to become the first British ladies&#39; semi-finalist at Wimbledon after Virginia Wade in 1977. It will be interesting to watch whether Britain will have another&nbsp;women&#39;s singles champion&nbsp;after a 40-year&nbsp;long wait.&nbsp;

Konta,&nbsp;just 26,&nbsp;is set&nbsp;to take on&nbsp;37-year-old Venus Williams in the semis.

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Magdalena Rybarikova reacts after winning her quarter-final match (AFP)
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Magdalena Rybarikova

Magdalena Rybarikova reserved her semi-final spot after beating Coco Vandeweghe in straight sets 6-3, 6-3. The 28-year-old Slovak will play her first Grand Slam semi-final against Garbi&ntilde;e Muguruza.&nbsp;

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Garbine Muguruza celebrating as she enter the semi-finals (AFP)
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Garbine Muguruza

Garbine Muguruza beat&nbsp;Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-3, 6-4 to reach the last four. Garbine Muguruza played her first Wimbledon final in 2015 but lost to&nbsp;Serena Williams.&nbsp;

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Following some breathtaking face-offs, the final four women tennis players have entered the Wimbledon semi-finals

The Wimbledon tennis tournament started on 25th June and after 128 women battled each other for sixteen days, the tournament has reached the final stage- the semis. Following some breathtaking face-offs and thrilling matches, the final four women tennis players have entered the Wimbledon semi-finals. The top 4 names include—Venus Williams, Johanna Konta, Magdalena Rybarikova and Garbiñe Muguruza. Venus Williams is all set to play her 10th semi final match at Wimbledon. (AFP) × Venus Williams Five-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams entered the semis by defeating French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko in straight set 6-3, 7-5. The match also marked her 86th win at Wimbledon in her 100th game. Venus won her first Wimbledon title in 2001 with her sister Serena Williams in Women's Doubles. Ever since then she has played in nine semi-finals at Wimbledon and won five finals. Venus @ Wimbledon: Women's Singles (2000) defeated Lindsay Davenport Women's Singles (2001) defeated Justine Henin Women's Singles (2005) defeated Lindsay Davenport Women's Singles (2007) defeated Marion Bartoli Women's Singles (2008) defeated Serena Williams Venus will now face British player Johanna Konta in her semi-final match on Thursday. Johanna Konta after defeating Simona Halep in the quarter final match on Tuesday. (AFP) × Johanna Konta Johanna Konta beat Simona Halep in the quarter-final match to become the first British ladies' semi-finalist at Wimbledon after Virginia Wade in 1977. It will be interesting to watch whether Britain will have another women's singles champion after a 40-year long wait. Konta, just 26, is set to take on 37-year-old Venus Williams in the semis. Magdalena Rybarikova reacts after winning her quarter-final match (AFP) × Magdalena Rybarikova Magdalena Rybarikova reserved her semi-final spot after beating Coco Vandeweghe in straight sets 6-3, 6-3. The 28-year-old Slovak will play her first Grand Slam semi-final against Garbiñe Muguruza. Garbine Muguruza celebrating as she enter the semi-finals (AFP) × Garbine Muguruza Garbine Muguruza beat Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-3, 6-4 to reach the last four. Garbine Muguruza played her first Wimbledon final in 2015 but lost to Serena Williams.

Wimbledon women's semifinal: Williams vs Konta, Rybarikova vs Muguruza

Seven-time champion Roger Federer reached the Wimbledon semi-finals for the 12th time on Wednesday with a 6-4, 6-2, 7-6 (7/4) win over Milos Raonic.

Federer, 35, and playing in his 100th match at the All England Club, will now face 2010 runner-up Tomas Berdych for a place in Sunday&#39;s final.

Berdych made the last-four when three-time champion Novak Djokovic retired with a right elbow injury when trailing the Czech 7-6 (7/2), 2-0.

Federer is the second oldest man to reach the semi-finals after Ken Rosewall who finished runner-up in 1974 at the age of 39.

&quot;100 matches, I can&#39;t believe it, that&#39;s a lot,&quot; said Federer, who is chasing a record eighth Wimbledon title.

&quot;I&#39;m very happy my body kept me going over all these years. It was a perfect setting, beautiful weather -- a Mexican wave on Centre Court, you don&#39;t see that every day. I&#39;m so happy to be through.

&quot;I&#39;m very pleased with how I&#39;m playing. You can always play a little better. You adjust to the conditions.

&quot;It&#39;s like going to work, you can&#39;t produce the best every single day but you have to make sure your average is as high as possible.&quot;

Canadian sixth seed Raonic had knocked out Federer in the semi-finals in 2016, a defeat which led the Swiss superstar to shut down the rest of his season to rest a knee injury.

On Wednesday, Federer matched the big-serving Canadian with 11 aces while crunching a spectacular 46 winners.

He also saved all five break points he faced and has reached the semi-finals without dropping a set.

Elbow injury forces Djokovic to quit quarter-final

Novak Djokovic said a right elbow injury was to blame for his retirement from Wednesday&#39;s Wimbledon quarter-final against Tomas Berdych.

Djokovic needed treatment on his elbow at the end of the first set and was already dealing with a long-term right shoulder problem.

The three-time Wimbledon champion, who would have regained the world number one ranking if he had won the tournament, was trailing 7-6 (7/2), 2-0 when he called it quits on Court One.

Czech world number 15 Berdych, the 2010 Wimbledon runner-up, goes on to face seven-time champion Roger Federer for a place in Sunday&#39;s final.

&quot;It&#39;s my elbow. It&#39;s been bothering me for a year and a half. It&#39;s unfortunate I have to finish Wimbledon like this,&quot; said Djokovic after his first Grand Slam retirement since the 2009 Australian Open quarter-finals.

&quot;I started feeling it at the beginning of the tournament. The level of pain was always increasing and today was the worst day.

&quot;I tried what I could do to get it in condition to be able to play.

&quot;All the treatments couldn&#39;t really help. The serve and forehand were the shots I could feel it most.&quot;

Djokovic was especially frustrated to have had to pull out with an injury after complaining bitterly that Wimbledon organisers should have allowed his last 16 match to be played on Monday evening instead of Tuesday morning.

The 12-time Grand Slam champion had to face Adrian Mannarino a day later than scheduled due to the late finish of Rafael Nadal&#39;s defeat against Gilles Muller.

Djokovic had needed treatment on his shoulder during his victory over Mannarino.

&quot;Those kinds of circumstances don&#39;t really help. This is the kind of situation you have to accept and try to make the most out of it,&quot; Djokovic said.

&quot;I spent about two hours on the treatment table in between the warm-up and the match to make me fit.

&quot;It wasn&#39;t to be. For an athlete in an individual sport, there is no way out when you are injured.

&quot;I will have to take some time and see what needs to be done. I guess a break is something I will have to consider right now.&quot;

Decline

The 30-year-old Serb had held a 25-2 career record over Berdych and hadn&#39;t lost to the Czech in four years.

But instead of extending that streak, the world number four will leave London nursing his injury and his pride as the worst period of his career shows no sign of improving.

Since winning the French Open last year to complete his career Grand Slam, Djokovic has failed to win another major title.

He crashed out of the Australian Open in the second round and the French Open in the quarter-finals.

With world number one Andy Murray crashing out against Sam Querrey earlier on Wednesday, Djokovic walked onto Court One knowing he would regain top spot in the rankings if he won Wimbledon for a fourth time.

But if that should have served as extra motivation for Djokovic, there were immediate signs that his fitness was a problem when a sloppy tie-break cost him the first set.

The Serb called for a medical timeout after the first set to have his right elbow massaged by a physio.

But Berdych seized the chance to add to Djokovic&#39;s woes with a break in the second game of the second set.

That was the signal for Djokovic to trudge forlornly to the net to withdraw from the match.

