Tennis News Blog

2 new guys in Australian Open final (AP)
One Australian Open finalist is a Muhammad Ali lookalike who has dazzled the crowds with his enthusiasm and his ability to change the pace of a match. The other is best known for his fan-pleasing on-court antics such as impersonating Maria Sharapova. And, surprisingly, neither is No. 1-ranked Roger Federer, who was finally stopped one match short of making an 11th straight Grand Slam final.

Michael Chang elected to Hall of Fame (AP)
French Open winner Michael Chang was elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame, and IMG creator Mark McCormack and Tennis Week magazine founder Eugene Scott were selected posthumously. McCormack and Scott were selected in the contributor category, the hall announced Wednesday. The induction ceremony is July 12 at the International Tennis Hall of Fame and Museum.

Sharapova set to make Fed Cup debut for Russia
Maria Sharapova is set to make her Fed Cup debut for Russia next month in Israel, while Venus and Serena Williams will skip the U.S. match against Germany. The fifth-ranked Sharapova leads the Russian team announced Wednesday for the World Group series Feb. 2-3 at Ramat Hasharon. “I’m so excited about this trip,” she said on the Fed Cup Web site. “It’s one of my priorities for this year, along with competing in the Olympics.

Sharapova wins Aussie Open title
Maria Sharapova capped her perfect run through the Australian Open by beating Ana Ivanovic in Saturday’s final.

Federer ousts Blake in straight sets
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