Djokovic fends off Nadal-slayer Verdasco
MELBOURNE (Reuters) – Novak Djokovic may have cursed the draw for throwing up Fernando Verdasco as the first opponent in his Australian Open defence on Tuesday but the tough match-up against the Spanish giant-killer ultimately proved a blessing in disg…
Bottas can be as quick as Rosberg, says Lauda
LONDON (Reuters) – Niki Lauda believes new Mercedes signing Valtteri Bottas can be as fast as the man he replaced, retired Formula One world champion Nico Rosberg.
Wozniacki leaves behind White House memories to halt slide
MELBOURNE (Reuters) – Since her invites to the White House are likely to dry up once outgoing U.S. President Barack Obama vacates the premises this week, Caroline Wozniacki was relieved to snap her backward sliding run at the Australian Open on Tuesday…
Australian Open blazes but extreme heat avoided
MELBOURNE (Reuters) – Fans frolicked in front of mist fans dotted around Melbourne Park on Tuesday as Australian Open organizers breathed a sigh of relief that this year’s tournament might escape the worst excesses of the weather.
Kenya’s Sumgong seeks to retain London marathon title
LONDON (Reuters) – Kenya’s Olympic marathon champion Jemima Sumgong will defend her London title in April against one of the strongest fields ever assembled for a city race, having recovered from a fall to win last year, organizers said on Tuesday.
Appetite for destruction helps Zverev into second round
MELBOURNE (Reuters) – The racket had it coming. It had been annoying him for some time and deserved it, according to Alexander Zverev.
Garcia hoping for Singapore slingshot to new campaign
SINGAPORE (Reuters) – Sergio Garcia enjoyed a hard-earned winter break after a hectic 2016 and the Spaniard is now fit, fresh and raring to go when he opens his campaign at the Singapore Open this week in a region where he has enjoyed plenty of success…
Efficient Raonic dusts off Brown to advance
MELBOURNE (Reuters) – Milos Raonic was not going to be too effusive after his first round victory over Germany’s Dustin Brown at the Australian Open on Tuesday because as far as he was concerned he did what he needed to do.
Comeback kid Nadal mangles Mayer in Melbourne
MELBOURNE (Reuters) – Rafa Nadal showed there was plenty of life in his battered body yet when he cast aside the disappointments of last year to reach the second round of the Australian Open with a 6-3 6-4 6-4 victory over Florian Mayer on Tuesday.
Clippers’ Paul to have MRI on injured thumb
(Reuters) – Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul injured his left thumb during his team’s 120-98 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday and will have an MRI to determine the extent of the damage.