Federer becomes the second oldest man to reach the semi-finals, elbow injury forces Djokovic to quit quarter-final

Seven-time champion Roger Federer reached the Wimbledon semi-finals for the 12th time on Wednesday with a 6-4, 6-2, 7-6 (7/4) win over Milos Raonic. Federer, 35, and playing in his 100th match at the All England Club, will now face 2010 runner-up Tomas Berdych for a place in Sunday's final. Berdych made the last-four when three-time champion Novak Djokovic retired with a right elbow injury when trailing the Czech 7-6 (7/2), 2-0. Federer is the second oldest man to reach the semi-finals after Ken Rosewall who finished runner-up in 1974 at the age of 39. "100 matches, I can't believe it, that's a lot," said Federer, who is chasing a record eighth Wimbledon title. "I'm very happy my body kept me going over all these years. It was a perfect setting, beautiful weather -- a Mexican wave on Centre Court, you don't see that every day. I'm so happy to be through. "I'm very pleased with how I'm playing. You can always play a little better. You adjust to the conditions. "It's like going to work, you can't produce the best every single day but you have to make sure your average is as high as possible." Canadian sixth seed Raonic had knocked out Federer in the semi-finals in 2016, a defeat which led the Swiss superstar to shut down the rest of his season to rest a knee injury. On Wednesday, Federer matched the big-serving Canadian with 11 aces while crunching a spectacular 46 winners. He also saved all five break points he faced and has reached the semi-finals without dropping a set. Elbow injury forces Djokovic to quit quarter-final Novak Djokovic said a right elbow injury was to blame for his retirement from Wednesday's Wimbledon quarter-final against Tomas Berdych. Djokovic needed treatment on his elbow at the end of the first set and was already dealing with a long-term right shoulder problem. The three-time Wimbledon champion, who would have regained the world number one ranking if he had won the tournament, was trailing 7-6 (7/2), 2-0 when he called it quits on Court One. Czech world number 15 Berdych, the 2010 Wimbledon runner-up, goes on to face seven-time champion Roger Federer for a place in Sunday's final. "It's my elbow. It's been bothering me for a year and a half. It's unfortunate I have to finish Wimbledon like this," said Djokovic after his first Grand Slam retirement since the 2009 Australian Open quarter-finals. "I started feeling it at the beginning of the tournament. The level of pain was always increasing and today was the worst day. "I tried what I could do to get it in condition to be able to play. "All the treatments couldn't really help. The serve and forehand were the shots I could feel it most." Djokovic was especially frustrated to have had to pull out with an injury after complaining bitterly that Wimbledon organisers should have allowed his last 16 match to be played on Monday evening instead of Tuesday morning. The 12-time Grand Slam champion had to face Adrian Mannarino a day later than scheduled due to the late finish of Rafael Nadal's defeat against Gilles Muller. Djokovic had needed treatment on his shoulder during his victory over Mannarino. "Those kinds of circumstances don't really help. This is the kind of situation you have to accept and try to make the most out of it," Djokovic said. "I spent about two hours on the treatment table in between the warm-up and the match to make me fit. "It wasn't to be. For an athlete in an individual sport, there is no way out when you are injured. "I will have to take some time and see what needs to be done. I guess a break is something I will have to consider right now." Decline The 30-year-old Serb had held a 25-2 career record over Berdych and hadn't lost to the Czech in four years. But instead of extending that streak, the world number four will leave London nursing his injury and his pride as the worst period of his career shows no sign of improving. Since winning the French Open last year to complete his career Grand Slam, Djokovic has failed to win another major title. He crashed out of the Australian Open in the second round and the French Open in the quarter-finals. With world number one Andy Murray crashing out against Sam Querrey earlier on Wednesday, Djokovic walked onto Court One knowing he would regain top spot in the rankings if he won Wimbledon for a fourth time. But if that should have served as extra motivation for Djokovic, there were immediate signs that his fitness was a problem when a sloppy tie-break cost him the first set. The Serb called for a medical timeout after the first set to have his right elbow massaged by a physio. But Berdych seized the chance to add to Djokovic's woes with a break in the second game of the second set. That was the signal for Djokovic to trudge forlornly to the net to withdraw from the match.

Wimbledon: Federer cruises, Djokovic defaults

Johanna Konta has become&nbsp;the first&nbsp;British woman since Virginia Wade&nbsp;to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals.

The 26-year-old British player came through after a tough fight against Romanian Simona Halep in three sets to clinch a place in the women&#39;s semi-final where she will meet five-time Wimbledon champion&nbsp;Venus Williams.

The seventh seed lost the first set but came back to beat Halep&nbsp;6-7(2), 7-6(5), 6-4 to become the first British woman to enter the Wimbledon semi-final since Virginia Wade in 1977.&nbsp;

&quot;It&#39;s a little bit surreal. I&#39;m definitely still digesting things right now,&quot; said Johanna after winning the quarter-final.&nbsp;

Ever since Virginia Wade beat Betty St&ouml;ve to win the Wimbledon title forty&nbsp;years ago, Britain&#39;s women players have failed to deliver at the premier tennis event. Johanna&rsquo;s win will no doubt spur British tennis fans who would be&nbsp;hoping to see her go all the way to the final and clinch the title.&nbsp;

Wade&nbsp;said after the match that the British player will come out as a winner in the semi-final against Venus Williams.

Johanna will now clash against Venus Williams on Thursday.

The 26-year-old British player came through after a tough fight against Romanian Simona Halep in three sets to clinch a place in the women's semi-final.

Johanna Konta has become the first British woman since Virginia Wade to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals. The 26-year-old British player came through after a tough fight against Romanian Simona Halep in three sets to clinch a place in the women's semi-final where she will meet five-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams. The seventh seed lost the first set but came back to beat Halep 6-7(2), 7-6(5), 6-4 to become the first British woman to enter the Wimbledon semi-final since Virginia Wade in 1977. "It's a little bit surreal. I'm definitely still digesting things right now," said Johanna after winning the quarter-final. Ever since Virginia Wade beat Betty Stöve to win the Wimbledon title forty years ago, Britain's women players have failed to deliver at the premier tennis event. Johanna’s win will no doubt spur British tennis fans who would be hoping to see her go all the way to the final and clinch the title. Wade said after the match that the British player will come out as a winner in the semi-final against Venus Williams. Johanna will now clash against Venus Williams on Thursday.

Johanna Konta becomes first British woman since Wade to enter Wimbledon semi-finals

He&#39;s a sharp-eyed, no-nonsense killer who rules the roost at Wimbledon and the prestigious tennis championships wouldn&#39;t function without him: Meet Rufus, the hawk who makes pigeons&#39; lives hell.

Up at the crack of dawn throughout the two-week tournament which he has patrolled for 10 years, the sharp-eyed Harris hawk keeps pigeons in their place and makes sure they are not gobbling up the grass seed and fouling the pristine grounds.

Weighing just one pound, six ounces (625 grammes), he has been training at the All England Club in southwest London since he was 16 weeks old.

&quot;You couldn&#39;t do this with just any bird. He&#39;s just so chilled, calm and relaxed,&quot; said his handler Imogen Davis.

&quot;We start at 5:00 am. We clear the pigeons, if there&#39;s any around, and get ready for the day&#39;s play.

&quot;But we&#39;re here all year round which is when the majority of the work is done.

&quot;The courts are constantly reseeded and the pigeons think it&#39;s a picnic for them. They come in their absolute flocks and eat the grass seed.

&quot;We&#39;re here to ascertain that it&#39;s Rufus&#39;s territory -- and it&#39;s not a safe place for them.&quot;

Pigeons would soon wreck the championships for players and spectators alike, Davis insisted.

&quot;As soon as you&#39;ve got a problem, it gets out of hand very quickly,&quot; the 30-year-old said. &quot;If pigeons cause trouble throughout play, that can make a massive difference to a player, interrupting you when you&#39;re in the zone. And the mess they can cause is pretty outrageous.&quot;

&nbsp;

Fight or flight

It would be game, set and match to Rufus should any dim-witted pigeon try and take him on. &quot;If a pigeon wants to fight him, they can hang around and give it a go but ultimately it&#39;s predator versus prey -- and they&#39;re going to take off every time,&quot; said Davis.

