Tennis: Djokovic beats Wawrinka and curfew as Murray hints Wimbledon days over

LONDON -- Novak Djokovic made the Wimbledon fourth round for the 15th time on Friday, beating old rival Stan Wawrinka and a night-time curfew as Andy Murray hinted his All England Club days may be over.

Djokovic, chasing a record-equaling eighth Wimbledon title and 24th career Grand Slam crown, came through 6-3, 6-1, 7-6 (7/5) against the 38-year-old Wawrinka.

World number two Djokovic will face Poland's Hubert Hurkacz, who he has defeated five times in as many meetings, for a place in the quarter-finals.

Friday's win was Djokovic's 21st in 27 meetings with Wawrinka, a three-time major champion who famously defeated the Serb in the 2015 French Open and 2016 US Open finals.

Djokovic never faced a break point under the Centre Court roof and completed victory just 15 minutes before the 11pm All England Club curfew kicked in otherwise they would have had to return on Saturday.

"Stan's doing an amazing job for his age -- we are two old guys," said 36-year-old Djokovic who went level with Pete Sampras's mark of 31 successive wins at the tournament.

"We've had great battles over the years. I respect him as a player and love him as a person. He's a really nice guy."

Djokovic's win kept him on course for a championship match showdown with world number one and US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz who defeated 84th-ranked Alexandre Muller of France 6-4, 7-6 (7/2), 6-3.

The 20-year-old Alcaraz will face Chile's Nicolas Jarry for a spot in the last 16.

Murray admitted he doesn't know if he will be back at Wimbledon after going down 7-6 (7/3), 6-7 (2/7), 4-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-4 to fifth-ranked Stefanos Tsitsipas in a four-hour 40-minute second round epic.

The 36-year-old has not made the second week of a Grand Slam since reaching the quarter-finals at Wimbledon in 2017.

"I don't know," said former world number one Murray when asked if he would be back in 2024.

"Motivation is obviously a big thing. Continuing having early losses in tournaments like this don't necessarily help with that."

Tsitispas fired 90 winners past Murray and goes on to face Laslo Djere of Serbia for a place in the last 16.

"It's never easy against Andy. Everyone loves him here," said the 24-year-old Greek.

Murray had been ahead two sets to one when the match was halted on Thursday due to the tournament curfew.

However, he was unable to maintain the momentum on Friday despite not dropping serve in the match until the third game of the decider.

- Medvedev, Rune through -

Men's third seed Daniil Medvedev returned to complete his second-round clash against Adrian Mannarino, the Frenchman who defeated him at Wimbledon five years ago.

The mercurial Russian was two sets and 4-4 ahead when play was halted on day four but quickly wrapped up victory in a third set tie-break.

Danish sixth seed Holger Rune reached the third round for the first time, brushing aside Spain's Roberto Carballes Baena 6-3, 7-6 (7/3), 6-4.

Seventh seeded Andrey Rublev of Russia and Italian eighth-seed Jannik Sinner made the last 16 with wins over David Goffin and Quentin Halys respectively.

World number one Iga Swiatek, the US Open and French Open champion, went through to the last 16 with a 6-2, 7-5 win over Petra Martic and next faces 14th-ranked Belinda Bencic.

Victory in that clash will give the 22-year-old Pole a place in the quarter-finals for the first time.

- Ukraine v Belarus -

Second seed Aryna Sabalenka recovered from a set down to beat Varvara Gracheva, who recently switched nationality from Russia to France, 2-6, 7-5, 6-2.

Fifth-seeded Caroline Garcia became the fourth top 10 woman to be knocked out when she committed 53 unforced errors in a 7-6 (7/0), 4-6, 7-5 loss to Marie Bouzkova of the Czech Republic.

Victoria Azarenka, twice a semi-finalist, made the last 16 when she brushed aside Russia's Daria Kasatkina.

She will face Elina Svitolina who will again refuse to shake hands with her Belarusian rival in protest at the country's support of Russia in the invasion of Ukraine.

"For me it's a big motivation and for my country as well. A lot of Ukrainians will be watching, will be supporting me. I will go out there and put the fighting spirit on," said Svitolina.

Fellow Ukrainian Lesia Tsurenko triumphed in the longest-ever tiebreak in a Grand Slam women's singles match.

The deciding breaker stretched to a record 38 points as the 34-year-old defeated Ana Bogdan 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (20/18) having saved five match points and converting a seventh match point of her own.

Former US Open champion Bianca Andreescu came back from 2-5 down in the final set to defeat Ukraine's Anhelina Kalinina 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (10/7).

The Canadian will face last year's runner-up Ons Jabeur.

Agence France-Presse

Murray wins Australian Open five-set epic after heat stops play

Andy Murray rolled back the years to defeat 13th seed Matteo Berrettini in a five-set epic at the Australian Open on Tuesday, on a sweltering day that saw play suspended for three hours on most courts.

There was controversy off the court meanwhile on day two after organisers banned Russian and Belarusian flags at Melbourne Park.

Novak Djokovic is set to make his eagerly anticipated return to the Grand Slam later Tuesday following his ban and deportation last year.

But the day looked set to belong to the 35-year-old Murray, after the Briton saved match point to defeat Italy's Berrettini 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 6-7 (7/9), 7-6 (10/6) in 4hrs 49mins under a closed roof on Rod Laver Arena due to the extreme heat.

"I will be feeling this this evening and tomorrow," the former world number one, who plays with a metal hip after career-saving surgery, said.

"But right now unbelievably happy and proud of myself.

"I've put a lot of work into the last few months with my team to give me this opportunity to perform in stadiums like this, in matches like this and against players like Matteo -- and it paid off tonight."

"I did well to get through," added the three-time major winner, who faces either Fabio Fognini or Thanasi Kokkinakis in round two.

Also in the men's draw, Russia's fifth seed Andrey Rublev ended the tournament of 2020 finalist Dominic Thiem 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in 36 degrees Celsius (96.8 Fahrenheit) temperatures.

Former US Open champion Thiem was outplayed as he continued his return from a wrist injury which kept him off court for nine months across the 2021 and 2022 seasons.

As the mercury rose, the heat forced play to be halted on outside courts. The roofs were closed on the three main stadiums -- Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena and John Cain Arena. 

Play resumed on the outside courts about three hours later.

Like in the women's draw, the men's seeds were mostly untroubled.

Britain's Dan Evans, Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain, Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov and Diego Schwartzman of Argentina all rolled into round two.

