Australian Open

If world No. 1 Novak Djokovic wants to win a fourth consecutive Grand Slam championship then the tournament's top seed is going to have to go through Roger Federer to reach the final. On the other side of the men's draw, defending champ Rafael ...  

Well, folks, here we are again.  It's springtime in Paris, the terra bateau at Roland Garros is in fine shape, and Rafael Nadal is once more the prohibitive favorite.(Sigh....) And there you have it.  The cat's out of the bag.  Nadal to win.  So much for suspense.  You can quit reading now, if you like.But where's the fun in that?  Let's preview the Big Three anyway, Andy Murray, too (why not?), and throw in a few longshots just for good...  

Former World No. 1 Roger Federer insists that, King of Clay Rafael Nadal is looking hot favorite to win the 2012 French Open championship at Roland Garros next month. 30-year-old Federer said he had played several great matches against Nadal and ...  

Coverage: Live text commentaries on BBC Sport website from 10:00 BST; updates & commentary on BBC Radio 5 live, 5 live sports extra and online Novak Djokovic admits Rafael Nadal is the favourite for the French Open - but is up for the challenge ...  

The 2012 French Open draw is out. We can finally put an end to speculations and prognoses, that whirlwind of ‘Rafael Nadal is a set at the French’, or ‘Roger Federer will never win the French’-type articles. What we now have before the tournament ...  

Grand slam master Roger Federer says six-times champion Rafael Nadal deserves French Open favouritism over world No.1 Novak Djokovic. 'He's playing for his seventh title, so no discussion. We're crazy to even talk about this,' Federer said as debate raged ...  

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic, King of Clay Rafael Nadal and Swiss tennis champion Roger Federer are the top seeds at the 2012 French Open championship, which will begin from 27th May, being played here on outdoor clay courts at Roland Garros.  

With two straight victories over Novak Djokovic and the Italian Open trophy under his belt in recent months, Rafael Nadal couldn't be more ready to dominate the French Open. The lights are shining bright on Djokovic as he attempts to become only the third ...  

16-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer and World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has been placed in same draw in men’s singles at the French Open 2012, which will begin from Monday 27 May at Roland Garros. Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic once again ...  

16-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer meet his best rival Former World No. 1 Rafael Nadal at the Net jets event in Paris on Thursday, ahead of the French Open 2012 Championship at Roland Garros. 30-year-old Roger Federer, who was the brand ...  

PARIS — As daylight disappeared and wind whipped loose dirt around the court, Novak Djokovic watched one last ace fly off Roger Federer’s racket and end their thrill-a-minute semifinal at the 2011 French Open.  

The 2012 French Open draw will pit Roger Federer against Novak Djokovic if both players reach the semifinals. The Swiss Maestro would take down the Djoker in the potential matchup. This would be a rematch of the thrilling 2011 semifinals at Roland Garros, which Federer won in five sets. The back-and-forth battle became an instant classic, and it would be a treat for tennis fans to see a rematch.  A semifinal matchup between Djokovic, the world...  

The men's draw for the 2012 French Open has been released, and tennis fans across the world received a treat, with the bracket aligning in a manner that could lead to the finals match at Roland Garros that everyone wants to see.Novak Djokovic vs. Rafael Nadal.Granted, it won't be a walk in the park for either player. However, if the bracket holds true to form and the tournament's top two seeds play as expected, then the men's final on June 9th...  

The 2012 French Open has the making of a blockbuster. With his wins in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Rome, beating Novak Djokovic twice in the process, Rafael Nadal has reestablished himself as the clear favourite heading in. Nevertheless, there are several ...  

The 2012 French Open draw was revealed on Friday in Paris. Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic are once again on the same half of the bracket while potential semifinal opponents for Rafael Nadal include Andy Murray, David Ferrer, and John Isner.  

Rafael Nadal is the overwhelming favourite to continue his dominance of claycourt tennis by winning the French Open for the seventh time. Nadal may have been replaced by Novak Djokovic at the top of the world rankings, but when it comes to playing on this ...  

It may seem odd to think that Roger Federer will enter the French Open with low expectations considering he has won 16 career Grand Slam titles, but with both Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal playing at an extremely high level, Fed is somewhat of a ...  

Roger Federer, the holder of a men’s record 16 major singles titles, says he’s not even second favorite to win the French Open. Federer’s victory in 2009 is the last man other than defending champion Rafael Nadal to win at Roland Garros.  

Former World No. 1 Roger Federer and King of Clay Rafael Nadal are great legends in tennis history and dream to beat both the players on ATP circuit says Canadian raising star Milos Raonic. Raonic said playing against Roger Federer and Rafael ...  

Rafa’s kingdom is small. According to the Winnipeg Free Press, Novak Djokovic said after his latest loss on clay to Rafa in the 2012 Italian Open: “He is always the favourite even if I win against him seven times. He is the best player in the world on ...  

Former World No. 1 Rafael Nadal and 16-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer will fight hard for the second spot in the ATP Rankings at the 2012 French Open championship at Roland Garros. King of Clay Nadal has return back to No. 2 spot, after ...  

Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal, Novak Djokovic: whoever wins at Roland Garros will claim something more than just the French Open title as tennis is going through a "very special time", according to Federer himself. Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal, Novak Djokovic ...  

FOR fans thrilled by the epic Australian Open battle between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, another monumental clash looms large. When Paris stages the second grand slam of the year from tomorrow night, their rivalry will have only intensified since that ...  

Novak Djokovic, the world's No. 1 men's tennis player, will have a tough road to the French Open finals. He is slated to go up against Roger Federer in the semifinals—should both of them make it that far—and has a much tougher task in front of him than ...  

Former World No. 1 Rafael Nadal and Britain top seed Andy Murray has been placed in a similar draw at the French Open 2012, where both the players are likely to meet in the semi finals at Roland Garros, being played here on outdoor clay courts.  

Don't stop if you've heard this before because it's worth seeing in repeats. Defending champion Rafael Nadal, world No. 1 Novak Djokovic and third-seeded Roger Federer — who beat Djokovic in the French Open semifinals last year and kept the ...  