Technology can be used to deter pigeons but Rufus&#39;s job is safe: The natural terror Rufus instils in the pigeons of southwest London would be difficult to replace with gadgets.

Wimbledon is known for strawberries and cream but Rufus the Hawk prefers a protein-rich diet of chicken, quail, rabbit and pigeon.

Besides the All England Club, Rufus has also been known to do a job at Westminster Abbey, Northampton Saints rugby club and the occasional landfill site.

Rufus was mysteriously stolen back in 2012 but the culprit, who was never caught, had a change of heart and freed him two days later.

Now he is never out of his handler&#39;s sight during the championships and even stays in Davis&#39;s house.

Around 40,000 people a day pour through the gates during the tournament, but Rufus is unruffled by the commotion.

&quot;These two weeks of the year are absolutely crazy. The rest of the year it&#39;s just me and Rufus on the roof,&quot; said Davis.

&quot;He loves to fly and be out. His thing is to be out hunting. It&#39;s all he knows. He&#39;s not a show bird.

&quot;He likes to keep me on my toes. He disappears down the golf club (across the road from the tennis site) and makes me go into the lake after him. But if I don&#39;t go in after him he&#39;ll make himself comfortable and I won&#39;t be able to get him back.&quot;

Rufus has patrolled for 10 years, keeping pigeons in their place to make sure they are not gobbling up the grass seed or defecating

He's a sharp-eyed, no-nonsense killer who rules the roost at Wimbledon and the prestigious tennis championships wouldn't function without him: Meet Rufus, the hawk who makes pigeons' lives hell. Up at the crack of dawn throughout the two-week tournament which he has patrolled for 10 years, the sharp-eyed Harris hawk keeps pigeons in their place and makes sure they are not gobbling up the grass seed and fouling the pristine grounds. Weighing just one pound, six ounces (625 grammes), he has been training at the All England Club in southwest London since he was 16 weeks old. "You couldn't do this with just any bird. He's just so chilled, calm and relaxed," said his handler Imogen Davis. "We start at 5:00 am. We clear the pigeons, if there's any around, and get ready for the day's play. "But we're here all year round which is when the majority of the work is done. "The courts are constantly reseeded and the pigeons think it's a picnic for them. They come in their absolute flocks and eat the grass seed. "We're here to ascertain that it's Rufus's territory -- and it's not a safe place for them." Pigeons would soon wreck the championships for players and spectators alike, Davis insisted. "As soon as you've got a problem, it gets out of hand very quickly," the 30-year-old said. "If pigeons cause trouble throughout play, that can make a massive difference to a player, interrupting you when you're in the zone. And the mess they can cause is pretty outrageous." Fight or flight It would be game, set and match to Rufus should any dim-witted pigeon try and take him on. "If a pigeon wants to fight him, they can hang around and give it a go but ultimately it's predator versus prey -- and they're going to take off every time," said Davis. Technology can be used to deter pigeons but Rufus's job is safe: The natural terror Rufus instils in the pigeons of southwest London would be difficult to replace with gadgets. Wimbledon is known for strawberries and cream but Rufus the Hawk prefers a protein-rich diet of chicken, quail, rabbit and pigeon. Besides the All England Club, Rufus has also been known to do a job at Westminster Abbey, Northampton Saints rugby club and the occasional landfill site. Rufus was mysteriously stolen back in 2012 but the culprit, who was never caught, had a change of heart and freed him two days later. Now he is never out of his handler's sight during the championships and even stays in Davis's house. Around 40,000 people a day pour through the gates during the tournament, but Rufus is unruffled by the commotion. "These two weeks of the year are absolutely crazy. The rest of the year it's just me and Rufus on the roof," said Davis. "He loves to fly and be out. His thing is to be out hunting. It's all he knows. He's not a show bird. "He likes to keep me on my toes. He disappears down the golf club (across the road from the tennis site) and makes me go into the lake after him. But if I don't go in after him he'll make himself comfortable and I won't be able to get him back."

Wimbledon: If you like the court's impressive grass, thank Rufus the Hawk

Russia&#39;s Daniil Medvedev stunned Wimbledon on Wednesday when he threw coins at the umpire&#39;s chair before apologising for the bizarre gesture which he insisted was not meant to imply the official was corrupt.

The 21-year-old, who had shocked world number three Stan Wawrinka in the first round, lost 6-4, 6-2, 3-6, 2-6, 6-3 to Belgian qualifier Ruben Bemelmans.

Medvedev had been 2-0 up in the decider before he lost his composure and asked for female umpire Mariana Alves to be replaced. His request was refused and after shaking hands with the official at the end of the match, he reached into his bag, took out his wallet and threw two handfuls of coins at the umpire&#39;s chair.

&quot;In the heat of the moment, I did a bad thing. I apologise for this,&quot; said world number 49 Medvedev who had also been docked a point by Alves as his 2-0 final set lead melted into a 5-2 deficit.

Medvedev insisted he could not remember what he had said to Alves.

&quot;It was a long match and very hot. I was just frustrated, so it had no meaning. I apologise for this.&quot;

&quot;It was really stupid but it was not like this (meant as an indication that he considered the official to have biased).

&quot;I was ready to leave the court, but that&#39;s what happened. I don&#39;t even remember what the coins were.&quot;

&nbsp;

Not the first time

Wednesday&#39;s meltdown on Court 16 was not the first time the fiery Russian has been in trouble at a tournament.

He was disqualified from the Charleston clay court event in 2016 for launching into a racist rant, accusing umpire Sandy French of favouring black player Donald Young. French is also black. Medvedev said that incident was a misunderstanding.

&quot;What I can tell is that I&#39;m not racist at all. That&#39;s the only thing I will tell. And about the situation, it was a misunderstanding,&quot; he explained after Monday&#39;s win against Wawrinka.

&nbsp;

Bemelmans doesn&#39;t mind

Bemelmans, who goes on to face Sam Querrey of the United States, said he had realised that his opponent was getting increasingly frustrated at a series of over-rules.

&quot;There are some players who play better after chatting with the umpire. I said to myself no, keep do what you are doing, it&#39;s working, you lose nothing. He started to make mistakes so that broke his concentration, discussing with the umpire,&quot; said the Belgian.

On the coin-throwing incident, he added: &quot;I haven&#39;t seen it. I don&#39;t even know what he did there.

&quot;Obviously in the fifth set after that call on 30-40 at 2-1, he was not happy but I think it was the right call to make. If he wants to be pissed off, that&#39;s his problem. That&#39;s his decision. It happens in tennis and he should get over it.&quot;

He claimed the bizarre gesture has 'no meaning' and was 'stupid', and was not meant to suggest the umpire was corrupt

Russia's Daniil Medvedev stunned Wimbledon on Wednesday when he threw coins at the umpire's chair before apologising for the bizarre gesture which he insisted was not meant to imply the official was corrupt. The 21-year-old, who had shocked world number three Stan Wawrinka in the first round, lost 6-4, 6-2, 3-6, 2-6, 6-3 to Belgian qualifier Ruben Bemelmans. Medvedev had been 2-0 up in the decider before he lost his composure and asked for female umpire Mariana Alves to be replaced. His request was refused and after shaking hands with the official at the end of the match, he reached into his bag, took out his wallet and threw two handfuls of coins at the umpire's chair. "In the heat of the moment, I did a bad thing. I apologise for this," said world number 49 Medvedev who had also been docked a point by Alves as his 2-0 final set lead melted into a 5-2 deficit. Medvedev insisted he could not remember what he had said to Alves. "It was a long match and very hot. I was just frustrated, so it had no meaning. I apologise for this." "It was really stupid but it was not like this (meant as an indication that he considered the official to have biased). "I was ready to leave the court, but that's what happened. I don't even remember what the coins were." Not the first time Wednesday's meltdown on Court 16 was not the first time the fiery Russian has been in trouble at a tournament. He was disqualified from the Charleston clay court event in 2016 for launching into a racist rant, accusing umpire Sandy French of favouring black player Donald Young. French is also black. Medvedev said that incident was a misunderstanding. "What I can tell is that I'm not racist at all. That's the only thing I will tell. And about the situation, it was a misunderstanding," he explained after Monday's win against Wawrinka. Bemelmans doesn't mind Bemelmans, who goes on to face Sam Querrey of the United States, said he had realised that his opponent was getting increasingly frustrated at a series of over-rules. "There are some players who play better after chatting with the umpire. I said to myself no, keep do what you are doing, it's working, you lose nothing. He started to make mistakes so that broke his concentration, discussing with the umpire," said the Belgian. On the coin-throwing incident, he added: "I haven't seen it. I don't even know what he did there. "Obviously in the fifth set after that call on 30-40 at 2-1, he was not happy but I think it was the right call to make. If he wants to be pissed off, that's his problem. That's his decision. It happens in tennis and he should get over it."

