More on Tennis

Verdasco writes happy sequel to 2009 heartbreaker

By Greg Stutchbury MELBOURNE (Reuters) – Fernando Verdasco can finally replace the memory off an epic failure with a glorious triumph after stunning fifth seed Rafa Nadal at the Australian Open on Tuesday. The Spaniard’s five-set loss to compatriot Nadal in semi-final of the season opening grand slam in 2009 is still talked about at […]
Spain’s Verdasco celebrates after winning his first round match against Spain’s Nadal at the Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park, Australia

Questions return as Nadal heads back to drawing board

MELBOURNE (Reuters) – Rafa Nadal was heading back to the drawing board on Tuesday after another startling early loss at a grand slam deflated his early-season optimism and left him questioning his strategy. The Spaniard arrived in Melbourne for the start of the Australian Open talking of his ‘happy feelings’ after a strong run at […]
Spain’s Nadal reacts during a news conference after losing his first round match against Spain’s Verdasco at the Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park, Australia

Second seed Halep dumped out by qualifier Zhang

Second seed Simona Halep was knocked out of the first round of the Australian Open by Chinese qualifier Zhang Shuai.
Romania’s Halep reacts after losing a point during her first round match against China’s Zhang at the Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park, Australia

Journeymen pros crowd fund, couch surf to chase tour dream

MELBOURNE (Reuters) – Aspiring tennis professionals are washing their shirts in hotel baths, sleeping on couches and relying on crowd funding to chase their Grand Slam dreams, a stark contrast with the top tier players that some fear could fuel corruption in the sport. Tennis was rocked on Monday following reports that authorities had failed […]
A logo is seen at the entrance to the International Tennis Federation headquarters, where the Tennis Integrity Unit is based, in London

Groth’s good wishes to Murray extend to early arrival of baby

Andy Murray has received good wishes about the impending birth of his first child, but Sam Groth is the only one who wants the baby to come earlier.
Britain’s Murray celebrates after winning his first round match against Germany’s Zverev at the Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park, Australia

Sublime Verdasco sends Nadal to early Melbourne exit

Fernando Verdasco sent shockwaves through the Australian Open on Tuesday by defeating Rafa Nadal.
Spain’s Verdasco reacts after missing a shot during his first round match against Spain’s Nadal at the Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park, Australia

Raonic takes guard against grand slam grind

Canada's Milos Raonic has found a novel way to help alleviate the tension that inevitability surrounds a grand slam tennis tournament.
Canada’s Raonic celebrates after winning his first round match against France’s Pouille at the Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park, Australia

Konta resists Australian overtures after Venus upset

Johanna Konta did not have to wait long before having to field the inevitable questions about her national allegiance.
Britain’s Konta watches the ball during her first round match against Williams of the U.S. at the Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park, Australia

Murray proves too strong for bloodied and beaten Zverev

Second seed Andy Murray advanced into the second round of the Australian Open after a comfortable victory over Germany's Alexander Zverev.
Britain’s Murray signs autographs after winning his first round match against Germany’s Zverev at the Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park, Australia

Federer wants names in match-fixing allegations

MELBOURNE (Reuters) – Roger Federer called for ‘concrete’ facts while Novak Djokovic spoke of his team once being offered $200,000 to fix a match as the multiple grand slam champions reacted to claims of widespread match-rigging in tennis on Monday. The opening day of the Australian Open was overshadowed by reports in the BBC and […]
Switzerland’s Federer celebrates after winning his first round match against Georgia’s Basilashvili at the Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park, Australia

Corruption unit battling to stay ahead of the game

Professional tennis's anti-corruption unit, accused of failing to pursue allegations of match-fixing by leading past and current players.

Konta flows to halt Venus progress in Melbourne

Venus Williams's dreams of winning a first Australian Open title at the age of 35 were shattered on Tuesday when she was beaten in the first round.
Williams of the U.S. reacts as she sits in her chair during her first round match against Britain’s Konta at the Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park, Australia