Maria Sharapova survived an attritional battle against Romania’s Alexandra Dulgheru to reach the third round of the US Open but Agnieszka Radwanska became the first major casualty.

Serena Williams enjoyed an overdue taste of victory as she beat Karolina Pliskova in her opening match at the Bank of the West Classic in Stanford last night.

Serena Williams’ conqueror Sabine Lisicki believes the best is yet to come ahead of today’s quarter-final clash with Kaia Kanepi.

Serena Williams begins the defence of her Wimbledon crown this morning after seeing rival Maria Sharapova progress from her first-round clash.

The departure of Rafael Nadal caused the major stir on the opening day of play at this year’s Wimbledon.