Eighth-seeded Taylor Fritz of the United States defeated Nikoloz Basilashvili from Georgia 6-4, 6-2, 4-6, 7-5.

Serbia's Djokovic was deported on the eve of last year's Australian Open because of his stance on Covid vaccines.

But the 35-year-old will be back when he faces Roberto Carballes Baena of Spain in his opener and looks likely to be given a warm reception by the Rod Laver Arena crowd.

He is bidding to win the Australian Open for a record-extending 10th time and in doing so tie defending champion Rafael Nadal's men's all-time record of 22 Grand Slam crowns.

- Russian flag ban -

Tennis Australia banned Russian and Belarusian flags after a complaint from the Ukrainian ambassador to Australia.

The red, white and blue stripes of Russia were seen Monday during at least two matches, with Ukrainian fans reportedly calling security and police to the stands.

"The ban is effective immediately," said Tennis Australia.

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Russian and Belarusian players have normally competed under a neutral flag as independents, as is the case at the Australian Open.

Moscow called the ban "unacceptable politicisation of sports".

- 'Stay calm' -

In the women's draw, Caroline Garcia and Aryna Sabalenka -- fourth and fifth seeds respectively -- both swept into the second round.

France's Garcia took just 65 minutes to overwhelm Canadian qualifier Katherine Sebov 6-3, 6-0 and cement her status as a contender for the first Grand Slam of the year.

Sabalenka beat the Czech Republic's Tereza Martincova 6-1, 6-4.

"I have to work on my mindset and stay calm and not get too upset when I make mistakes," said the Belarusian Sabalenka. "I really believe this is the only thing missing in my game."

The 26th seed Elise Mertens was another winner. The Belgian outlasted Spain's former Melbourne finalist Garbine Muguruza, who was cramping before losing 3-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-1.

Tunisia's second seed Ons Jabeur, runner-up at Wimbledon and the US Open last year, starts her bid for a breakthrough maiden Grand Slam with a test against Slovenia's Tamara Zidansek.

Agence France-Presse

Tennis: Murray awed by Nadal's 'incredible' French Open record

STUTTGART, Germany -- Before continuing his grass court preparations, Andy Murray on Monday did the math on Rafael Nadal's latest feat on clay.

The 36-year-old Spaniard on Sunday routed Norway's Casper Ruud 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 in the final at Roland Garros to extend two records. It was not only his 22nd Grand Slam title but also his 14th French Open. 

"Winning 14 Grand Slams at the same place is incredible," said Murray in Stuttgart. 

"There's hardly any players on the Tour who will get the opportunity to play Roland Garros 14 times, much less win it."

Nadal won his first French Open title in 2005. In the 17 seasons since then, he has lost just three matches at Roland Garros and been forced out once by a wrist injury.

Murray used the sport's latest prodigy, Nadal's compatriot Carlos Alcaraz, for comparison. 

"Alcaraz is 19 now, so he would have to win it every single time (until age 33) to achieve that. I just don't see that happening." 

Murray, who reached the Roland Garros final in 2016, was also impressed by Iga Swiatek, who extended her singles winning streak to 35 matches as she won the women's final.

"It was just an incredible achievement for Rafa - and Iga Swiatek," said Murray.

The Scot is making his debut at the ATP event in Stuttgart after moving onto the lawns last week at the Challenger level event in Surbiton, London, where he reached the semi-finals before losing to American Denis Kudla. 

The former world number one, who is ranked 68th, will take to the lawns of the Weissenhof Club on Tuesday when he faces Australian qualifier Christopher O'Connell.

"I beat him in a very close match in Dubai, it's going to be difficult," Murray said.

The 35-year-old, who survived a mass shooting at his primary school in Dunblane, Scotland, when he was nine, again spoke about gun violence. 

"(When) that happened, we changed the gun laws and there have been no more mass shootings in the UK.

"There have been more than 200 mass shootings in the US this year. They should probably do something to change that culture."

Murray said that while he would love to play doubles with Britain's US Open champion Emma Raducanu at Wimbledon, the odds were against it unless he suffered an early singles loss.

"British tennis fans would enjoy that but I don't know if it's going to happen.

"Only if the singles don't work out. It's tough enough for me to play the singles right now," said Murray, who has been beset by injury problems in recent years, especially to his hip. 

Murray will be playing his 45th event on grass but only the second on the surface outside of Britain.

He said the Stuttgart lawns - originally curated by Wimbledon experts prior to the first edition in 2015 - play differently than last week in Surbiton.

"Those were old-school courts, lower bounce, very fast. But it was a good start, hopefully I can continue it here." 

Agence France-Presse

Tennis: Murray says Wimbledon 'will never be an exhibition'

LONDON -- Two-time former Wimbledon champion Andy Murray said Wednesday the tournament "will never feel like an exhibition" despite it being stripped of ranking points over the ban on Russian and Belarusian players.

The decision by the ATP and WTA to remove the sport's most prestigious tournament of ranking points has prompted some players to say they may skip Wimbledon, the year's third Grand Slam.

"I'd hazard a guess that most people watching on centre court Wimbledon in a few weeks' time wouldn't know or care about how many ranking points a player gets for winning a 3rd round match," tweeted Murray.

"But I guarantee they will remember who wins. Wimbledon will never be an exhibition and will never feel like an exhibition."

Former world number one Naomi Osaka has revealed she is "leaning towards not playing" Wimbledon while defending champion Novak Djokovic said he will play despite losing 2,000 points.

But Djokovic described it as a "lose-lose situation", and the controversy has showed no signs of abating, with several players at the ongoing French Open likening Wimbledon to a high-profile exhibition event this year.

"I follow golf very closely and have no idea how many ranking points the winner of the the Masters gets," said Murray, who opted to miss the French Open to prepare for the grass-court season.

"Me and my friends love football and none of us know or care how many ranking points a team gets for winning the FIFA World Cup.

"But I could tell you exactly who won the World Cup and the Masters." 

Agence France-Presse

Tennis: Murray reverses decision to skip clay to enter Madrid Open Agence France-Presse

Andy Murray has reversed his decision to skip the entire clay-court season after being confirmed as a wildcard entry for the Madrid Open.

The 34-year-old, who has been training in Florida with coach Ivan Lendl, had initially considered sitting out all matches on the surface to minimise the wear and tear on his body ahead of the grass court season.

However, he has now changed his plans and will be in action in the Spanish capital next week.

Murray could also enter the Italian Open, which begins on May 2.

