Tennis News Blog

Speech draws Sharapova even more praise (AP)
Maria Sharapova got high marks for the eloquence of her victory speech after winning the Australian Open on Saturday. Ditto on the preparation that got her there. While she spoke, at times almost tearfully, of an inspirational text message from Billie Jean King, of winning the Australian Open for her coach’s mother, who had died of cancer, and of sending birthday roses to her mother, it was a…

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.

Fast-riser Tsonga gets Aussie title shot (AP)

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga seems like a natural when it comes to settling into the Champ’s shoes. Muhammad Ali lookalike Tsonga reached the Australian Open final in only his fifth Grand Slam tournament and was set for a shot at the title early Sunday against No. 3 Novak Djokovic at Rod Laver Arena. Despite his No.

Nadal rocked by Tsonga in Aussie semis
Second-ranked Rafael Nadal was dominated in stunning fashion Thursday by unheralded Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who reached the Australian Open finals with a 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 victory. Nadal played well against 38th-ranked Tsonga, who had never gone beyond the fourth round in his four previous Grand Slams. But the Frenchman was virtually untouchable, smashing 17 aces against one of the best serve returners in the game.

3 Aussie losses for Williams sisters (AP)
It was a pretty tough 24 hours for the Williams sisters at the Australian Open. Defending champion Serena Williams was outclassed by Jelena Jankovic in a quarterfinal on Tuesday, losing in straight sets. A few hours later, she and sister Venus — one of the most formidable doubles teams in Grand Slam history — lost their quarterfinal match to China’s Yan Zi and Zheng Ji in three sets.

Djokovic ousts Federer at Aussie Open
A 13th Grand Slam title will have to wait. Roger Federer was ousted by Novak Djokovic on Friday in the Aussie Open semis.

Shadows cause problem with challenge system
Technology used for player challenges of line calls at one of the Australian Open’s two main arenas is being turned off at selected times because shadows are affecting its accuracy. Tournament director Craig Tiley said the Hawkeye system doesn’t work properly at Vodafone Arena on sunny days when shade crosses the court between approximately 4:45 and 5:45 p.m.