Murray unfazed by ‘extremely difficult’ draw in Australia
MELBOURNE (Reuters) – The draw has done few favors for Andy Murray at Melbourne Park, but the Briton believes he has put in the off-season work to be rewarded at the Australian Open.
Pressure? What pressure? I just play: Halep
MELBOURNE (Reuters) – World number three Simona Halep does find it difficult to walk around her home town these days without being asked for a photo, but she shrugged off any expectations or feelings of additional pressure ahead of the Australian Open….
Briton Watson beats qualifier Brengle to win Hobart title
SYDNEY (Reuters) – Britain’s Heather Watson defied the Tasmanian wind to secure her second WTA title with a 6-3 6-4 victory over American qualifier Madison Brengle in the final of the Hobart International on Saturday.
Sharapova backs super-coaches in women’s tennis
MELBOURNE (Reuters) – Maria Sharapova has backed the super-coach trend that will see two of her rivals tapping into the knowledge of grand slam champions at the Australian Open.
Rookie Thomas shoots 61 to share Sony Open lead
(Reuters) – PGA Tour rookie Justin Thomas carded nine-under-par 61 to charge into a share of the lead with fellow Americans Matt Kuchar and Webb Simpson after the second round at the Sony Open in Hawaii on Friday.
Slow-starting Serena wants title ‘more than anyone else’
MELBOURNE (Reuters) – Serena Williams enters the Australian Open as a strong favorite to lift the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup but is all too aware that a sixth Melbourne Park title has now eluded her for five years.
Openly gay NFL draft choice Michael Sam proposes to boyfriend
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Michael Sam, the first openly gay man drafted by an NFL team, has become engaged to the man he kissed on television after he was chosen last year by the St. Louis Rams, he said on social media on Friday.
Vesely hammers Mannarino to win maiden title in Auckland
WELLINGTON (Reuters) – Czech Jiri Vesely came out on top in a battle of left-handed qualifiers to claim his maiden ATP tour title with a 6-3 6-2 victory over Frenchman Adrian Mannarino at the Auckland Open on Saturday.
Older, wiser Federer not sure if playing ‘best’ tennis
MELBOURNE (Reuters) – Roger Federer doubts he is playing his ‘best ever’ tennis but is convinced that at 33, he is playing smarter and taking better care of himself as he looks to win a fifth Australian Open title.
Doubtful Nadal rules out Australian Open glory
MELBOURNE (Reuters) – Rafa Nadal has downplayed his chances of winning the Australian Open, saying his back remains a concern and he lacks confidence from having little match practice in the lead-up.