But he remains unlikely to feature at the French Open.

Former world number one Murray, who has battled back from career-saving hip surgery, previously said clay had exacerbated injury issues and almost caused him to miss last year's Wimbledon.

Murray, now ranked 83rd in the world, has lost in the second round in his last six tournaments, including to world number two Daniil Medvedev at the Miami Open late last month.

He recently reunited with Lendl, with whom he won all three of his Grand Slam titles.

Agence France-Presse

Murray warns tennis chiefs against quick return after virus

LONDON -- Andy Murray insists tennis must take it slowly as the sport's bosses consider when to return after the coronavirus.

The men's ATP and women's WTA tours are suspended until at least July 13 due to the pandemic, while this year's Wimbledon has been cancelled.

Premier League football clubs are hoping to finish their postponed season in the summer.

But former world number one Murray believes tennis will be one of the last sports to resume due to the travel required.

"I'm sure all tennis players want to get back to competing and playing as soon as possible. But right now that is not the most important thing, Murray said on Tuesday.

"First of all, we want to get our normal lives back, just being able to go out, see friends, go to restaurants and have your normal freedoms.

"And then hopefully over time, things will start to allow for travelling and sport will be able to go back to normal as well. But I don't see that happening very soon."

Murray believes containing the virus is essential before there is any thought of tennis getting back in full swing.

At present the US Open and French Open are both set for August and September, but Murray said: "The first thing is to try and find a way to stop the virus spreading and once we have done that we will be able to do more normal things that everyone does rather than thinking about competing at sport.

"When you don't get to see it for a while, maybe people realise how much they love playing it, but just because it's difficult not to have sport just now doesn't mean we have to speed things up.

"I'm obviously no expert on this but I assume the danger is when you try to do things too quickly -- like avoiding social distancing.

"If we get back to international travel, then maybe there could be a second wave of infections and that would slow everything down again and that's not what anyone wants. Let's just get things back to normal first."

Agence France-Presse

Tennis: Murray climbs over 200 places, Djokovic stays top in ATP rankings

PARIS -- Former world number one Andy Murray climbed over 200 places in the new ATP rankings released on Monday while Novak Djokovic extended his lead over Rafael Nadal at the top. 

Scotsman Murray, who is on the comeback trail after career-saving hip surgery, reached the quarter-finals of the China Open where he lost to eventual winner Dominic Thiem.

The run lifted the 32-year-old 214 places from 503 in the world to 289.

He can climb into the top 250 if he beats Juan Ignacio Londero later on Monday in the first round of the Shanghai Masters where Murray is a three-time champion.

Djokovic's win in Tokyo at the weekend means the Serb is at number one for the 271st week of his career, one more than Ivan Lendl and trailing only Roger Federer (310) and Pete Sampras (286).

Djokovic heads to Shanghai as defending champion while Nadal, his closest pursuer 1,140 points behind, has had to pull out with a wrist injury he picked up during last month's Laver Cup. 

Thiem's victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas in Beijing sees the Austrian close to just 50 points behind the Russian Daniil Medvedev. 


ATP Rankings as of October 7:

1. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 10,365 pts

2. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 9,225

3. Roger Federer (SUI) 7,130

4. Daniil Medvedev (RUS) 4,965

5. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 4,915

6. Alexander Zverev (GER) 4,185

7. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 3,630

8. Kei Nishikori (JPN) 3,040

9. Karen Khachanov (RUS) 2,945

10. Roberto Bautista (ESP) 2,575

11. Gael Monfils (FRA) 2,375

12. Fabio Fognini (ITA) 2,280

13. Matteo Berrettini (ITA) 2,221

14. David Goffin (BEL) 2,190 (+1)

15. Borna Coric (CRO) 2,130 (-1)

16. Diego Schwartzman (ARG) 1,995

17. John Isner (USA) 1,895 (+2)

18. Kevin Anderson (RSA) 1,780

19. Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN) 1,719 (+1)

20. Stan Wawrinka (SUI) 1,670 (+1)

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Tennis: Murray reaches Beijing quarters and celebrates with a snooze

BEIJING -- Exhausted Andy Murray battled into a singles quarter-final for the first time in a year on Wednesday -- and then immediately grabbed a snooze.

The former world number one outlasted fellow Briton Cameron Norrie 7-6 (8/6), 6-7 (4/7), 6-1 over nearly three gruelling hours in hot and hazy Beijing.

The 32-year-old, now ranked a lowly 503, will play top seed Dominic Thiem in the last eight of the China Open on Friday.

On the mend after a career-saving hip operation in January, Murray looked all in afterwards, and walked gingerly in and out of the post-match press conference.

Blowing out his cheeks several times, the three-time Grand Slam champion said he had slept in the 90 minutes between his victory and talking to reporters.

"I'm tired, I just had a sleep before coming. I mean, I'm really tired," he said.

To save his creaking body from more punishment, Murray said that he switched tactics in the deciding third set.

"I decided if I want to win I have to go and take risks and come to the net, try and finish the points quicker, which I did," he said.

Murray defeated US Open semi-finalist Matteo Berrettini on Tuesday for his biggest scalp since his return to singles tennis in mid-August.

The hard-fought triumph over 69th-ranked Norrie means he reaches the last eight in singles on the ATP Tour for the first time since Shenzhen in September last year.

Murray showed several flashes of irritation as the first set went to the tie break, chuntering away in the direction of his coaching team courtside.

But he regained his composure and captured the set thanks to an untimely double fault by his compatriot.

The 24-year-old Norrie broke Murray's serve in the sixth game of the second set and Murray was struggling, bending over between points with his hands on his knees to catch his breath.

He shook his head as he slumped red-faced in his seat at 5-2 down.

He displayed the battling qualities which took him to number one in 2016 to somehow surge back, only to lose the second set on the tie break.

But he wrestled back the initiative in the decider, breaking Norrie's first service game on the way to a trademark gritty victory.

Also into the quarter-finals was Russian fourth seed Karen Khachanov, a 7-6 (7/0), 7-6 (7/5) winner over France's Jeremy Chardy. He faces the Italian Fabio Fognini.

- 'Frustrated' Barty advances -

In the women's draw, world number one Ashleigh Barty will face Czech seventh seed Petra Kvitova in the quarter-finals.

The top-ranked Australian, 23, beat home hope Zheng Saisai 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-2, but was unhappy to have been forced to three sets.

"I think I was pretty loose, I played a pretty stupid (second) set," said Barty.

