World number three Jelena Jankovic had to overcome injury, a dogged opponent and even an errant driver to reach the second round of the Australian Open after an extraordinary first-round escape at Melbourne Park.

Roger Federer has broken Jimmy Connors’ 30-year-old record for the most consecutive weeks as the world’s top-ranked player.

Justine Henin-Hardenne beat Maria Sharapova today in the semi-final of the Madrid Masters, thus sealing the world number one spot for the rest of the calendar year 2006.

Russian pair Maria Sharapova and Svetlana Kuznetsova both won their respective Red Group matches in the season-ending WTA Tour Championships in Madrid.

Maria Sharapova immediately set her sights on improving her trophy collection yet further after landing her second grand slam title at the US Open.

MARIA SHARAPOVA claimed she had reached a new physical peak after overpowering Justine Henin-Hardenne to capture the US Open title.

WORLD number one Amelie Mauresmo feels she may have finally conquered her big-match nerves — just in time to do battle for the Wimbledon title with Justin Henin-Hardenne today.

Maria Sharapova may be one of the world’s most beautiful women, but she knows she cannot compete with England playing in a World Cup.

Maria Sharapova slumped to defeat in her last-16 match with fellow Russian Dinara Safina at the French Open today.

Injuries finally got the better of Kim Clijsters at the Australian Open as the second seed retired hurt from her tight semi-final match against Amelie Mauresmo in today’s semi-final.

Fourth seed Maria Sharapova reached the third round of the Australian Open with a scrappy 6-1 7-5 win over American Ashley Harkleroad.