Tennis superstar Roger Federer's last shot to add another Grand Slam to his impressive career resume will be at the 2012 French Open in Paris, France this June. Federer has not won a major tournament since Australian Open 2010, but has advanced to at least ...  

Novak Djokovic will finally shine on the clay courts of Roland Garros this June to win the first French Open title of his career.The French Open is the only Grand Slam tournament that the Serbian star hasn't reached the final of, but Djokovic is coming into Paris this year on one of the best Grand Slam runs in recent history.If Djokovic wins the French Open this year, he will have won his fourth straight Grand Slam tournament, which would be a...  

2012 French Open contenders like Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka don't have a shot to win the title. On the men's side this clay tournament belongs to Rafael Nadal and it's his to lose. Maria Sharapova enters will ...  

The problem is Nadal can't afford to lose this title, otherwise a potential win by Djokovic will put him back to square one of this current situation. Nadal stands in position to win it all, but any other result could cost him plenty.  

As daylight disappeared and wind whipped loose dirt around the court, Novak Djokovic watched one last ace fly off Roger Federers racket and end their thrill-a-minute semifinal at the 2011 French Open.  

Two of the contenders left no doubt on Friday. “I think Rafael (Nadal) is playing for his seventh title, so no discussion,” Roger Federer said. “We’re crazy to even talk about this. Some people might say he’s not the favourite, but to me he’s the favourite.  

PARIS — Rafael Nadal could become the first man to win seven Roland Garros titles, but Novak Djokovic and a rejuvenated Roger Federer are braced to slam the door shut on the Spaniard's history-making campaign. Seventh heaven: Rafael Nadal will be bidding ...  

World No 1 Djokovic already has the Wimbledon, US Open and Australian Open crowns in his possession and a first French Open triumph in two weeks's time would make him the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to complete the sweep. But Federer believes that it ...  

Rafael Nadal could become the first man to win seven Roland Garros titles, but Novak Djokovic and a rejuvenated Roger Federer are braced to slam the door shut on the Spaniard’s history-making campaign.  

but Novak Djokovic and a rejuvenated Roger Federer are braced to slam the door shut on the Spaniard's history-making campaign. Ever since the early, members-only French championships were thrown open to foreign players in 1925, no man has won ...  

Some players like to take their time before they get ready to serve. In today's exceedingly physical tennis, it is understandable that the players need a longer break every once in a while. However, the rules allow them only 25 seconds from the point has ...  

Novak Djokovic will arrive at Roland Garros seven wins away from becoming the first man for 43 years to hold all four grand slam titles concurrently - the only trouble is one of his victims will probably have to be claycourt king Rafa Nadal. The 25-year ...  

PARIS — Rafael Nadal’s white T-shirt carried specks of rust-colored clay and his white socks were smothered with the stuff during a practice session on Court Philippe Chatrier in the steamy early afternoon Thursday.  

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are renewing their longstanding rivalry in the finals of the 2012 Rome Masters Tournament ... Nadal dropped down to third in the world rankings thanks to that loss, behind Djokovic and long-time rival Roger Federer.  

PARIS — When the French Open draw is revealed Friday, much of the attention will be on the paths presented to two men: Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Nadal is bidding for a record seventh title at Roland Garros. Djokovic will be trying to ...  

As a member of the FR Yugoslavia national team, he reached the finals of the 2001 Junior Davis Cup for players under 14, in which he lost his match in singles. During Wimbledon, Djokovic won a five-hour quarterfinal against Marcos Baghdatis.  

PARIS: Rafael Nadal could become the first man to win seven Roland Garros titles, but Novak Djokovic and a rejuvenated Roger Federer are braced to slam the door shut on the Spaniard's history-making campaign. Ever since the early, members-only French ...  

PARIS - Novak Djokovic’s bid to become the first man in 43 years to hold all four Grand Slam titles at the same time hit its first hurdle on Friday when Roger Federer became a potential French Open semi-final opponent. In stark contrast, defending ...  

THE Final : Rafael Nadal vs Novak Djokovic Live Campionati Internazionali d'Italia Tennis stream on May 20.Rafael Nadal vs Novak Djokovic live streaming on 20.05.2012. Final - Campionati Internazionali d'Italia Tennis Championship 2012 live ...  

Andy Murray, still bidding for his own first Grand Slam title, enjoyed his best showing in Paris in 2011 when he reached the semi-finals before falling in straight sets to Nadal. (AFP Photo) PARIS: Andy Murray declared himself fighting fit for ...  

VIDEO: McDowell advances after third round of Volvo World Match Play Championship Graeme McDowell will play Rafael Cabrera-Bello and Nicolas Colsaerts will take on Paul Lawrie in the semi-finals of the World Match Play Championship. The New York Rangers ...  

THE Final : Rafael Nadal vs Novak Djokovic Live Campionati Internazionali d'Italia Tennis stream on May 20.Rafael Nadal vs Novak Djokovic live streaming on 20.05.2012. Final - Campionati Internazionali d'Italia Tennis Championship 2012 live ...  

PARIS: Rafael Nadal could become the first man to win seven Roland Garros titles, but Novak Djokovic and a rejuvenated Roger Federer are braced to slam the door shut on the Spaniard’s history-making campaign. Ever since the early, members-only ...  

Andy Murray will likely have to get past defending champion Rafael Nadal if he is to reach the French Open final. As was the case at last year's tournament, Murray was placed in the same half as Nadal on Friday, with top seed Novak Djokovic and Roger ...  

One service winner, one forehand which was caught by a gust of wind and landed just in, and has Djokovic taken a hammer to the window of opportunity ... And I mean perfect - flat over the net, hitting the concrete six inches from the baseline.  

PARIS -- Novak Djokovic's bid to win a fourth consecutive Grand Slam championship – and first at the French Open – might require a semifinal victory over Roger Federer. Friday's draw set them up to face each other in Paris at the same stage ...  

Fresh off his straight-set win over Novak Djokovic in the finals of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia in Rome a week ago, Rafael Nadal now heads to Paris to attempt to win his record seventh French Open on the red clay of Roland Garros. Nadal—the winner of ...  

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are so much more than the ATP's official top two players of the decade. They are bona fide legends of the game, tennis's very own Beauty and the Beast, the elegant Swiss arguably the greatest player ever and the physically ...  