"I made far too many errors, let her back in the match well and truly. 

"I think too many times I gave away cheap service games... when I did have my opportunity, I didn't take it. 

"A bit of a frustrating one."

Teenage US Open champion Bianca Andreescu reached the last 16 with a 6-3, 7-6 (7/5) victory over Belgium's unseeded Elise Mertens. 

Andreescu meets Jennifer Brady of the United States.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Tennis: Murray enjoys first singles win since hip surgery

MANACOR, Spain - It was a match in name only and the setting was a world away from the U.S. Open that started on Monday but Andy Murray cared not a jot as he notched his first singles win since returning from career-saving hip surgery.

The 32-year-old former world number one crushed teenage French novice Imran Sibille 6-0 6-1 to move into the second round of the Rafa Nadal Open Challenger tournament, barely perspiring on a sultry Mallorcan evening.

Murray, who had hip resurfacing surgery in January, opted against competing at Flushing Meadows, dropping down to the ATP's second-tier circuit for the first time since 2005 to continue his comeback. Big Apple it was not, but he was not slumming it.

The Rafa Nadal Academy on the edge of 18-time Grand Slam champion Nadal's home town of Manacor is a plush state-of-the-art facility backed by olive-green hills.

Word of Murray's late decision to accept an entry had spectators, many of them breaking off from the beach, packed in around the showcourt to watch the three-time Grand Slam champion's 42-minute hardcourt exhibition.

Sibille, who trains at the academy, has no ATP ranking and has earned $150 from tennis. He may look back on his clash with Murray as the highlight of his career.

For Murray it was a taste of the winning feeling, something he has not experienced in singles since January in Brisbane, shortly before a tearful first-round exit at the Australian Open when it appeared a flaking hip would end his career.

Far bigger tests of that metal-coated joint await, including on Tuesday when he faces third seed Norbert Gombos of Slovakia, the world number 115, but Murray is back.

HEALING MUSCLES

"I need to get a bit quicker, and get a little bit more match fit before I'm back competing at that level again," Murray told reporters. "That's why I decided to drop down a level and try to get some more matches in.

"It's still only seven months since my surgery and I was told that nine to 12 months after you will still be seeing improvements, muscles will still be healing and recovering so hoping by the end of this year I will be feeling better."

Murray played in second gear throughout and even resisted the temptation to claim a "double bagel" when he casually netted a forehand in the 12th game to hand Sibille a game -- cue the biggest cheer of the evening.

While he was never stretched, Murray moved well, although he says improvements are required, especially when forced to change direction quickly.

The physical battle is not the only challenge, however. Regaining his old aura will be equally challenging.

Murray, who has 45 career titles to his name, 663 Tour match wins and more than $61 million in prize money, lost first round matches to Richard Gasquet and Tennys Sangdren in Cincinnati and Winston-Salem this month -- his first ATP singles matches in a comeback most notable so far for winning the doubles title at Queen's Club with Spain's Feliciano Lopez.

While 17-year-old Sibille admitted to not sleeping a wink after finding out he was playing Murray at 6pm the previous night, more grizzled opponents will not be intimidated.

"I do feel that it's something that can come back quickly," Murray, now ranked 328, said.

"Maybe the first few matches it's a good opportunity for guys to play me because I'm not playing as well or moving as well as I was a few years ago.

"But I'm hoping that all it will take is one big tournament to get that confidence and that aura back and hopefully that will happen sooner rather than later."

(Reporting by Martyn Herman, editing by Pritha Sarkar)

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Tennis: Murray and Serena ease to victory on Wimbledon bow

LONDON -- Superstar duo Andy Murray and Serena Williams breezed into the second round of the mixed doubles at Wimbledon on Saturday, beating Germany's Andreas Mies and Chile's Alexa Guarachi 6-4, 6-1.

Murray and Williams -- both former world number ones and singles champions at Wimbledon -- had little trouble in dispensing with their opponents.

"Obviously I had lost in the doubles earlier (with Pierre-Hugues Herbert) so all my energy is focussed on the mixed but it was a good start," said Murray.

Murray said physically he felt fine after two matches in one day, save for a stiff back.

The hip he had 'life-changing surgery' on earlier this year had not given him any trouble.

"I feel good and am happy to be alive in this," said Serena.

There was an element of farce when they let slip a set point in the opener as Williams ended up tumbling over and landing unceremoniously on her backside at the net.

However, they closed out the set and took control of the next by breaking their opponents immediately.

Williams, a seven-time Wimbledon singles champion, said there was no boss in the team.

"I said to Serena before the match we are the younger siblings so we are used to being bossed by our older brother and sister," chipped in two-time Wimbledon winner Murray. 

While mixed doubles is foreign territory largely for Murray, Williams is the youngest ever female winner, partnering Max Mirnyi to victory in 1998 aged just 16 at Wimbledon.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Tennis: Fairytale return for Murray as he reaches doubles final

LONDON -- Former world number one Andy Murray's dream return continued on Saturday as he and Feliciano Lopez progressed to the doubles final at Queen's, beating the defending champions in the semi-finals.

The 32-year-old, who is making his first competitive appearance since what he termed "life-changing" hip surgery, and his partner Feliciano Lopez came through 7-5, 6-7 (5/7), 10-7 against John Peers of Australia and his Finnish partner Henri Kontinen.

"It was a good match. We obviously had some chances to finish it in the second set," said Murray. "I'm very happy to be in the final."

Murray, who said he felt zero pain in his hip but that his back was stiff and his arm tired from serving, said he had not expected to get this far.

"I didn't have high expectations at all," he said.

"Yeah, I think things have probably got a little bit better maybe with each match, as well.

"I didn't expect to be playing in the final, no, that's for sure."

Murray, who was surprised to hear Maria Sharapova had offered to be his partner in the mixed doubles at Wimbledon despite him slamming her when she failed a dope test, had attracted a visit from former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho whilst he was practicing before his match.

"Yeah, he just wished me well," said Murray.

"Was asking a bit about my hip and asked him what he was up to, try and see if he was going to come to Arsenal," added the avid Gunners fan with a smile.

Murray may have been the reason for keeping the stands packed -- although they thinned out a bit by the end -- but he owed a lot to an extraordinary effort by 37-year-old Lopez.

The Spaniard effectively stayed on center court for most of the day -- winning his singles semi-final in three sets.

Then he and Murray polished off their unfinished quarter-final before a marathon effort in the doubles semi-final.

