World number 11 Li Na has progressed to the final of the Sydney International with a straight-sets victory over Serbian teenager Bojana Jovanovski.

Teenager Bernard Tomic has been granted a wild card for next week’s Australian Open along with Carsten Ball, Sally Peers and Sophie Ferguson, Tennis Australia announced today.

World number one Caroline Wozniacki has suffered a setback ahead of next week’s Australian Open, crashing out in the second round of the Sydney International in straight sets at the hands of Dominika Cibulkova.

Kim Clijsters, the US Open champion, made short work of Romania’s Alexandra Dulgheru in the first round of the Sydney International tournament at the Sydney Olympic Park.

Fifth seed Elena Dementieva ensured the anticipated second-round meeting with Justin Henin will take place after beating Vera Dushevina 6-2 6-1 at the Australian Open today.

Second seed Serena Williams progressed to the second round of the Australian Open today with a 6-3 6-2 victory over China’s Yuan Meng.

Novak Djokovic overcame a rain delay and Mario Ancic to secure a place in the semi-finals of the Sydney International today.

Serena Williams today insisted she was still the best player in the world despite being seeded second for next week’s Australian Open and humbled in the semi-finals of the Sydney International.

World number two Rafael Nadal has pulled out of the Australian Open because of injury, according to reports in Spain.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI'S preparations for next week's Australian Open were halted yesterday when she was beaten 4-6 6-4 7-5 by Russian Tatiana Panova in the second round of the Sydney International.

Martina Hingis enjoyed a simple victory over Italian Virginie Razzano in her first round clash at the Australian Open.