Wimbledon: Medvedev sorry for throwing coins at umpire

Australia&#39;s former great hope Bernard Tomic admitted he was &quot;bored&quot; during a listless first-round defeat by Germany&#39;s Mischa Zverev at Wimbledon on Tuesday.

The former world number 17 lost 6-3 6-4 6-3 in only 84 minutes and headed out of the All England Club with his first-round losers&#39; cheque of 35,000 pounds ($45,241).

&quot;It was definitely a mental issue out there. Wasn&#39;t mentally and physically there to perform. I don&#39;t know why, but, you know, I felt a little bit bored out there to be completely honest with you,&quot; the 24-year-old told reporters.

&quot;I tried at the end and stuff, he managed to win that set 6-3 or 6-4, but it was too late.&quot;

Tomic, whose career has stagnated since being touted as Australia&#39;s next grand slam winning hope, entered into a bizarre exchange with a reporter after being asked whether he would consider handing back his prize money.

&quot;Which money?&quot; he said. &quot;Well, if you ask (Roger) Federer to give back $500 million, would he do that or not?&quot;

Reminded that he had said he was bored, Tomic continued: &quot;We all work for money. At 34, maybe I can donate to charity. If you ask Roger if he&#39;ll do it, I&#39;ll do it.&quot;

It is not the first time Tomic&#39;s attitude has been called into question. In 2012 he was suspended from Australia&#39;s Davis Cup team with Tennis Australia citing his poor attitude. In 2014 he was booed on Rod Laver Arena after quitting with an injury against Rafa Nadal at the Australian Open.

His off-court behaviour has also landed him in trouble.&nbsp;In 2015 he was arrested in Miami on charges of trespassing and resisting arrest after a late-night party.

Tomic, who reached the Wimbledon fourth round last year, faces a further drop in the rankings from his current position of 59th. He said a lack of motivation was the problem.

&quot;It&#39;s a roller coaster, and I just can&#39;t seem to find the commitment to work hard, to enjoy, and to lift trophies,&quot; he said. &quot;Maybe I have to look at a few things, maybe play less tournaments. The last two years, nothing motivates.&quot;

One person on Twitter was so upset about Tomic&#39;s defeat on Tuesday he called on him to be deported from Australia.

&quot;That&#39;s his opinion. I&#39;m sure he&#39;s on the computer somewhere making $50 an hour,&quot; Tomic said. &quot;I&#39;m going to play another 10 years, and I know after my career I won&#39;t have to work again.&quot;

($1 = 0.7736 pounds)

The 24-year-old got into a bizarre exchange after reporters asked if he'd give the $45,000 prize money back

Australia's former great hope Bernard Tomic admitted he was "bored" during a listless first-round defeat by Germany's Mischa Zverev at Wimbledon on Tuesday. The former world number 17 lost 6-3 6-4 6-3 in only 84 minutes and headed out of the All England Club with his first-round losers' cheque of 35,000 pounds ($45,241). "It was definitely a mental issue out there. Wasn't mentally and physically there to perform. I don't know why, but, you know, I felt a little bit bored out there to be completely honest with you," the 24-year-old told reporters. "I tried at the end and stuff, he managed to win that set 6-3 or 6-4, but it was too late." Tomic, whose career has stagnated since being touted as Australia's next grand slam winning hope, entered into a bizarre exchange with a reporter after being asked whether he would consider handing back his prize money. "Which money?" he said. "Well, if you ask (Roger) Federer to give back $500 million, would he do that or not?" Reminded that he had said he was bored, Tomic continued: "We all work for money. At 34, maybe I can donate to charity. If you ask Roger if he'll do it, I'll do it." It is not the first time Tomic's attitude has been called into question. In 2012 he was suspended from Australia's Davis Cup team with Tennis Australia citing his poor attitude. In 2014 he was booed on Rod Laver Arena after quitting with an injury against Rafa Nadal at the Australian Open. His off-court behaviour has also landed him in trouble. In 2015 he was arrested in Miami on charges of trespassing and resisting arrest after a late-night party. Tomic, who reached the Wimbledon fourth round last year, faces a further drop in the rankings from his current position of 59th. He said a lack of motivation was the problem. "It's a roller coaster, and I just can't seem to find the commitment to work hard, to enjoy, and to lift trophies," he said. "Maybe I have to look at a few things, maybe play less tournaments. The last two years, nothing motivates." One person on Twitter was so upset about Tomic's defeat on Tuesday he called on him to be deported from Australia. "That's his opinion. I'm sure he's on the computer somewhere making $50 an hour," Tomic said. "I'm going to play another 10 years, and I know after my career I won't have to work again." ($1 = 0.7736 pounds)

Wimbledon: 'I was bored,' Tomic says after losing first-round match in only 84 minutes

Venus Williams broke down in tears during her post-match news conference at Wimbledon on Monday when asked about a recent motoring incident she was involved in, which led to the death of a 78-year-old Florida man.

Williams, who won her first-round match against Belgian Elise Mertens in straight sets, was asked about her feelings regarding the incident.

&quot;There are really no words to describe, like, how devastating and...yeah. I&#39;m completely speechless. It&#39;s just - yeah, I mean, I&#39;m just,&quot; said the American before breaking down in tears and leaving the room. The five-times Wimbledon champion returned shortly afterwards to finish off the compulsory media briefing.

News of the fatal incident near her home in Palm Beach Gardens surfaced on Thursday.

Palm Beach Gardens police released a preliminary report saying she was the driver at fault in a June 9 accident that left Jerome Barson, a passenger in the other car, with fatal injuries.

After the crash, Barson was taken to a Florida trauma centre where he died 13 days later, according to the Palm Beach county medical examiner.

The police report estimated Williams was travelling at about five&nbsp;miles per hour (eight&nbsp;kph) at the time of impact and was not distracted or suspected of any drug or alcohol use.

Before breaking down in the news conference, Williams had been asked several questions about her emotions in the past month but had avoided directly addressing the matter.

&quot;Life, you can&#39;t prepare for everything. I prepared for a lot of matches, tried to get ready for whatever my opponent will throw at you, but you can&#39;t prepare for everything,&quot; she said.

&quot;I have no idea what tomorrow will bring. That&#39;s all I can say about it. That&#39;s what I&#39;ve learned,&quot; she said to another question on how she was handling the situation.

Last week Williams released a statement on Facebook saying that she was &quot;heartbroken&quot; and &quot;devastated&quot; by the death of Barson. Williams also said she was missing her sister Serena who is on a break from the game while she is pregnant.

&quot;I miss her a lot. I think she misses me,&quot; she said.

The 37-year-old American faced a tenacious opponent as she began her bid for a sixth Wimbledon singles title with a 7-6(7) 6-4 victory.

While a nervous Mertens struggled early, going 3-0 down in the first set, the 21-year-old, ranked 54th in the world, battled back to force a tiebreak which Williams won 9-7.

Williams, who last won Wimbledon in 2008, was unable to convert two match points in the second set before a rain break, but she returned to serve out for victory.