Lopez said that if anyone had told him he would have played this much a week ago he would have said they were "crazy."

He was also generous in his praise of Murray.

"What Andy showed me basically is he is a great champion," said Lopez. "I mean he went through two surgeries. He's here playing again.

"I'm learning a lot of things from him, no? He's so competitive, he loves winning."

- 'What was I doing' - 

Lopez -- who Murray may regret overlooking as his doubles partner for Wimbledon -- earned a pat on the back from Murray.

Murray chastised himself for a mess he made of one shot in the first set, asking: "What was I doing?"

However, his brilliance was epitomized when he fired an unstoppable forehand winner off a Kontinen serve to secure a break point and they moved 6-5 ahead when Peer fired long.

Murray raised his fist and said "come on" as he ran back to his seat, but Lopez stayed standing, his herculean efforts perhaps beginning to tell.

Murray's serve in the following game came under pressure, but he showed great agility and touch to race to the ball and stroke it down the line, earning a grin from Lopez.

That moment of inspirational play boosted them and they sealed the set 7-5.

Murray and Lopez were constantly chatting to each other, even as one waited to receive serve, and something the Spaniard said provoked the two-time Olympic champion into a wry smile.

Lopez was broken early in the second but as the sun went down behind the clubhouse -- the spectators wrapping themselves in towels to keep warm -- they broke back and then broke again, leaving Murray to serve for the match.

However, he was broken and the defending champions went on to win the tie-break.

Murray and Lopez, though, were not to be denied and, despite some nervy moments in the champions tie-break, they came through and just about had the energy to embrace each other and raise a hand to the crowd at the end.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Tennis: Murray marks return with doubles win

Britain's Andy Murray made a successful return to action after 6 months out following hip surgery as he partnered Feliciano Lopez to a first-round doubles win at the Queen's Club championships on Thursday.

The 32-year-old, five-times a winner of the singles at the prestigious Wimbledon warm-up event, delighted a large evening center court crowd with some fluent shot-making as he and Spanish veteran Lopez beat top seeds Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah 7-6(5) 6-3.

Murray, who missed most of 2018 with a hip injury, last played at the Australian Open in January when it appeared his career might be over following an emotional second-round defeat by Roberto Bautista Agut.

The two-times Wimbledon champion, by far Britain's most successful player in modern times, underwent hip-resurfacing surgery shortly after that but has been coy about his chances of making a return to the singles court.

While not too much can be read into Thursday's doubles win, Murray certainly appeared to be moving without the trademark limp that was present when he played his last singles match at Wimbledon two years ago -- a loss to Sam Querrey.

He had the crowd roaring their approval, producing two crunching forehand winners to secure a vital break of serve in the second set and a superb backhand overhead volley in the last game as he and Lopez closed in on victory over the Colombians who will rue such a demanding draw.

"It was brilliant. I enjoyed it a lot. I was a little bit slow at the beginning but got better as the match went on," former world number one Murray said.

"I'm very fortunate to be back playing tennis again. I love playing on this court, it's a brilliant place to play tennis.

"I felt quite relaxed in the build-up today but I started to feel a bit nervous walking to the court. You want the nerves and the butterflies in the stomach and I had that today."

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Tennis: Fatigued Murray withdraws from Citi Open, Rogers Cup

Former world number one Andy Murray withdrew from the Citi Open on Friday, citing fatigue.

The returning Scot also announced his withdrawal from next week's Rogers Cup in Toronto.

He was to have met Australian Alex de Minaur in the Washington quarter-finals on Friday.

"I’m exhausted after playing so much over the past four days, having not competed on the hard courts for 18 months. I also need to be careful and to listen to my body as I come back from a long-term injury," Murray said in a statement.

"I’m gutted not to be playing and I’d like to thank the tournament and all the fans.

"There are lots of positives to take from this week, so I’ll take some time to rest and recover, and then head to Cincinnati early to prepare and get ready."

In his third tournament back from hip surgery in January, the Scot showed signs of improvement, reaching his first quarter-final in more than a year.

The 31-year-old captured all three of his victories in three sets, the first time he has won three consecutive deciding sets at the same event since winning the 2016 Queen's Club tournament.

An emotional Murray broke down in tears after coming from behind to defeat Marius Copil 6-7(5) 6-3 7-6(4) in a marathon third round match that lasted more than three hours on Thursday.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Murray outfights Edmund, Zverevs to meet at Washington

WASHINGTON -- Three-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray collected the biggest victory of his injury comeback Wednesday at the ATP and WTA Washington Open while defending champion Alexander Zverev booked a matchup with his older brother.

Murray, sidelined by a right hip injury for 11 months until returning in June, ousted fourth seed Kyle Edmund 7-6 (7/4), 1-6, 6-4 in an all-British matchup to reach the third round of the hardcourt tuneup for the US Open.

"That has been my best win since I started playing again," Murray said. "It's a great win for me. It'll give me more confidence going forward."

World number three Zverev defeated Tunisia's Malek Jaziri 6-2, 6-1, to send the 21-year-old German top seed into his first ATP match against 30-year-old Mischa Zverev, the 15th seed who beat American Tim Smyczek 6-2, 7-6 (9/7).

"We played the final of Wimbledon a lot of times in our backyard," Alex Zverev said. "I was 12. He was 22. I don't think I ever won. But this is on hardcourt."

On a day when reigning US Open champion Sloane Stephens was ousted by Germany's Andrea Petkovic and Australian Nick Kyrgios withdrew with a sore left hip, Murray stole the show with an impressive victory.

"Hopefully my body will adapt to the matches and get back to what it's supposed to be doing," Murray said.

"As the weeks progress, I hope to have more days like today where the pressure and the expectations all grow."

Former world number one Murray, now ranked 832nd, outlasted his 18th-ranked rival, breaking on a forehand return winner to advance after two hours and 32 minutes.

"Now I have to get my body to play that way consistently and work on getting better with every match," Murray said.

The 31-year-old Scotsman, who unleashed a primal scream and flurry of fist pumps after winning his opener, wiped away sweat this time before eventually pointing to the heavens, punching the air with his right fist and pumping his fist with satisfaction.

"Much better in terms of the way I played," Murray said. "Got a lot more points off my forehand. I was able to be more aggressive. I wanted to dictate more points and be inside the baseline, especially on the main points and particularly in the third set.

"I was less nervous. I increased my intensity at the end of the second set. I thought I did that well."

