Rafael Nadal wishes he was preparing to meet someone other than Novak Djokovic in the US Open final today but he hopes the pair can play another classic match.

Novak Djokovic may have number one by his name but he knows he will face the best player in the world in tomorrow’s US Open final.

Roger Federer insists he is still capable of winning a record eighth Wimbledon title despite suffering a shock second round defeat to world number 116 Sergiy Stakhovsky.

Novak Djokovic is learning to expect the unexpected at Wimbledon but is making sure he keeps his own game under control.

For the first time in his career, Rafael Nadal will wake today with a first-round loss at a grand slam against his name, but he is adamant that it will not be long before he is back to put that right.

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

Rafael Nadal went out of a grand slam in the opening round for the first time in his career today as his Wimbledon agony continued against Steve Darcis.

Andy Murray has been drawn in the same half as Rafael Nadal for Wimbledon.

Belgian Steve Darcis claimed the scalp of Andy Roddick as he beat the American in the last 16 of the Winston-Salem Open in North Carolina.

Andy Roddick described his movement on the red clay of Roland Garros as “horrendous” as the former world number one made an opening-day exit from the French Open.

Venus Williams marked her return to competitive action for the first time in over six months with a straight-sets win over Kimiko Date-Krumm in the first round of the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami.

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer enjoyed straightforward victories at the ATP & WTA BNP Paribas Open on Sunday but Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova suffered a surprise early exit in Indian Wells.

Ninth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga was given a free passage through to the third round today when opponent Simone Bolelli pulled out with a back injury.

Andy Murray insists he will be untroubled by the lack of rowdy support when he takes on Spain’s Juan Carlos Ferrero in today’s AEGON Championships semi-final at Queen’s Club today.

World number two Roger Federer made a successful return since his Australian Open final defeat with a 7-6 (7/4) 6-4 win over Frenchman Marc Gicquel in the second round of the BNP Paribas Open.

Roger Federer cruised into the second round of the Beijing Olympics and then vowed not to “freak out” at his impending demotion to world number two.

ROGER Federer began his attempt to lift a sixth consecutive Wimbledon crown with a fashion statement when he walked on to Centre Court in brilliant sunshine wearing a cashmere cardigan.

Third seed Novak Djokovic upped his game considerably to breeze into the third round of the French Open today.

TOP-RANKED Roger Federer showed no lasting effects from a nasty stomach bug, routing Diego Hartfield of Argentina 6-0, 6-3, 6-0 yesterday to open his quest of a third consecutive Australian Open title.