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Five-times Wimbledon champions Venus Williams left a news conference in tears on Monday after she was asked questions about the fatal motoring accident she was involved in that led to the death of a 78-year-old man (WION)
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Williams tried to describe how she felt after being in a car accident that resulted in a man's death, then cried and left the room before soon returning

Venus Williams broke down in tears during her post-match news conference at Wimbledon on Monday when asked about a recent motoring incident she was involved in, which led to the death of a 78-year-old Florida man. Williams, who won her first-round match against Belgian Elise Mertens in straight sets, was asked about her feelings regarding the incident. "There are really no words to describe, like, how devastating and...yeah. I'm completely speechless. It's just - yeah, I mean, I'm just," said the American before breaking down in tears and leaving the room. The five-times Wimbledon champion returned shortly afterwards to finish off the compulsory media briefing. News of the fatal incident near her home in Palm Beach Gardens surfaced on Thursday. Palm Beach Gardens police released a preliminary report saying she was the driver at fault in a June 9 accident that left Jerome Barson, a passenger in the other car, with fatal injuries. After the crash, Barson was taken to a Florida trauma centre where he died 13 days later, according to the Palm Beach county medical examiner. The police report estimated Williams was travelling at about five miles per hour (eight kph) at the time of impact and was not distracted or suspected of any drug or alcohol use. Before breaking down in the news conference, Williams had been asked several questions about her emotions in the past month but had avoided directly addressing the matter. "Life, you can't prepare for everything. I prepared for a lot of matches, tried to get ready for whatever my opponent will throw at you, but you can't prepare for everything," she said. "I have no idea what tomorrow will bring. That's all I can say about it. That's what I've learned," she said to another question on how she was handling the situation. Last week Williams released a statement on Facebook saying that she was "heartbroken" and "devastated" by the death of Barson. Williams also said she was missing her sister Serena who is on a break from the game while she is pregnant. "I miss her a lot. I think she misses me," she said. The 37-year-old American faced a tenacious opponent as she began her bid for a sixth Wimbledon singles title with a 7-6(7) 6-4 victory. While a nervous Mertens struggled early, going 3-0 down in the first set, the 21-year-old, ranked 54th in the world, battled back to force a tiebreak which Williams won 9-7. Williams, who last won Wimbledon in 2008, was unable to convert two match points in the second set before a rain break, but she returned to serve out for victory. Five-times Wimbledon champions Venus Williams left a news conference in tears on Monday after she was asked questions about the fatal motoring accident she was involved in that led to the death of a 78-year-old man (WION) ×

Venus breaks down in tears after win over Mertens, discussing fatal car accident

Switzerland&#39;s Stan Wawrinka lost in the first round at Wimbledon on Monday against Russia&#39;s Daniil Medvedev.

Wawrinka already plagued with a knee injury went down fighting in four sets &nbsp;6-4 3-6 6-4 6-1 against his resurgent Russian opponent.

21-year-old Medvedev took just over two hours to outlast Wawrinka who had reached the French Open final just two weeks ago where he lost to Nadal.

After the match, a disappointed Wawrinka said, &quot;I have no words to describe this. I guess this memory will be with me forever.&quot;

&quot;I wasn&#39;t feeling the way I wanted to feel,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

&quot;But I played against a great player who I think was confident today, was playing well, was playing faster. It was a tough loss.&quot;

Medvedev fired &nbsp;10 aces during the two-hour battle to put the game beyond Wawrinka.

&quot;It was just something special. I don&#39;t know how to explain it,&quot; Medvedev said after beating the third seed Wawrinka.

Medvedev will meet 124th-ranked Belgian Ruben Bemelmans in the next round.

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On Day 1 of Wimbledon 2017, Wawrinka suffered an upset, while Murray and the five-times Wimbledon champion Venus Williams stormed through to the second round (WION,WION Web Team)
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Wawrinka already plagued with a knee injury went down fighting in four sets

Switzerland's Stan Wawrinka lost in the first round at Wimbledon on Monday against Russia's Daniil Medvedev. Wawrinka already plagued with a knee injury went down fighting in four sets 6-4 3-6 6-4 6-1 against his resurgent Russian opponent. 21-year-old Medvedev took just over two hours to outlast Wawrinka who had reached the French Open final just two weeks ago where he lost to Nadal. After the match, a disappointed Wawrinka said, "I have no words to describe this. I guess this memory will be with me forever." "I wasn't feeling the way I wanted to feel," he said. "But I played against a great player who I think was confident today, was playing well, was playing faster. It was a tough loss." Medvedev fired 10 aces during the two-hour battle to put the game beyond Wawrinka. "It was just something special. I don't know how to explain it," Medvedev said after beating the third seed Wawrinka. Medvedev will meet 124th-ranked Belgian Ruben Bemelmans in the next round. On Day 1 of Wimbledon 2017, Wawrinka suffered an upset, while Murray and the five-times Wimbledon champion Venus Williams stormed through to the second round (WION,WION Web Team) ×

Wimbledon: Russia's Daniil Medvedev stuns Wawrinka

The defending Wimbledon champ&nbsp;Andy Murray reached the&nbsp;second round&nbsp;Monday with a 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 win over Kazakh lucky loser Alexander Bublik.

Despite two short breaks for rain&nbsp;Murray stayed in his groove, nailing the corners and his serves to simply overpower his opponent, Reuters reported.

Bublik had made the draw despite losing his last qualifying match to Daniel Brands in five sets, The Guardian said.

Next up for Murray is&nbsp;Dustin Brown, the German serve-volleyer&nbsp;who knocked out Rafael Nadal two years ago.&nbsp;

German world number 97 Brown came back from a set and a break down to beat Portugal&#39;s Joao Sousa 3-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4, 6-4.

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Next up for Murray is?Dustin Brown, the man who knocked out Rafael Nadal two years ago

The defending Wimbledon champ Andy Murray reached the second round Monday with a 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 win over Kazakh lucky loser Alexander Bublik. Despite two short breaks for rain Murray stayed in his groove, nailing the corners and his serves to simply overpower his opponent, Reuters reported. Bublik had made the draw despite losing his last qualifying match to Daniel Brands in five sets, The Guardian said. Next up for Murray is Dustin Brown, the German serve-volleyer who knocked out Rafael Nadal two years ago. German world number 97 Brown came back from a set and a break down to beat Portugal's Joao Sousa 3-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4, 6-4.

Wimbledon: Murray beats Alexander Bublik, enters second round

Former Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova said she will not request a wildcard into this year&#39;s championships after failing to gain a high enough ranking for direct entry to the main draw.

The 30-year-old Russian, who returned last month from a 15-month doping ban, said on her website she would play in the qualifying event staged the week before.

&quot;Because of my improved ranking after the first three tournaments of my return, I will also be playing the qualifying of Wimbledon in Roehampton, and will not be requesting a wildcard into the main draw,&quot; Sharapova said on her website.

Set to enter the top 200 on Monday, however, she is eligible to play in the qualifying event the week before in Roehampton, where she would need to survive three rounds just to take her place in round one at the All England Club.

Sharapova could have secured a place in the Wimbledon main draw by right had she reached the semi-finals at the Italian Open in Rome, but she withdrew injured during a second round match against Mirjana Lucic-Baroni.

&quot;I have already started getting treatment on the injury I sustained a few days ago in Rome, and will begin my preparation as soon I get better,&quot; the five-times grand slam champion said.

Her decision takes the heat off the Wimbledon wildcard committee which meets on June 20 and could technically still offer her automatic entry into the main draw.

However, in light of the decision of French Tennis Federation (FFT) on Tuesday to snub Sharapova for a French Open wildcard, they would have been under pressure to follow suit.

Sharapova was initially banned for two years after testing positive for then newly-banned heart condition drug meldonium at the 2016 Australian Open. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) reduced the sanction to 15 months, saying she was not an &quot;intentional doper&quot;.

The US-based player called her punishment &quot;unfairly harsh&quot; saying she had not realised meldonium, a product she had used legally for much of her career, had been added to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) banned list.