Romania's 93rd-ranked Marius Copil, who ousted French 14th seed Jeremy Chardy 6-4, 6-4, will face Murray on Thursday for a quarter-final berth.

- No. 3 Stephens stumbles -

Third-ranked Stephens lost to 91st-rated Andrea Petkovic 2-6, 6-4, 6-2. Stephens, who won the Miami Open in March, made a run to the French Open semi-finals but stumbled early in her first hardcourt stop before defending her first Grand Slam title.

"Hopefully some things will connect in the next few weeks coming into the US Open," Stephens said.

Petkovic, down a set and a break, rallied and won the final four games to reach the quarter-finals, her first victory over a top-10 foe since beating then-number five Garbine Muguruza at Doha in 2016.

"It's definitely a confidence boost," Petkovic said.

Japanese third seed Naomi Osaka, ranked 17th, is the only top-45 player remaining in the women's draw.

- Injured Kyrgios 'gutted' -

Kyrgios, ranked 17th, tweeted he was "gutted" to withdraw over the same injury that caused him to retire from an Atlanta Open quarter-final last week.

"I haven't had enough time to be ready," Kyrgios said. "The physio recommended a couple of days of rest, rehab and treatment. I've got ample time for it to settle down before Toronto.

"It's disappointing. But at this stage I can't risk aggravating the injury. Last year I wasn't healthy at the US Open so I want to be right for that."

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Murray beats Wawrinka to claim first win since return

EASTBOURNE, England - Andy Murray claimed his first win since returning from a hip injury as he trounced fellow three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka 6-1 6-3 in the first round of the Eastbourne championships on Monday.

An unlikely clash on the sun-baked south coast between two wildcards ranked 156th and 225th respectively was not much of a contest but was hugely significant for Murray as he tested his fitness for next week's Wimbledon.

Having lost to Australian Nick Kyrgios in the first round of last week's Queen's Club tournament -- his first match for almost a year -- Murray took a late entry into Eastbourne to put his hip through another examination.

The Scot looked hugely relieved when Wawrinka, himself trying to get back up to speed after knee surgery, double-faulted to end the one hour 17 minute contest in front of a sell-out crowd on centre court.


It was his first match win since he beat Benoit Paire in the last 16 of Wimbledon 350 days ago before he hobbled out against American Sam Querrey to end his Wimbledon title defence.

He had hip surgery in January and has been in a race against time to be fit for Wimbledon.

Murray appeared to be moving well, better than against Kyrgios when he appeared to be limping near the end, and his trademark scrambling skills were also in evidence.

He was secure on serve, saving three break points at 4-3 in the second set, and there were some flashes of brilliance such as one running forehand pass early in the second set.

Murray sounded a note of caution afterwards, however, saying the real proof of his fitness would be how his body responds to face face new British number one and Eastbourne second seed Kyle Edmund in an intriguing clash on Wednesday.

"I am going to decide nearer the time (about Wimbledon). I need to see how my body pulls up. I'll see how I am tomorrow and take it from there," Murray said before heading to the ice bath.

Murray's last match at Eastbourne's quaint Devonshire Park was in a Davis Cup tie in 2006 and the appearance of Britain's most celebrated player generated a buzz around the grounds.

Wawrinka presented a formidable first-round barrier but Murray quickly established control after breaking for a 3-1 lead -- Wawrinka losing patience as Murray launched himself around the baseline returning everything the Swiss threw his way.

Murray won five games in a row in the opening set and while Wawrinka improved in the second Murray's clever changes of pace forced more errors and he broke for a 3-2 lead.

After Wawrinka failed to capitalise on three break points with Murray serving at 4-3, the Swiss capitulated in the next game.

In the women's tournament, there was a scare for Czech defending champion and second seed Karolina Pliskova but she survived to beat Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-4 2-6 6-3.

Top seed Caroline Wozniacki had things easier, beating Italian Camila Giorgi 6-2 6-3.

(Reporting by Martyn Herman Editing by Ian Chadband)

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Changing of the guard? Not so fast, says Federer

Andy Murray has a hip injury, Novak Djokovic is sidelined with an elbow problem while Stan Wawrinka needs knee surgery, but Roger Federer insists it could still be years before the old guard say goodbye to tennis.

While 18-year-old Denis Shapovalov and Andrey Rublev, 19, have kicked the US Open door slightly ajar this week, 36-year-old Federer doesn't see the pair supplanting him or his fellow Grand Slam kings anytime soon.


"Changing of the guard is going to come at some stage. Could very well be next year. But I still predict it's going to take a few more," said Federer on Thursday.

Many see this US Open as the most unpredictable in years.

But highly regarded 20-year-old fourth seed Alexander Zverev and number seven Grigor Dimitrov both failed to get beyond the second round and that kind of inconsistency has Federer believing that the sport's 30-somethings will still be a force in 2018.

"I'm not sure if 2018 is going to be wide open just because we don't know how a lot of those top guys are going to come back," he said after making the US Open last 32 on Thursday with his 80th career win at the tournament.

"What I think is going to be interesting is that their ranking is going to be all over the place. We're going to see some interesting draws, to say the least."

Federer pointed to the examples of himself and old rival Rafael Nadal at the Australian Open this year.

Injuries and loss of form saw him seeded at 17 and Nadal on nine.

However, they still made the final with Federer winning the title before adding an eighth Wimbledon trophy in July.

Nadal, for his part, claimed a 10th French Open and has since regained the world number one ranking.

"We had a little bit with me and Rafa down in Australia. But now we're talking probably about a bigger group," added Federer of his and Nadal's situation in Melbourne.

"That's going to go down maybe all the way to Murray, as well, depending if he's going to be playing at all for the rest of the season. Got a lot of points to defend.

"If that's the case, he might drop further down outside of the top four, then things are going to look real weird. I think it's going to be very interesting."

Federer needed a second successive five-setter to reach the US Open third round with a 6-1, 6-7 (3/7), 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 win over fellow veteran Mikhail Youzhny of Russia.

It was his 17th win in 17 matches against Youzhny in a rivalry stretching back to 2000.

Five-time US Open champion and third seed Federer had also needed five sets to see off US teenager Frances Tiafoe in the first round.

The 36-year-old will face another 35-year-old in Feliciano Lopez for a place in the last 16. His record against the Spaniard is just as solid -- 12-0.

