World number one and defending champion Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the AEGON Championships at Queen’s and faces a battle to be fit for Wimbledon.

Rain delayed the start of the first semi-final between Andy Roddick and Dmitry Tursunov at the Artois Championships today.

French Open champion Rafael Nadal is determined to make an impression at Wimbledon this year but believes his chances of success have been hindered by the tour schedule.

Councils in the Republic were today urged to join an all-island campaign to prevent 25,000 undocumented Irish immigrants in the United States becoming the victim of tough new laws.

World number one Lleyton Hewitt is out to complete a hat-trick of victories in this week’s Stella Artois Championships at Queen’s as he prepares for his assault on Wimbledon.