Her comeback has been aided by wildcards in Stuttgart, where she reached the semi-finals, Madrid and Rome.

Several players have voiced their disapproval at Sharapova&#39;s return, most noticeably Canada&#39;s Eugenie Bouchard who said Sharapova should have been banned for life, calling her a &quot;cheater&quot;. Bouchard beat Sharapova in Madrid.

Sharapova will have to break new ground if she is to win Wimbledon this year as no qualifier has won the women&#39;s singles title.

American Alexandra Stevenson came closest when she reached the semi-final in 1999 before losing to Lindsay Davenport.

(Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Sharapova had returned last month from a 15-month doping ban

Former Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova said she will not request a wildcard into this year's championships after failing to gain a high enough ranking for direct entry to the main draw. The 30-year-old Russian, who returned last month from a 15-month doping ban, said on her website she would play in the qualifying event staged the week before. "Because of my improved ranking after the first three tournaments of my return, I will also be playing the qualifying of Wimbledon in Roehampton, and will not be requesting a wildcard into the main draw," Sharapova said on her website. Set to enter the top 200 on Monday, however, she is eligible to play in the qualifying event the week before in Roehampton, where she would need to survive three rounds just to take her place in round one at the All England Club. Sharapova could have secured a place in the Wimbledon main draw by right had she reached the semi-finals at the Italian Open in Rome, but she withdrew injured during a second round match against Mirjana Lucic-Baroni. "I have already started getting treatment on the injury I sustained a few days ago in Rome, and will begin my preparation as soon I get better," the five-times grand slam champion said. Her decision takes the heat off the Wimbledon wildcard committee which meets on June 20 and could technically still offer her automatic entry into the main draw. However, in light of the decision of French Tennis Federation (FFT) on Tuesday to snub Sharapova for a French Open wildcard, they would have been under pressure to follow suit. Sharapova was initially banned for two years after testing positive for then newly-banned heart condition drug meldonium at the 2016 Australian Open. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) reduced the sanction to 15 months, saying she was not an "intentional doper". The US-based player called her punishment "unfairly harsh" saying she had not realised meldonium, a product she had used legally for much of her career, had been added to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) banned list. Her comeback has been aided by wildcards in Stuttgart, where she reached the semi-finals, Madrid and Rome. Several players have voiced their disapproval at Sharapova's return, most noticeably Canada's Eugenie Bouchard who said Sharapova should have been banned for life, calling her a "cheater". Bouchard beat Sharapova in Madrid. Sharapova will have to break new ground if she is to win Wimbledon this year as no qualifier has won the women's singles title. American Alexandra Stevenson came closest when she reached the semi-final in 1999 before losing to Lindsay Davenport. (Reuters)

I will play Wimbledon qualifier, won't request for wildcard: Maria Sharapova

Maria Sharapova is still waiting to hear if she can play at the French Open later this month but men&#39;s world number one Andy Murray expects her to be at Wimbledon in July.

Sharapova returned last month from a doping ban to reach the semi-finals at the Stuttgart Open, but did not earn enough points to qualify for Roland Garros and is reliant on a wildcard for the qualifying tournament.

The French Tennis Federation will announce their decision on May 16.

Murray, however, said he expected the five-times grand slam champion would be on the grasscourts of south-west London.

&quot;I think there&#39;s a good chance Wimbledon would give her one (a wild card) to get into qualifying,&quot; Murray told reporters at an event for June&#39;s Aegon Championships tournament at the Queen&#39;s Club in London.

&quot;I think we&#39;ve got to wait and see what happens because there might not even be a decision to be made because she might be in the main draw after Madrid or Rome, so there&#39;s a good chance she can get in by right.&quot;

The Russian can qualify for the main draw at Wimbledon by reaching the semi-final of either the Madrid or Rome tournaments.

The rankings deadline for Wimbledon qualification is May 29.

Murray, who sustained an injury in March, returned to action at the Barcelona Open last month and said he was feeling good as he looked ahead to Roland Garros.

&quot;I feel much better than I did three or four weeks ago,&quot; he added.

&quot;I feel like physically I am getting back to where I need to be and I feel like I am able to put in the work I need to, to be able to play my best tennis.&quot;

(Reuters)

Sharapova returned last month from a doping ban to reach the semi-finals at the Stuttgart Open

Maria Sharapova is still waiting to hear if she can play at the French Open later this month but men's world number one Andy Murray expects her to be at Wimbledon in July. Sharapova returned last month from a doping ban to reach the semi-finals at the Stuttgart Open, but did not earn enough points to qualify for Roland Garros and is reliant on a wildcard for the qualifying tournament. The French Tennis Federation will announce their decision on May 16. Murray, however, said he expected the five-times grand slam champion would be on the grasscourts of south-west London. "I think there's a good chance Wimbledon would give her one (a wild card) to get into qualifying," Murray told reporters at an event for June's Aegon Championships tournament at the Queen's Club in London. "I think we've got to wait and see what happens because there might not even be a decision to be made because she might be in the main draw after Madrid or Rome, so there's a good chance she can get in by right." The Russian can qualify for the main draw at Wimbledon by reaching the semi-final of either the Madrid or Rome tournaments. The rankings deadline for Wimbledon qualification is May 29. Murray, who sustained an injury in March, returned to action at the Barcelona Open last month and said he was feeling good as he looked ahead to Roland Garros. "I feel much better than I did three or four weeks ago," he added. "I feel like physically I am getting back to where I need to be and I feel like I am able to put in the work I need to, to be able to play my best tennis." (Reuters)

Murray confident that Sharapova will play at Wimbledon

Rafael Nadal has conceded he is not yet sure that he will be able to represent Spain at the Rio Olympics as his fitness concerns linger. 
 
The 2008 gold medallist withdrew from the French Open with a wrist injury and missed Wimbledon.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;I will not be at the best level in any of the categories,&quot; Nadal told journalists after arriving in Brazil. &quot;I have not competed for two months and I have not trained a lot.&quot; 
 
&quot;I will train a few days here to see what I can do and then decide what is best, to be more positive for me and the team,&quot; he said. 
Nadal&#39;s spanish team mate David Ferrer acknowledged last week that the 14-time grand slam champion&#39;s fitness situation was &quot;delicate&quot;. 
 
World number five Nadal, who is due to be Spain&#39;s flag bearer, was absent from the 2012 Olympics due to injury and should he withdraw, it would come as a significant blow for tennis at the Games with several other high-profile player also missing. 
 
Roger Federer sits out due to a knee problem and Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic withdrew citing fears over the Zika virus. 
 
Fellow top 20 players Tomas Berdych, Dominic Thiem, Richard Gasquet, John Isner, Feliciano Lopez and Nick Kyrgios are also out. 
 
Nadal&#39;s coach and uncle, Toni Nadal, later raised hopes the player may be ready to play, although perhaps not in all three events - singles, doubles and mixed doubles. 
 
&quot;His wrist is so much better. We tried to practise normally. We played with a good level, a good intensity,&quot; Toni said. 
 