"It was quite a lot of fun out there -- I feel quite warmed up by now," said Federer.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Wimbledon: Muller ousts Nadal; Murray, Federer coast to next round

Rafael Nadal's bittersweet relationship with Wimbledon endured another twist Monday when he was knocked out in a five-set, fourth round epic by Luxembourg journeyman Gilles Muller.

Nadal's stunning 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 15-13 defeat came after defending champion Andy Murray and seven-time winner Roger Federer had cruised into the last-eight in straight sets.

The four hour and 48-minute stunner on Court One had the knock-on effect of pushing Novak Djokovic's last-16 clash against France's Adrian Mannarino back to Tuesday.

Djokovic had been the last match scheduled on the court but officials chose to postpone the tie instead of shifting it to Centre Court where it could, if necessary, have been completed under lights.

Just weeks after winning his 10th French Open title, Nadal was condemned to his fifth exit before the quarter-finals in his last five visits to Wimbledon.

"It was not my best match against a very uncomfortable opponent," said world number two Nadal, the 2008 and 2010 champion.

"Well done to him. He played great, especially in the fifth set but I fought to the last ball."

Muller tired but thrilled

Nadal converted just two of 16 break points, while Muller fired 30 aces and 95 winners.

Muller, seeded 16th, will make his first Wimbledon quarter-final appearance against former US Open champion Marin Cilic on Wednesday.

"Tired! It was a long match. I did really well in the first two sets then Rafa stepped it up and in the end it was just a big battle," said Muller, who won on a fifth match point, more than an hour and a half after his first.

In a pulsating final set, which stretched to 95 minutes, Nadal saved two match points in the 10th game and two more in the 20th.

In between, Muller had to fight off a break point in the 13th game and four more in the 19th.

Nadal was always chasing the score and he finally cracked in the 28th game of the decider when he went long with a return.

"I said, 'just give it a shot, go 100 percent', and it's a great feeling to be winning that match," added Muller whose only other win over the great Spaniard also came at Wimbledon, 12 years ago.

Murray through

Defending champion Murray reached a 10th successive Wimbledon quarter-final with a 7-6 (7/1), 6-4, 6-4 win over France's Benoit Paire.

World number one Murray will face Sam Querrey for a place in the semi-finals.

"I thought I played well. Maybe a couple of sloppy service games in the first set but that was by far the best I'd hit the ball so far in the tournament. So I'm really pleased with that," said Murray.

Only Federer and Jimmy Connors (11 each) have reached more consecutive Wimbledon quarter-finals than Murray.

Murray's win meant that with Johanna Konta also making the last-eight in the women's tournament, it is the first time since 1973 that Britain has two players in the quarter-finals.

Federer reached his 50th Grand Slam quarter-final and 15th at Wimbledon with a 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 win over Grigor Dimitrov.

The Swiss star will now face Milos Raonic, the 2016 runner-up, after the sixth-seeded Canadian clinched a 4-6, 7-5, 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 win over Alexander Zverev of Germany, the 10th seed.

Raonic defeated Federer in the semi-finals at Wimbledon in 2016.

Federer, 35, is the second oldest man to make the quarter-finals at Wimbledon behind Ken Rosewall who was 39 when he reached the last-eight in 1971.

"I'm thrilled to be back in the quarters again," said Federer who took his record over Dimitrov to 6-0.

Safety issue

The All England Club defended the decision not to switch Djokovic against Mannarino to Centre Court.

"It was determined the match could not be moved to Centre Court due to the number of spectators remaining in the grounds," said a statement.

"As late as 8:30pm, 30,000 people still remained in the grounds, and therefore moving the match would have created a significant safety issue.

"Both players were explained the rationale of postponing the match."

Querrey, the US 24th seed who knocked out Djokovic in 2016, made the quarter-finals for a second successive year with a 5-7, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3, 6-7 (13/11), 6-3 over unseeded Kevin Anderson of South Africa.

Seventh seeded Cilic downed Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain 6-2, 6-2, 6-2.

Cilic will look to reach his first semi-final at the All England Club when he faces Muller.

Czech 11th seed Tomas Berdych downed eighth-seeded Dominic Thiem of Austria 6-3, 6-7 (1/7), 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.

Berdych, the 2010 runner-up, will face either three-time champion Djokovic or Mannarino for a place in the semi-finals.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Murray survives scare to join Wimbledon last 16

Andy Murray survived a scare from Fabio Fognini as the defending champion scraped his way into the Wimbledon last 16 along with title rival Rafael Nadal on Friday.

Murray didn't have it all his own way against Fognini, but the world number one eventually subdued the eccentric Italian 6-2, 4-6, 6-1, 7-5 to secure a 10th successive appearance in the Wimbledon fourth round.

In a tetchy Centre Court clash, Murray complained about Fognini taking too long between points as the 28th seed, who was given a point penalty for a visible obscenity, shrugged off a mid-match injury to push the Scot to the brink.

Murray had to save five set points to avoid being forced into a deciding set, reeling off five successive games to secure his 105th win on grass and remain on course for a titanic semi-final showdown against Nadal.

The 30-year-old, who faces France's Benoit Paire for a place in the quarter-finals, is bidding to become the first Briton to successfully defend a Grand Slam title since Fred Perry at Wimbledon from 1934-1936.

"Obviously the end of the match was tense. It was a very up and down match," Murray said.

"I didn't feel like it was the best tennis, but I managed to get through. I was pleased to get off in four sets."

Having won his 10th French Open crown without dropping a set last month, Nadal has made the switch from clay to grass with ease.

His 6-1, 6-4, 7-6 (7/3) win against Russian 30th seed Karen Khachanov equalled the Spaniard's personal record of 28 successive sets won at Grand Slams, a blistering streak dating back to this year's Australian Open final.

Nadal's second and most recent Wimbledon title came in 2010 and the 15-time major winner hasn't been past the fourth round for six years.

But world number two Nadal is in formidable form heading into only his second fourth round tie in his last five visits to Wimbledon.

His opponent is 16th seed Gilles Muller, who defeated Aljaz Bedene 7-6 (7/4), 7-5, 6-4 to reach the last 16 for the first time at the age of 34.

"I played fantastic for a set and a half but it got tougher after that. He started to hit stronger so I was happy to get through in three sets," Nadal said.

Former US Open finalist Kei Nishikori had hoped to finally advance past the fourth round at Wimbledon after years of under-achievement.

But the world number nine didn't even reach the last 16 as he was over-powered 6-4, 7-6 (7/3), 3-6, 6-3 by Spanish 18th seed Roberto Bautista Agut.