PARIS,  (Reuters) – Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal, Novak Djokovic: whoever wins at Roland Garros will claim something more than just the French Open title as tennis is going through a “very special time”, according ... which doesn’t make it a whole ...  

Paris, May 26 (IANS) The World No.1 tennis player Novak Djokovic has backed himself to win the 2012 French Open though he conceded clay court expert Rafael Nadal remained favourite to bag his seventh title at Roland Garros. “My mindset is always positive and I always expect a lot from myself. I have [...]  

Internazionali d'Italia Final Tennis HD Video Tennis is a sport usually played between two players (singles) or between two teams of two players each (doubles). Each player uses a racket that is strung to strike a hollow rubber ball covered with felt over a net into the opponent's court. Tennis is an Olympic sport and is played at all levels of society at all ages. The sport can be played by anyone who can hold a racket, including...  

Andy Murray declared himself fighting fit for the French Open on Friday, before tipping Rafael Nadal to keep winning at Roland Garros. With most of the attention firmly on Novak Djokovic's bid to become only the third man to hold all four Grand Slam titles ...  

Tennis is a sport usually played between two players (singles) or between two teams of two players each (doubles). Each player uses a racket that is strung to strike a hollow rubber ball covered with felt over a net into the opponent's court. Tennis is an Olympic sport and is played at all levels of society at all ages. The sport can be played by anyone who can hold a racket, including people in wheelchairs.The modern game of tennis...  

Internazionali d'Italia Final Tennis HD Video Tennis is a sport usually played between two players (singles) or between two teams of two players each (doubles). Each player uses a racket that is strung to strike a hollow rubber ball covered with felt over a net into the opponent's court. Tennis is an Olympic sport and is played at all levels of society at all ages. The sport can be played by anyone who can hold a racket, including...  

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are coming into this year's French Open as the favorites to win at Roland Garros, and rightly so, but don't underestimate Roger Federer's chances to pull off a surprising victory in Paris. With Nadal going after his seventh ...  

There have a plethora of articles speculating on the possibilities or likelihood of a Rafael Nadal, or Novak Djokovic, victory at the Rome Open final. All of them are in vain. There is no point speculating, because the truth is that either one of the two ...  

With his triumph in Madrid, Roger Federer has further improved his prospects of regaining the no. 1 ranking. But with the start of the 2012 French Open looming on May 27, there is plenty at stake for his arch-rivals Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic too. Any one of these three stars is capable of writing the next chapter in tennis history.  

Rafael Nadal a castigat turneul Masters de la Roma, ibericul invingandu-l in finala pe Novak Djokovic, scor 7-5, 6-3. Este al doilea succes consecutiv al ibericului in fata liderului mondial (dupa finala de la Monte Carlo), Rafa aratand ca a reusit sa treaca peste "complexul Djokovic" (dupa ce inregistrase sapte infrangeri la rand in fata lui "Nole").  

5/27 5:00 AM EDT French Open 2012 presented by IBM: Court 1 (Day 1) (First Round) ESPN3 5/27 5:00 AM EDT French Open 2012 presented by IBM: Court Suzanne Lenglen (Day 1) (First Round) ESPN3 5/27 5:00 AM EDT French Open 2012 presented by IBM ...  

The buzz word nowadays in tennis is "mental strength". When a player wins: mental strength. When a player loses: mental strength. It's either mental strength to overcome adversity, mental toughness to withstand pressure, intestinal fortitude (i.e. mental ...  

(AP) PARIS - Novak Djokovic's bid to win a fourth consecutive Grand Slam championship — and first at the French Open — might require a semifinal victory over Roger Federer. Friday's draw set them up to face each other in Paris at the same ...  

The world number three Rafael Nadal will play world number one Novak Djokovic in the finals of the Italian Open 2012 at the center court in Rome on May 20, 2012. The match will be played after the women singles...read more  

Novak Djokovic has improved to 11-14 overall against Roger Federer as the Serb defeated the Swiss on Saturday in straight sets at the 2012 Rome Masters. That sets up a final between the World No. 1 and the World No. 3 as Rafael Nadal booked his spot in the ...  

The 2012 French Open draw takes place Friday, and all eyes will be on Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Nadal will enter as the tournament favorite, but Roger Federer is the man to watch. Federer won the French Open in 2009 and finished runner-up in four of ...  

Djokovic took the Australian Open to open the new year but Nadal avenged himself in Monaco last month. With the French Open on the horizon, the Italian Open winner gains the slight upper-hand heading in. Clay court success pertains more so to Rafael Nadal ...  

Rafael Nadal owns the clay courts of Roland Garros, but you never know what will happen at the French Open with Roger Federer and world's No. 1 Novak Djokovic lurking. Can Nadal continue to ride momentum from three wins this season to his record seventh ...  

Getty Images/US PresswireRafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are two of the favorites at the French Open this year. World number one since last July and the winner of four of the last five majors, Novak Djokovic has been on quite a ride in the past year.  

The Italian Open Final is already set and with Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal set to square off, this matchup promises to be an instant classic. Djokovic defeated Roger Federer in straight sets to advance to the final while Nadal did the same to David Ferrer.  

Rafael Nadal is poised to catch Novak Djokovic atop the ATP World Tennis Rankings, and he will move one step closer by winning the French Open. Roland Garros has belonged to Nadal, and the Spaniard has won six of the last seven times on the famous clay courts.  

Paris, France (Sports Network) - The draw for the 2012 French Open was revealed Friday, and if world No. 1 Novak Djokovic wants to capture Roland Garros and the coveted career Grand Slam he could have to get past Roger Federer in the semifinals ...  

The Argentine is in a curious position. After he won the 2009 U.S. Open with a dazzling final-round victory over world No. 1 Roger Federer, he missed almost all of the following year because of wrist surgery. His comeback began in earnest last year, and he ...  

If he can prolong that run on the red clay of Roland Garros over the coming two weeks, Djokovic will become the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to win four consecutive major tennis tournaments. A remarkable achievement, to be sure. And one the ...  

Nadal has overcome against her fellow Davis Cup teammate David Ferrer in straight sets with a 7-6, 6-0 in Rome Masters semi finals on Saturday. Nadal has played best tennis in the semis, where he had taken 2 hours and 6 minutes to grab the ...  

