Second seed Fernando Verdasco crashed out in the first round at the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships in Memphis today.

VENUS Williams reached into the world of make-believe during her amazing comeback win over unheralded Czech Sandra Zahlavova in the second round of the Australian Open.

TENNIS and fashion lovers alike will anxiously monitor today’s medical bulletins from Melbourne to learn if Venus Williams is fit enough to take her place in tomorrow’s third round Australian Open match with Andrea Petkovic.

Venus Williams narrowly avoided a second-round exit at the Australian Open today after battling back to overcome a leg injury and Czech opponent Sandra Zahlavova.

Fourth seed Venus Williams began her 12th Australian Open campaign with a straight-sets victory over Italian Sara Errani.