&quot;We are waiting until tomorrow to take a decision to play all the things or not: singles, doubles and mixed doubles.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Tomorrow we have to talk with (Spain coach) Conchita Martinez and with Rafa and what we think is better for the team, and then we play. Sure, sure, we play something.&quot; 
 
(Reuters) 
&nbsp;

The men's tennis event has already lost a host of stars either through injury, scheduling problems or worries over Zika virus

Rafael Nadal has conceded he is not yet sure that he will be able to represent Spain at the Rio Olympics as his fitness concerns linger. The 2008 gold medallist withdrew from the French Open with a wrist injury and missed Wimbledon. "I will not be at the best level in any of the categories," Nadal told journalists after arriving in Brazil. "I have not competed for two months and I have not trained a lot." "I will train a few days here to see what I can do and then decide what is best, to be more positive for me and the team," he said. Nadal's spanish team mate David Ferrer acknowledged last week that the 14-time grand slam champion's fitness situation was "delicate". World number five Nadal, who is due to be Spain's flag bearer, was absent from the 2012 Olympics due to injury and should he withdraw, it would come as a significant blow for tennis at the Games with several other high-profile player also missing. Roger Federer sits out due to a knee problem and Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic withdrew citing fears over the Zika virus. Fellow top 20 players Tomas Berdych, Dominic Thiem, Richard Gasquet, John Isner, Feliciano Lopez and Nick Kyrgios are also out. Nadal's coach and uncle, Toni Nadal, later raised hopes the player may be ready to play, although perhaps not in all three events - singles, doubles and mixed doubles. "His wrist is so much better. We tried to practise normally. We played with a good level, a good intensity," Toni said. "We are waiting until tomorrow to take a decision to play all the things or not: singles, doubles and mixed doubles. "Tomorrow we have to talk with (Spain coach) Conchita Martinez and with Rafa and what we think is better for the team, and then we play. Sure, sure, we play something." (Reuters)

Spain's flag bearer Rafael Nadal doubtful over Rio participation

Reigning champion Andy Murray, fresh from capturing his second Wimbledon title earlier this month, has withdrawn from next week&#39;s Toronto Masters, Tennis Canada announced today. 
 
Murray, the world number two, said his body simply needs more rest after his grass-court championship run. 
 
&quot;My body needs some recovery time after reaching the latter stages of tournaments over the past few months,&quot; he said.&nbsp;&quot;I&#39;m sorry to my fans in Toronto but I look forward to being back in Canada next year.&quot; 
 
The three-time Toronto winner, who also won Grand Slam titles in 2012 at the US Open and 2013 at Wimbledon, had not missed the event since his 2006 debut. 
 
&quot;Certainly we are disappointed,&quot; tournament director Karl Hale said. &quot;Andy is one of the very top players in the world and a fan favourite. He will be missed but we wish him continued success.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

The Scottish tennis star said his body needs rest after reaching the latter stages of tournaments over the past few months

Reigning champion Andy Murray, fresh from capturing his second Wimbledon title earlier this month, has withdrawn from next week's Toronto Masters, Tennis Canada announced today. Murray, the world number two, said his body simply needs more rest after his grass-court championship run. "My body needs some recovery time after reaching the latter stages of tournaments over the past few months," he said. "I'm sorry to my fans in Toronto but I look forward to being back in Canada next year." The three-time Toronto winner, who also won Grand Slam titles in 2012 at the US Open and 2013 at Wimbledon, had not missed the event since his 2006 debut. "Certainly we are disappointed," tournament director Karl Hale said. "Andy is one of the very top players in the world and a fan favourite. He will be missed but we wish him continued success." (AFP)

Andy Murray pulls out of Toronto masters

World number two Andy Murray has set his sights on overtaking Novak Djokovic at the top of the rankings after capturing his second Wimbledon crown on Sunday. 
 
Murray, who reunited with coach Ivan Lendl last month, has reached the finals of his last five tournaments, winning in Rome and at Queen&#39;s Club before beating Milos Raonic in straight sets to end a 36-month hunt for a third grand slam title. 
 
Murray&#39;s triumph and Djokovic&#39;s third-round loss means 4845 ATP ranking points now separate them. 
 
&quot;I would love to get to number one, for sure, and the way to do that is to show up every week and be focused on that event,&quot; Murray told British media. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s definitely a goal. It&#39;s something I spoke to my team about, something I chatted to Ivan about. 
 
&quot;This has been a great tournament for me but, if I want to win a few slams over the next few years, I am going to have to get better. I know that he (Djokovic) will come back strong from this because of the player he is.&quot; 
 
Djokovic arrived in London as the holder of all four grand slams and the Serb had not been beaten on the big stage since losing to Switzerland&#39;s Stan Wawrinka in the 2015 French Open final. 
 
&quot;Novak is still clearly number one in the world right now. He is not just going to go away because he has had one bad tournament. You can&#39;t forget what he has done in the last 18 months or so - it has been incredible,&quot; Murray added. 
 
(Reuters)

'I would love to get to number one, and the way to do that is to show up every week and be focused on that event,' Murray said

World number two Andy Murray has set his sights on overtaking Novak Djokovic at the top of the rankings after capturing his second Wimbledon crown on Sunday. Murray, who reunited with coach Ivan Lendl last month, has reached the finals of his last five tournaments, winning in Rome and at Queen's Club before beating Milos Raonic in straight sets to end a 36-month hunt for a third grand slam title. Murray's triumph and Djokovic's third-round loss means 4845 ATP ranking points now separate them. "I would love to get to number one, for sure, and the way to do that is to show up every week and be focused on that event," Murray told British media. "It's definitely a goal. It's something I spoke to my team about, something I chatted to Ivan about. "This has been a great tournament for me but, if I want to win a few slams over the next few years, I am going to have to get better. I know that he (Djokovic) will come back strong from this because of the player he is." Djokovic arrived in London as the holder of all four grand slams and the Serb had not been beaten on the big stage since losing to Switzerland's Stan Wawrinka in the 2015 French Open final. "Novak is still clearly number one in the world right now. He is not just going to go away because he has had one bad tournament. You can't forget what he has done in the last 18 months or so - it has been incredible," Murray added. (Reuters)

Murray eyes top ranking after Wimbledon triumph

Serena Williams put the icing on the cake of another magnificent Wimbledon campaign by teaming up with sister Venus for a sixth doubles crown at the All England Club on Saturday. 
 
The reigning Olympic champions beat Timea Babos of Hungary and Kazakhstan&#39;s Yaroslava Shvedova 6-3 6-4 on Centre Court -- hours after Serena claimed a record-equalling 22nd grand slam singles title by defeating Germany&#39;s Angelique Kerber 7-5 6-3. 
 
Serena has now won both the Wimbledon singles and doubles (with Venus) in the same year on four occasions. Together, the American duo have a perfect 14-0 record in grand slam doubles finals. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s unbelievable,&quot; said Serena. &quot;It&#39;s a feat even I couldn&#39;t have thought would have happened. It&#39;s amazing.&quot; 
 
For Venus it was a consolation after she lost to Kerber in Thursday&#39;s singles semi-finals -- denying her a first grand slam singles final since losing to Serena at Wimbledon in 2009. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s a privilege, it&#39;s an honour,&quot; said Venus. &quot;When you enter the doubles draw, you dream of winning. Then we enter the singles, we dream of winning. 
 
&quot;To have Williams on both of those, somehow in 2016, it&#39;s another dream come true.&quot; 
 
The sisters, who paired up again this year after a two-year absence, have won 14 grand slam doubles titles together, moving them level with American Gigi Fernandez and Belarussian Natasha Zvereva in second place on the all-time list. 
 
They still have some way to go, however, to match the 20 of Martina Navratilova and fellow American Pam Shriver. 
 
&quot;I didn&#39;t know about that stat until yesterday, that we were 13-0,&quot; said Venus. &quot;It&#39;s not something you really think about. You just get to the final and try to win. 
 
&quot;I don&#39;t think it made us nervous. You got time. If you get down a break, you always have time to get the break back. You can always go to a third (set). 
 
&quot;When you&#39;re out there, you probably realise you have a chance to go for it again.&quot; 
 
The Williams sisters are now 22-1 in all doubles finals they have played together. 
 