Rafael Nadal showed the world he still has the sharp skills in playing tennis when he was able to defeat Novak Djokovic during the Italian Open. This is Rafael Nadal's 6th Italian Open thus propelling him once again in the second ranking.  

Rafael Nadal has lost just one of his 46 matches at Roland Garros and this staggering record makes him an overwhelming favourite to become the first man to win seven French Open titles when the tournament starts on Sunday.  

The 2012 French Open is scheduled to start on Sunday May 27th with the men’s singles draw scheduled for release on Friday May 25th. Rafael Nadal is the favorite to win the event while most consider Novak Djokovic to be the second favorite. The coveted ...  

PARIS (Reuters) - Six-times champion Rafa Nadal was given a smooth-looking path to the French Open final while world number one Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer looked set for a possible semi-final clash in the other half of the draw made on Friday.  

Former World No. 1 Roger Federer hopes to win the 17th Grand Slam crown at French Open Roland Garros, which will begin from the 27th May, being played on outdoor hard courts in Paris. 30-year-old Swiss Tennis Champion, who has won French Open ...  

With the seedings based on rankings, Nadal will be No. 2, and Djokovic will be No. 1. "He is always the favorite, even if I win against him seven times," Djokovic explained after losing to Nadal at the Italian Open on Monday. "He is the best ...  

Forget about Madrid. Rafael Nadal's preparation for the French Open went swimmingly. Not only did Nadal win in Monte Carlo and Rome, but, just as he wanted, the world No. 2 ended his seven-match losing streak against Novak Djokovic in the process.  

(CNN)-- World No.1 Novak Djokovic and 16-time grand slam champion Roger Federer have been drawn to meet in the semifinals of the French Open -- setting up the likely prospect of a repeat of their classic 2011 clash at Roland Garros. An inspired ...  

Six-times champion Rafa Nadal was handed a smooth looking path to the French Open final, avoiding the half of the draw featuring world number one Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer who are seeded to meet in the semi-finals.  

MADRID: May 23 (Agencies): Roger Federer put his best fighting tennis on display to produce a 3-6, 7-5, 7-5 victory over Tomas Berdych on Sunday to capture a third Madrid Masters title and depose Rafael Nadal as world number two. The Swiss, with 16 Grand ...  

The pressure was truly on Rafael Nadal after his shocking loss in the third round of the Madrid Open. And just like that, after a win over world No. 1 Novak Djokovic in Rome, it's all gone. Perfect timing, with the French Open looming a few days away. After losing to Fernando Verdasco in Madrid earlier in May, Nadal was smart enough to know he'd be just fine for the Rome Masters a week later. Though it seemed like he was making excuses at the...  

Two epic semifinals later, we now know who the finalists of the 2012 Rome Masters will be: Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Coming into this tournament on the back of an early-round exit at his home tournament in Madrid and losing his No. 2 ranking to ...  

Roger Federer, who missed an opportunity to win four straight majors twice in his career, in 2006 and 2007, when he was stopped by Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros after winning Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, and Australian Open titles consecutively, says the pressure on Novak Djokovic to try a similar feat at this year's French Open will be immense. "It's an amazing achievement in itself to win three in a row,' Federer said. "Four in a row is just...  

When it was pointed out to her Friday that five women divvied up the past five Grand Slam titles — Kim Clijsters at the 2011 Australian Open, followed by Li Na at the French Open, Petra Kvitova at Wimbledon, Sam Stosur at the U.S. Open ...  

Roger Federer needs a victory at the French Open to prove that he can still compete with Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. In Federer’s most recent outing, he was eliminated by Djokovic, the world’s top-ranked player, in consecutive sets. The Swiss ...  

Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal, Novak Djokovic: whoever wins at Roland Garros will claim something more than just the French Open title as tennis is going through a "very special time", according to Federer himself.  

Andy Murray will likely have to get past defending champion Rafael Nadal if he is to reach the French Open final. As was the case at last year's tournament, Murray was placed in the same half as Nadal on Friday, with top seed Novak Djokovic and ...  

The score for that semifinal was 7-6 (8-6) and 6-0. Djokovic defeated world number two, Roger Federer in straight sets as well. The first set was an easy win for Djokovic. He won the first one 6-2. Federer gave a good fight for the second set ...  

PARIS -- Novak Djokovic's bid to win a fourth consecutive Grand Slam championship - and first at the French Open - might require a semifinal victory over Roger Federer. Friday's draw set them up to face each other in Paris at the same stage as last year ...  

Novak Djokovic's bid to win a fourth consecutive Grand Slam championship - and first at the French Open - might require a semifinal victory over Roger Federer. Friday's draw set them up to face each other in Paris at the same stage as last year, when ...  

Nadal made some corrections in the Rome victory. Not only did Nadal exact a bit of revenge against the number one Djokovic who won the Italian Open last year, the Spaniard also reclaimed the number two ranking from Roger Federer. View slideshow ...  

Serena Williams won the 2002 French Open, while Sharapova is hoping to complete a career Grand Slam with her first title in Paris. The other possible quarterfinals set up by Friday's draw: Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka vs.  

PARIS (AP) — If Novak Djokovic is going to win a fourth consecutive Grand Slam title, he might have to beat Roger Federer in the French Open semifinals. Friday's draw set them up to face each other in Paris at the same stage as last year, when Federer ...  

Nadal enjoyed the ideal preparation for Roland Garros with his win over Novak Djokovic in the final of the Italian Open. There is always some concern with injuries with the Spaniard, but he looks to be in good shape at the moment. So, he can go and play in ...  

He's the father of two-year-old twins and two years removed from his last major title. Yet at 30, Roger Federer is crafting a clay-court renaissance. The Swiss master played attacking tennis to capture his 20th career Masters title on blue clay in Madrid. He followed that with a trip to the Rome semifinals, falling to world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, whom Federer beat in the 2011 French Open semifinals to snap the Serb’s 43-match unbeaten streak...  

Novak Djokovic's bid to become the first man in 43 years to hold all four Grand Slam titles at the same time hit its first hurdle on Friday when Roger Federer became a potential French Open semi-final opponent. In stark contrast, defending champion Rafael ...  