Nishikori's third round exit means Wimbledon remains the only Grand Slam he has failed to make the quarter-finals.

"It's not easy. I don't have good results on grass. I have got to work on it every year," Nishikori said.

Former US Open champion Marin Cilic advanced to face Bautista Agut with a 6-4, 7-6 (7/3), 6-4 win against American 26th seed Steve Johnson.

With former England captain David Beckham watching from the Royal Box, former world number one Victoria Azarenka defeated British wild card Heather Watson 3-6, 6-1, 6-4.

Competing in her first Grand Slam since taking a year off to have her first child -- son Leo -- in December, Azarenka was caught out as Watson made a fast start to her attempt to reach the last 16 for the first time.

But the two-time Australian Open champion stepped on the gas to keep alive her attempt to emulate Evonne Goolagong, who was the last Wimbledon mum to lift the Venus Rosewater Dish in 1980.

- Flamboyant -

Only Goolagong, Margaret Court and Kim Clijsters have won a Grand Slam singles title after having a child.

Next up for Azarenka, who reached the semi-finals in 2011 and 2012, is world number two Simona Halep.

Halep, beaten in the French Open final last month, eased through with a 6-4, 7-6 (9/7) win against China's Peng Shuai.

British sixth seed Johanna Konta showed why she is the new bookmakers' favourite for the title with a 6-4, 6-1 rout of Greek world number 101 Maria Sakkari.

With two-time champion Petra Kvitova and third seed Karolina Pliskova eliminated, Konta hopes to become the first British woman to win Wimbledon since Virginia Wade in 1977.

French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko made the last 16 for the first time with a 7-5, 7-5 win against Camila Giorgi.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Murray, Nadal aim to bury Wimbledon doubts

LONDON -- Defending champion Andy Murray and fellow two-time winner Rafael Nadal take center stage on the first day of Wimbledon on Monday, keen to deliver early hammer blows to any doubts over their title aspirations.

Top seed and world number one Murray opens proceedings on Centre Court insisting a hip problem will not prevent him from dispatching Kazakh lucky loser Alexander Bublik.

The weekend news that the 30-year-old Scot is to become a father for the second time will also be an extra incentive to make it a tournament to remember.

Nadal, the champion in 2008 and 2010 and a three-time runner-up, missed last year's championships because of a wrist injury.

Since making the final in 2011, he has lost to opponents outside the top 100 on four occasions.

Australia's John Millman, his first round rival on Monday, is the current 137.

Elsewhere on the opening day, former world number one Victoria Azarenka plays her first Slam since becoming a mother while two-time champion Petra Kvitova is sure to receive a warm Centre Court welcome as she steadily rebuilds her career after being attacked by a knifeman in her home last December.

Murray is looking to become the first British player –- man or woman –- to defend a Grand Slam title since Fred Perry won Wimbledon from 1934-36.

Meanwhile, Bublik, the world number 134, is making his grass court debut.

Murray, who has a 29-0 record against players outside the top 100, insists his recent hip problems are behind him.

"I'll be fine to play the event and play seven matches," he said.

Nadal is bidding to record his 850th tour-level match-win and become just the seventh player in history to reach the landmark.

It's also his 50th match at Wimbledon.

Millman is playing just his second match of the year after missing five months with a hip injury.

- Nadal on high after French Open -

Nadal, on a high after his record-setting 10th French Open title just three weeks ago, will not be under-estimating the Australian after his recent experiences at Wimbledon.

The 31-year-old Spaniard lost to world number 100 Lukas Rosol in 2012, number 135 Steve Darcis in 2013, Nick Kyrgios, the 144, in 2014 the 102-ranked Dustin Brown in 2015.

"This is a tournament that you can go out very early. But at the same time, if I am able to go through at the beginning, I think I'm with confidence," said Nadal.

Venus Williams marks her 20th Wimbledon anniversary with a tie against Belgium's Elise Mertens who she defeated in the third round of Roland Garros.

However, the 37-year-old five-time champion arrives in London facing a wrongful death suit after she was involved in a fatal car crash in Florida.

An elderly man in the other vehicle suffered head injuries in the collision and died on June 22.

Kvitova, whose career was almost ended by the injuries caused fighting off an intruder at her home in the Czech Republic, takes on Sweden's Johann Larsson.

In the absence of Serena Williams (pregnant) and Maria Sharapova (injured), Kvitova finds herself in the position of favourite for a third title to add to her 2011 and 2014 triumphs.

Azarenka, who starts against Catherine Bellis of the United States, will be playing her first Grand Slam since taking time off after last year's French Open to have her first child Leo in December.

Kim Clijsters, Margaret Court and Evonne Goolagong are the only women to have won a Grand Slam after having a child.

Elsewhere on day one, men's fifth seed Stan Wawrinka, looking to complete the career Slam faces Russia's Daniil Medvedev while combustible Australian Nick Kyrgios kicks off play on Court Three against Pierre-Hugues Herbert of France.

French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko, the 2014 Wimbledon junior champion, takes on Aliaksandra Sasnovich of Belarus.

Second seed Simona Halep, blasted off court in the Paris final by Ostapenko, faces New Zealand's Marina Erakovic.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Fitness key to Murray revival, says coach Lendl

Andy Murray is finally able to recapture his best form after a succession of illnesses and injury curtailed his time on the practice court, coach Ivan Lendl has said ahead of the world number one's French Open semi-final against Stan Wawrinka.

Murray struggled this year after being diagnosed with shingles in February and sustaining an elbow injury in March but eight-time grand slam champion Lendl says the Briton is now injury free and able to train fully again.

"It comes down to executing your game plan and the conditions," Lendl told reporters on Thursday.

"Andy has been putting in great work. If you have three illnesses and an injury which take you out for some time, it's very difficult mentally for the player...

"But now he is healthy and he can put the practices in."

Murray, who has a 21-7 record this year, said his indifferent form earlier in the season had made him question things but he had been able to just focus on playing in recent matches, which had made a huge difference.

"I'm thinking less on the court. I think when things aren't going well, it's very easy to overthink things. You can be worrying about technique, which is never good when you're playing matches," Murray said.

"I was still feeling a little bit like that at the beginning of the tournament, the first match (against Andrey Kuznetsov). But I got through that and it made a huge, huge difference to me."

Murray, who was runner-up to Novak Djokovic at Roland Garros last year, faces 2015 champion Wawrinka later on Friday. (Reporting by Aditi Prakash in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford; )

source: news.abs-cbn.com