(Reuters)

The two had paired up after a two-year absence, have won 14 grand slam doubles titles together

Serena Williams put the icing on the cake of another magnificent Wimbledon campaign by teaming up with sister Venus for a sixth doubles crown at the All England Club on Saturday. The reigning Olympic champions beat Timea Babos of Hungary and Kazakhstan's Yaroslava Shvedova 6-3 6-4 on Centre Court -- hours after Serena claimed a record-equalling 22nd grand slam singles title by defeating Germany's Angelique Kerber 7-5 6-3. Serena has now won both the Wimbledon singles and doubles (with Venus) in the same year on four occasions. Together, the American duo have a perfect 14-0 record in grand slam doubles finals. "It's unbelievable," said Serena. "It's a feat even I couldn't have thought would have happened. It's amazing." For Venus it was a consolation after she lost to Kerber in Thursday's singles semi-finals -- denying her a first grand slam singles final since losing to Serena at Wimbledon in 2009. "It's a privilege, it's an honour," said Venus. "When you enter the doubles draw, you dream of winning. Then we enter the singles, we dream of winning. "To have Williams on both of those, somehow in 2016, it's another dream come true." The sisters, who paired up again this year after a two-year absence, have won 14 grand slam doubles titles together, moving them level with American Gigi Fernandez and Belarussian Natasha Zvereva in second place on the all-time list. They still have some way to go, however, to match the 20 of Martina Navratilova and fellow American Pam Shriver. "I didn't know about that stat until yesterday, that we were 13-0," said Venus. "It's not something you really think about. You just get to the final and try to win. "I don't think it made us nervous. You got time. If you get down a break, you always have time to get the break back. You can always go to a third (set). "When you're out there, you probably realise you have a chance to go for it again." The Williams sisters are now 22-1 in all doubles finals they have played together. (Reuters)

Williams sisters win sixth Wimbledon doubles crown

Serena Williams has history in her sights, as the defending champion plots to avenge one of the most painful defeats of her career by beating Angelique Kerber in Saturday&#39;s Wimbledon final. Williams suffered a stunning loss against Kerber in the Australian Open final in January, and the rivals will face off for the first time since then when they slug it out for the Wimbledon title. 
 
There was further frustrations for Serena when she lost the French Open final to Garbine Muguruza last month. But the 34-year-old has been revitalised at the All England Club and, after taking just 48 minutes to crush Elena Vesnina in Wimbledon&#39;s quickest-ever semi-final, she has the chance to finally equal Steffi Graf&#39;s Open era record of 22 major titles by lifting the Venus Rosewater Dish for a seventh time. 
 
Making history at Kerber&#39;s&nbsp;expense would be especially sweet, even more so after the fourth seed defeated Serena&#39;s sister Venus in the semi-finals, and Williams says she has learnt the lessons of Australia. &quot;Obviously it&#39;s significant that she beat&nbsp;me in Australia because that&#39;s the last time we played,&quot; Serena said. 
 
&quot;I made a lot of errors. She made little to no unforced errors. I felt like she played great. She was fearless. That&#39;s something I learned. When I go into a final, I too need to be fearless like she was.&nbsp;It was inspiring afterwards to realise there&#39;s a lot of things that I need to improve on.&quot; 
 
Since failing to complete a calendar Grand Slam last year, Serena has repeatedly had her hunger for more success questioned. But, having reached a ninth Wimbledon final and 28th Grand Slam, Williams insists she is still motivated. 
 
&quot;Yeah, I have no hunger anymore. Yeah, right,&quot; Serena said in a defiant press conference after her demolition of Vesnina. &quot;I mean, I think for anyone else in this whole planet, reaching the final would be a wonderful accomplishment. For me, it&#39;s not enough. But I think that&#39;s what makes me different. That&#39;s what makes me Serena. For me, it&#39;s about obviously holding the trophy and winning, which would make it a better accomplishment for me.&quot; 
 
In a combative mood with the media, Serena was quick to quash suggestions the pressure of trying to make history had been responsible for her failure to win a Grand Slam since last year&#39;s Wimbledon. 
 
&quot;My goal has never been 22. I don&#39;t talk about that anymore,&quot; she snapped. &quot;I love what I do. I work hard at what I do. I&#39;m extremely passionate. That&#39;s just the kind of something that keeps me going.&quot; Asked where she ranked among the great female athletes, Williams reframed the question. 
 
&quot;I prefer one of the greatest athletes of all time,&quot; she said with not a trace of a smile. Fortunately for fans hoping for a drama-filled final, Kerber isn&#39;t the type to back down in the face of Serena&#39;s aggression. The 28-year-old in her first Wimbledon final and second major title match, couldn&#39;t be&nbsp;in better form as she tries to become the first German woman to win Wimbledon since her idol Graf in 1996. 
 
&quot;I told myself that I would like to play better in the big tournaments. I just believe much more in myself, especially after Australia,&quot; Kerber said. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m a little bit more relaxed when I&#39;m going to the tournaments.&nbsp;I know I can trust my tennis.&quot;&nbsp;After sweeping to the final without dropping&nbsp;a set, Kerber is guaranteed to reach a career-high second in the rankings next week. 
 
&quot;I will go out there with a lot of confidence.&nbsp;I&#39;ll show her I&#39;m there to win. I have to play one of my best matches,&quot; Kerber said. 
The German added: &quot;I expect a really tough match. I know that she will go out and try to beat me, especially because she lost against me in Australia.&nbsp;On grass she is always dangerous. She won here so many times, she will go for it. I know this. I know I have to play my best tennis.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

The defending champ can avenge her painful loss in last year's Australian open, and tie her idol Steffi Graf's record of 22 Grand Slam wins

Serena Williams has history in her sights, as the defending champion plots to avenge one of the most painful defeats of her career by beating Angelique Kerber in Saturday's Wimbledon final. Williams suffered a stunning loss against Kerber in the Australian Open final in January, and the rivals will face off for the first time since then when they slug it out for the Wimbledon title. There was further frustrations for Serena when she lost the French Open final to Garbine Muguruza last month. But the 34-year-old has been revitalised at the All England Club and, after taking just 48 minutes to crush Elena Vesnina in Wimbledon's quickest-ever semi-final, she has the chance to finally equal Steffi Graf's Open era record of 22 major titles by lifting the Venus Rosewater Dish for a seventh time. Making history at Kerber's expense would be especially sweet, even more so after the fourth seed defeated Serena's sister Venus in the semi-finals, and Williams says she has learnt the lessons of Australia. "Obviously it's significant that she beat me in Australia because that's the last time we played," Serena said. "I made a lot of errors. She made little to no unforced errors. I felt like she played great. She was fearless. That's something I learned. When I go into a final, I too need to be fearless like she was. It was inspiring afterwards to realise there's a lot of things that I need to improve on." Since failing to complete a calendar Grand Slam last year, Serena has repeatedly had her hunger for more success questioned. But, having reached a ninth Wimbledon final and 28th Grand Slam, Williams insists she is still motivated. "Yeah, I have no hunger anymore. Yeah, right," Serena said in a defiant press conference after her demolition of Vesnina. "I mean, I think for anyone else in this whole planet, reaching the final would be a wonderful accomplishment. For me, it's not enough. But I think that's what makes me different. That's what makes me Serena. For me, it's about obviously holding the trophy and winning, which would make it a better accomplishment for me." In a combative mood with the media, Serena was quick to quash suggestions the pressure of trying to make history had been responsible for her failure to win a Grand Slam since last year's Wimbledon. "My goal has never been 22. I don't talk about that anymore," she snapped. "I love what I do. I work hard at what I do. I'm extremely passionate. That's just the kind of something that keeps me going." Asked where she ranked among the great female athletes, Williams reframed the question. "I prefer one of the greatest athletes of all time," she said with not a trace of a smile. Fortunately for fans hoping for a drama-filled final, Kerber isn't the type to back down in the face of Serena's aggression. The 28-year-old in her first Wimbledon final and second major title match, couldn't be in better form as she tries to become the first German woman to win Wimbledon since her idol Graf in 1996. "I told myself that I would like to play better in the big tournaments. I just believe much more in myself, especially after Australia," Kerber said. "I'm a little bit more relaxed when I'm going to the tournaments. I know I can trust my tennis." After sweeping to the final without dropping a set, Kerber is guaranteed to reach a career-high second in the rankings next week. "I will go out there with a lot of confidence. I'll show her I'm there to win. I have to play one of my best matches," Kerber said. The German added: "I expect a really tough match. I know that she will go out and try to beat me, especially because she lost against me in Australia. On grass she is always dangerous. She won here so many times, she will go for it. I know this. I know I have to play my best tennis." (AFP)

Serena Williams can make history by beating Kerber in Saturday's Wimbledon finals

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