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic of Serbia plays Italy’s Potito Starace, while 2009 champion Roger Federer of Switzerland faces Tobias Kamke of Germany. Federer and Djokovic were drawn in the same half. In Nadal’s half, Britain’s Andy Murray ...  

Defending champion Spain's Rafael Nadal picks up numbers for the draw in the French Open tennis ... to December 2010, reports The Associated Press. That was Djokovic's last loss at a major tournament: Since then, he won the titles at Wimbledon, the U.S ...  

Nadal will become the only man to win seven French Open titles if he triumphs again at Roland Garros. (AFP Photo) Only Don Budge, in 1938, and Rod Laver in 1962 and again in 1969, have achieved the feat of holding the Australian Open, French ...  

He's the father of two-year-old twins and two years removed from his last major title. Yet at 30, Roger Federer is crafting a clay-court renaissance. The Swiss master played attacking tennis to capture his 20th career Masters title on blue clay in Madrid.  

Six-times champion Rafa Nadal was handed a smooth looking path to the French Open final on Friday, avoiding the half of the draw featuring world number one Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer who are seeded to meet in the semi-finals. The Spanish ...  

Rafael Nadal slipped from his world No. 2 ranking after a shocking loss at the Madrid Open, but all doubters have been silenced after his win over No. 1 Novak Djokovic in Rome just over a week later. Coming off a loss to Fernando Verdasco in the third ...  

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic admits Rafael Nadal is the favourite for the French Open - but he does not feel that the Spaniard is unbeatable on clay. Nadal is a six-time winner of the Roland Garros tournament and, although he is not the top-ranked player ...  

Rafael Nadal’s specter is ready to be exorcised. After not beating Novak Djokovic since November 2010, Nadal has beaten him twice this year already. After the French Open, make that three times. Djokovic sits at No. 1 in the ATP World Rankings right now ...  

Rafael Nadal beat top-ranked Novak Djokovic, 7-5, 6-3, on Monday in Rome to win his record sixth Italian Open title. Djokovic had 41 unforced errors, including a double-fault on the last point to give Nadal his 49th career title and his 35th on ...  

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic and No. 3 Rafael Nadal were scheduled to play the championship match of the 2012 Rome Masters on Sunday. However, their match will now be played on Monday due to weather conditions, according to ATPWorldTour.com:Persistent rain in Rome means the highly anticipated final between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal will now be played Monday at 12noon CEST/6am EDT.According to Weathernetwork.com's reports for Rome, Italy...  

There are as many similarities as there are differences between Rafael Nadal and Björn Borg, the legend whose all-time record for  French Open men’s singles titles the Spaniard is attempting to surpass. Last June, as Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer warmed up for the 2011 men's final on Court Philippe Chatrier in Paris, four former Roland Garros champions strode down the steps behind the north baseline, through the milling crowd, and took their...  

ROME, May 20 (AFP): World number one and defending champion Novak Djokovic swept past Roger Federer on Saturday to set up a Rome Masters final rematch with five-time winner Rafael Nadal. Top seed Djokovic ended Federer’s brilliant run of recent clay form ...  

Spanish Rafael Nadal returns a ball to Serbian Novak Djokovic during the final of the AFP Rome Tennis masters on May 21, 2012. (AFP Photo) ROME: Rafa Nadal enjoyed the perfect fillip ahead of his French Open defence with a commanding 7-5 6-3 ...  

Six-time champion Rafa Nadal [ Images] was handed a smooth looking path to the French Open [ Images] final on Friday, avoiding the half of the draw featuring World No. 1 Novak Djokovic [ Images] and Roger Federer [ Images] who are seeded to meet ...  

Most people think all Rafael Nadal has to do to win his seventh French Open is simply show up. Not so fast. Nadal is easily the best clay player in the world, but he hasn't rolled through opponents with ease like he used to.Still, he's the King of Clay and is going to be a very heavy favorite. Just don't be surprised if something shocking happens in Paris. Over the past year or so, there have been some events that might suggest Nadal's utter...  

Rafael Nadal beat world number one Novak Djokovic in straight sets to win a record sixth Italian Open title. The Spaniard won 7-5 6-3 in the final, which had been delayed by a day because of rain in Rome on Sunday, to return to second in the ...  

Novak Djokovic beat Roger Federer in the headline semi-final to set up a showdown with Rafael Nadal for the Rome Masters. Defending champion Djokovic beat a weary-looking Federer 6-2 7-6 (7/4) on the clay in Rome, the last major tournament before the ...  

Spain’s Rafael Nadal showed why he is known as the King of Clay by beating the reigning world number one, Novak Djokovic of Serbia, in straight sets 7-5, 6-3 in the Internazionali BNL d’Italia final in Rome on Monday. The match was scheduled to be ...  

PARIS May 25 (Reuters) - Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal, Novak Djokovic: whoever wins at Roland Garros will claim something more than just the French Open title as tennis is going through a "very special time", according to Federer himself.  

PARIS May 25 (Reuters) - Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal, Novak Djokovic: whoever wins at Roland Garros will claim something more than just the French Open title as tennis is going through a "very special time", according to Federer himself.  

(AP) ROME - Rafael Nadal beat top-ranked Novak Djokovic 7-5, 6-3 on Monday to win his record sixth Italian Open title ... his streak interrupted last year by Djokovic. Nadal moved back to No. 2 in the rankings, ahead of Roger Federer.  

PARIS (AP) Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova could meet in the French Open quarterfinals, while Venus Williams has a tough early path.Serena Williams won the 2002 French Open, while Sharapova is hoping to complete a career Grand Slam with her first title in Paris.The other possible quarterfinals set up by Friday's draw: Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka vs. U.S. Open champion Sam Stosur; defending champion Li Na vs. Wimbledon...  

Rafael Nadal fought his way past world number one Novak Djokovic to lift the Rome Masters title for the sixth time in today's rain-delayed final. Nadal came out on top 7-5 6-3 in two hours and 21 minutes, adding to his back-to-back trophies he won in Rome ...  

Rafael Nadal made more clay-court history on Monday when he won a record sixth Rome Masters title 7-5, 6-3 over world number one Novak Djokovic in a rain-delayed final. Nadal will move back to second in the rankings behind the Serb, replacing Roger Federer who held it last week after winning Madrid but falling in a Rome semi-final to Djokovic....  

Rafael Nadal won his sixth Rome Masters title in a rain-postponed final against Novak Djokovic here on Monday, defeating the world number one 7-5, 6-3.It was sweet revenge for a straight sets loss to the Serb in last year's final and the win means that he will move back ahead of Roger Federer at number two in the world rankings.It was also the perfect preparation for the defence of his French Open title with the tournament due to get under way...  

Novak Djokovic owns Rafael Nadal. Before the 2011 season, all the talk centered on Rafa and if he’d break Roger Federer’s Grand Slam record. If you’re still discussing that topic now, you’ve got to be Djoking. Djokovic has taken the tennis world by storm, and he’ll continue to rain down on Nadal. In April, Nadal ended a seven-game losing streak to Djokovic at the Monte Carlo Masters—a tournament that the Spaniard now has won eight straight...  

but Novak Djokovic and a rejuvenated Roger Federer are braced to slam the door shut on the Spaniard's history-making campaign. Ever since the early, members-only French championships were thrown open to foreign players in 1925, no man has won the title ...  

In his dreams, Novak Djokovic has already lifted the French Open trophy to make it four major tennis titles in a row. In reality, the No. 1-ranked player in the world has to overcome six-time champion Rafael Nadal on his favorite clay courts.  

ROME -- Rafael Nadal beat top-ranked Novak Djokovic 7-5, 6-3 on Monday to win the Italian Open for a record sixth time. Djokovic had 41 unforced errors, including a double-fault on the last point to give Nadal his 49th career title. Djokovic ...  

The formula is a beguiling one for Rafael Nadal over the next fortnight at Roland Garros, as he seeks to wrap his gleaming front teeth around the Coupe des Mousquetaires for a barely human seventh time. Where the French Open is concerned, we deal ...  

It was sweet revenge for Nadal, who suffered a straight-sets loss to the Serb in last year's final, and the win means that he will move back ahead of Roger Federer at No 2 in the world rankings. It was also the perfect preparation for the defence of his ...  

Novak Djokovic is a clay surface away from supremacy. The Serbian superstar is the No. 1 tennis player in the world, but on clay, he isn’t the king—Rafael Nadal holds that title. But if Djoker steals Rafa’s personal version of homecourt advantage, he’ll become unstoppable. Djokovic has eliminated Nadal in the Finals of the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. In the French Open though, he continues to come up empty-handed. Djokovic...  

PARIS (AP) Novak Djokovic's bid to win a fourth consecutive Grand Slam championship - and first at the French Open - might require a semifinal victory over Roger Federer.Friday's draw set them up to face each other in Paris at the same stage as last year, when Federer beat Djokovic in four epic sets to end the Serb's 43-match winning streak that dated to December 2010.That was Djokovic's last loss at a major tournament: Since then, he won the...  

• Reclaims the title he lost to the same opponent last year The Wimbledon, US Open and Australian Open titles won by Djokovic in 2011 all came at the expense of a wounded Nadal. When he won a third title in Melbourne this January, Djokovic ...  

As the sun rose across the United States on Monday morning, Rafael Nadal was ending Novak Djokovic's recent dominance over him, defeating the world No. 2 their rain delayed final at the Italian Open, 7-5, 6-3. With the victory, Nadal gave himself a badly ...  

If Novak Djokovic's Monday in Rome had been a fishing expedition instead of an ATP Masters final, he might have returned home to report that he'd hooked seven fish and lost them all -- but one. And Rafael Nadal, being an angler, might have ...  

And in the seven years since Marat Safin clinched the 2005 Australian Open, only Del Potro, at the US Open in 2009, has broken the Federer-Nadal-Djokovic stranglehold. Touted as a future world number one when he won in New York in 2009, the 1.98m Del Potro ...  

Telegraph.co.ukNew Regime in Men's Tennis: Triumph of the FittestNew York TimesPARIS — The last time anyone played a Grand Slam tennis match, Novak Djokovic required nearly six hours to finish off Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open final. Just what extremes might be required of the world's leading men on the gritty, ...Tennis: Federer - Nadal will create tennis history at French OpenNew Zealand HeraldTennis: Big three make for a vintage...  

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“He is always the favourite even if I win against him seven times,” Djokovic said. “He is the best player in the ... The win moved Nadal back to No. 2 in the rankings, ahead of Roger Federer, and could go some way toward boosting his confidence ...  

Talking to the reporters after the final, the Spaniard said, "I am happy that I won in Rome without losing a set against the best players in the world like [Tomas] Berdych and [David] Ferrer and Djokovic. I will have this trophy in my bedroom. It is a dream.  

ROME - Rafael Nadal won his record sixth Italian Open title Monday by beating top-ranked Novak Djokovic 7-5, 6-3. Djokovic made 41 unforced errors in the match, including a double-fault on the last point to give Nadal his 49th career title and his 35th on clay.  

PARIS — If Novak Djokovic is going to win a fourth consecutive Grand Slam title, he might have to beat Roger Federer in the French Open semifinals. Friday’s draw set them up to face each other in Paris at the same stage as last year ...  

ROME — Novak Djokovic will have to wait until Monday to defend his Italian Open title against Rafael Nadal after the men’s final was postponed a day due to heavy rain in Rome. The match was scheduled for Sunday afternoon, but will now take place on ...  

Sydney Morning HeraldNadal beats Djokovic to win 6th Italian OpenBryan College Station EagleAP Rafael Nadal returns the ball to Novak Djokovic during their final match at the Italian Open on Monday in Rome. ROME — Rafael Nadal showed he's still the man to beat on clay, defeating Novak Djokovic 7-5, 6-3 Monday in a rain-delayed final to win ...Nadal beats Djokovic to win Italian OpenChina PostNadal beats Djokovic 7-5, 6-3 to win Italian...  

The heart of the Grand Slam season is upon us, and all signs point to tremendous summer for Rafael Nadal. The Spanish star won the Rome Masters at the Foro Italico on Monday over nemesis Novak Djokovic 7-5, 6-3 in a match that featured a complete ...  

Martin Klizan and Teymuraz Gabashvili will meet in the final of this year’s ATP Bordeaux Challenger Martin Klizan v Teymuraz Gabashvili - ATP Bordeaux Challenger live stream20 May 2012 Martin Klizan will take on Teymuraz Gabashvili in the final of this ...  

ROME — Novak Djokovic will have to wait until Monday to defend his Italian Open title against Rafael Nadal after the men’s final was postponed for a day because of heavy rain. The match had been scheduled for Sunday afternoon but will now ...  

Since then, he has won Wimbledon, the U.S. Open and Australian Open. He's trying to become the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to win four Grand Slam trophies in a row. The highlight of the women's quarterfinals set up in Friday's draw could ...  

Djokovic failed to win a claycourt title as he prepares to go into Roland Garros where he is aiming to make it four Grand Slam titles in a row after winning Wimbledon and the US Open crowns last year and the Australian Open early this year.  

PARIS — When the French Open draw is revealed Friday, much of the attention will be on the paths presented to two men: Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Nadal is bidding for a record seventh title at Roland Garros. Djokovic will be trying to ...  

Finally, grand slam No. 2 gets underway Sunday, May 27, 2012 in Paris. Thankfully, it marks the end of the ever-increasingly dull, dusty and predictable clay court season for the men. While watching men play tennis on clay is second only to watching the ...  

PARIS — Rafael Nadal's white T-shirt carried specks of rust-colored clay and his white socks were smothered with the stuff during a practice session on Court Philippe Chatrier in the steamy early afternoon Thursday. As Nadal slid across his ...  

World No. 12 Andrea Petkovic will miss upcoming Grand Slam event at French Open and Wimbledon, where she is suffering from ... Roger Federer Excited to Play Olympics at Wimbledon 16-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer is very excited to participate in ...  

New York, May 25 (ANI): Novak Djokovic was announced on May 23 as the latest global brand ambassador of Japanese retailer Uniqlo. The tennis ace is to showcase match wear designed by the retailer at the upcoming Roland-Garros French Open.  

PARIS (AP) -- Rafael Nadal's white T-shirt carried specks of rust-colored clay and his white socks were smothered with the stuff during a practice session on Court Philippe Chatrier in the steamy early afternoon Thursday. As Nadal slid across ...  

Uniqlo, the Fast Retailing owned Japanese clothing brand, has confirmed that tennis player Novak Djokovic has been appointed as its global brand ambassador. The five-year partnership will see Djokovic promoting the Uniqlo brand and clothing worldwide.  

After a last inspection just after 8pm on Sunday night, officials decided that the waterlogged surface of Court Centrale at the Foro Italico was not suitable for play. Ironically, this was the second tournament running where Nadal and Djokovic had felt ...  

Grand Slam Serena Williams’ win in Madrid came courtesy of a final victory over world number one Victoria Azarenka, but the 13-time Grand Slam singles champion says there will be other obstacles for her in Paris. “I think there’s a lot of ...  

Novak Djokovic will arrive at Roland Garros seven wins away from becoming the first man for 43 years to hold all four grand slam titles concurrently - the only trouble is one of his victims will probably have to be claycourt king Rafa Nadal. However ...  

The last three times they’ve met at Majors have produced awesome matches: * Djokovic outlasts Federer in tremendous Australian Open title match, then rips his shirt off like Hulk Hogan. * Federer was serving for the match at the US Open ...  

Novak Djokovic may have lost to Rafael Nadal 7-5, 6-3 in the finals at the Rome Masters on Monday, but he will still be the No. 1 seed entering Rolland Garros. Why? Because he is the owner of the last three Grand Slams dating back to Wimbledon, and all of the wins have come against Nadal. The Djoker has been very calm and collected, while Rafa has turned into a hothead of sorts on the court. That all changed on Monday, when Nadal used his...  

When did tennis become so fashionable? Was it when Ralph Lauren began designing the outfits for Wimbledon officials in 2006? Or when Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour started appearing courtside to cheer on Roger Federer? Now, there’s a new ...  

Novak Djokovic will stand on the brink of history when the French Open begins on Sunday. It is 43 years since one man held all four Grand Slam titles -- Rod Laver won a pure Grand Slam in 1969, claiming the four majors in the same year -- and Djokovic, the champion of Wimbledon, the US Open and the Australian Open, is now just one win away from that goal.  

The typically cool, calm and collected Novak Djokovic looked anything but this past week at the Italian Open. He broke not one, but two rackets during the tournament and ultimately lost to a surging Rafael Nadal in the final tuneup before the French Open.Djokovic, who had previously owned Nadal with seven wins in head-to-head finals meetings, has now lost two straight to the Spanish superstar at the worst possible time.The second Grand Slam...  

Rafael Nadal finds comfort in clay. After being dominated by Novak Djokovic over the course of this past year, Rafa has regained his momentum. He will be playing on his favorite surface going into the 2012 French Open. If Nadal has any interest in winning ...  

Starace was ranked as high as 27th in 2007, but later that year he was suspended for six weeks and fined $30,000 for betting on tennis matches involving other players. Nadal will begin his attempt to win a record seventh title at Roland Garros, breaking a ...  

Rafael Nadal is going to take the 2012 French Open title. He is healthy and at the top of his game. When these two things coincide, he cannot be beaten on clay (at least red clay). Nadal drove this point home on Monday when he beat Novak Djokovic 7-5, 6-3 in the finals at the Foro Italico.This was not just another title for Nadal; it was a statement. Djokovic, the ATP's No. 1 player, has been dominating Nadal, and it was beginning to look like...  

Rafael Nadal is a huge favorite to win the 2012 French Open at Roland Garros for the seventh time in his career. The King of Clay will dominate the men's singles on outdoor clay courts in Paris. Rafa won the French Open last year for the second-straight ...  

PARIS -- Rafael Nadal's white T-shirt carried specks of rust-colored clay and his white socks were smothered with the stuff during a practice session on Court Philippe Chatrier in the steamy early afternoon Thursday. As Nadal slid across his favourite ...  

Rafael Nadal enjoyed the perfect fillip ahead of his French Open defence by downing world number one Novak Djokovic 7-5, 6-3 in the delayed Rome Masters final, saving his most impressive display of the tournament to last. Beaten surprisingly ...  

When it comes to this year's French Open, there are two clear favorites on the men's side: Novak Djokovic, winner of the last three Grand Slam tournaments, and Rafael Nadal, the six-time and defending Roland Garros champion. Whether they'll collide in Paris remains to be seen, but the two 25-year-olds have given us a career's worth of classics already. Richard Pagliaro counts down his top five this week. No. 2: 2009 Madrid SemifinalNadal d...  

PARIS (AP) Rafael Nadal's white T-shirt carried specks of rust-colored clay and his white socks were smothered with the stuff during a practice session on Court Philippe Chatrier in the steamy early afternoon Thursday. As Nadal slid across his favorite surface, in his favorite stadium, at his ...  

May 24 (Reuters) - Novak Djokovic will arrive at Roland Garros seven wins away from becoming the first man for 43 years to hold all four grand slam titles concurrently - the only trouble is one of his victims will probably have to be claycourt ...  

Uniqlo announced May 23 that its latest global brand ambassador is tennis ace Novak Djokovic, with the sports star to showcase match wear designed by the retailer at the upcoming Roland-Garros French Open. Djokovic, who is the world's top-ranked ...  

With the French Open starting this weekend, Eurosport analyst Mats Wilander looks ahead to the action. The seven-times Grand Slam winner considers how clay is the least favourite surface of world number one Novak Djokovic, who lost to Rafael Nadal in the ...  

There will be no déjà vu for Novak Djokovic at the French Open. A year ago, the 25-year-old Serb swept into Paris after amassing one of the most spectacular five months in men's tennis history, winning every tournament he'd entered. Now, far ...  

The other possible quarterfinals set up by Friday's draw: Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka v US Open champion Sam Stosur; defending champion Li Na v Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova; and No 3-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska v No 8 Marion Bartoli.  

Roger Federer rallied to beat Tomas Berdych 3-6, 7-5, 7-5 and win the Madrid Open for a third time on Sunday. Earlier, Serena Williams overpowered the top-ranked Victoria Azarenka 6-1, 6-3 to win the women's final. While Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal had ...  

Berdych made the semi-finals in Paris, beating Andy Murray en route, in 2010 and backed that up by reaching his first Grand Slam final at Wimbledon the same year, where Roger Federer was among his victims. A shock first-round exit at the claycourt major ...  

And in the seven years since Marat Safin clinched the 2005 Australian Open, only Del Potro, at the US Open in 2009, has broken the Federer-Nadal-Djokovic stranglehold. Touted as a future world number one when he won in New York in 2009, the 1.98m Del Potro ...  

French language coverage airs on RDS and RDS2. Canadian sensation Milos Raonic looks for his first Grand Slam title in a packed field that includes top ranked Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal (#2) and Roger Federer (#3). Djokovic has won the last three Majors ...  

Rafael Nadal showed he's still the man to beat on clay, defeating Novak Djokovic 7-5, 6-3 Monday in a rain-delayed final to win his record sixth Italian Open and regain the No. 2 ranking. After losing to Djokovic in seven straight finals — including Rome last year — Nadal has now won two straight against the top-ranked Serb after also capturing the Monte Carlo Masters on clay. Nadal also moved ahead of Roger Federer in the rankings with the...  

For over the past 10 years, Calderstones has played host to a clutch of tennis’ top stars. Caroline Wozniacki, David Ferrer, Marat Safin and Victoria Azarenka have all graced L18 in recent years, while Novak Djokovic, the current men’s world number one ...  

Novak Djokovic is clearly one of the most dominant players in tennis, but he still lacks a win at just the French Open in the Grand Slam. In fact, he has never reached a final in the event. The Djoker won the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open ...  

16-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer wants to relax for one week, before heading into the 2012 French Open championship at Roland Garros from 27th May in Paris. 30-year-old Federer said he was tired little bit, as he wishes to take break ...  

Novak Djokovic boosted his resume this week. Sure, he lost to Rafael Nadal in the 2012 Italian Open—big deal. That’s small change compared to the addition that Djoker gained by subtraction. CNBC’s Darren Rovell reported that Djokovic parted ways with ...  

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic was appointed as a global ambassador for UNIQLO for five years partnership, where tennis champion will promote UNIQLO brand and UNIQLO clothing worldwide. Novak Djokovic is going to come out with UNIQLO clothing, which ...  

ROME -- Rafael Nadal won his sixth  Rome Masters title in  a rain-postponed final against  Novak Djokovic here on Monday, defeating the world  number  one 7-5, 6-3. It was sweet revenge for a straight sets loss to  the Serb in last year's final and ...  

When you lose, you should accept the defeat and move on instead of making lame excuses. Sharapova is the most consistent player of the season and deserves to lead the rankings without a doubt. You want more facts; okay, I will tell you something interesting.  

UNIQLO has announced that it has appointed Novak Djokovic, the world’s top-ranked male professional tennis player, as its global brand ambassador. The five-year partnership, which takes effect from today, will see Djokovic promoting the UNIQLO brand and UNIQLO clothing worldwide. The partnership will also include collaboration on future product lines, as well as co-developing the ultimate UNIQLO functional wear. In launching the new...  

Craig O'Shannessy breaks down the Internazionali BNL d’Italia final. The toughest point to win in tennis has once again become break point on Rafael Nadal’s serve. Nadal saved six of seven break points to defeat Novak Djokovic 7-5 ...  

Rafael Nadal may have been the favorite heading in the French Open regardless of the outcome in his Italian Open final match against Novak Djokovic. But after beating the Djoker, he clearly heads into the Roland Garros as the tournament favorite.  

MADRID (Reuters) - Top seeds Victoria Azarenka and Maria Sharapova made serene progress past Czech opponents into the third round of the Madrid Open tennis on Tuesday. Azarenka dispatched Andrea Hlavackova 6-3 7-6 and Sharapova saw off Klara Zakopalova 6-4 6-3.  

Rafael Nadal enjoyed the perfect preparation for the defence of his French Open title with victory over world number one Novak Djokovic in Monday's rearranged Rome Masters final. The contest - a rematch of last year's final which was won by ...