Wimbledon champion Murray, Kohlschreiber suspended at 7

The third-round French Open match between Wimbledon champion Andy Murray and 28th-seeded Philipp Kohlschreiber was suspended at 7-all in the fifth set because of fading light Saturday.

There are no artificial lights at the clay-court Grand Slam tournament. The match will resume Sunday, with No. 7 Murray serving.

Murray - who got both upper legs massaged by a trainer during fifth-set changeovers - twice was two points from victory while leading 6-5 as Kohlschreiber served, but couldn't get closer.

Kohlschreiber then held a break point at 6-all that Murray erased with a backhand winner.

Kohlschreiber won the first set 6-3. Murray took the next two 6-3, 6-3, and Kohlschreiber took the fourth 6-4.

The match between Richard Gasquet and Fernando Verdasco was suspended with Verdasco leading 6-3, 6-2, 2-2.

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Wimbledon dream next for Taylor Townsend

Paris (AFP) - Taylor Townsend's Paris party came to an abrupt end at the French Open on Friday, but the bubbly teenager from Georgia already has Wimbledon in her sights.

The 18-year-old American lost a third round match 6-2, 6-2 to Carla Suarez Navarro of Spain two days after she made headlines by defeating leading French player Alize Cornet.

More than just the win, Townsend has caught the eye for her atpyical shot-making, her celebratory dance routine and a chubby physique that will likely require some work in the gym if she is to develop into a Grand Slam title winner.

Asked if she thought she could be a force at Wimbledon which starts in two weeks' time she replied: 'If I got a wildcard into Wimbledon, I would pass out right now. Honestly, that would make my day. Wow!

'Wimbledon is like my favorite tournament, I swear, I love the grass. I just love the tournament, the atmosphere.

'That would mean the world to me if I got a wildcard just because I just love the tournament so much. I love grass. I have done well in the juniors there.

'So I just love the atmosphere. That would -- oh, my God, I'll probably cry. I'm not a crier, either. So that means a lot.'

Wildcard or not, Townsend would still have the possibility of playing in what would be her second Grand Slam tournament by competing in the qualifiers. She gained entry to Roland Garros by winning a wildcard qualifying tournament in the United States.

Great hopes have being placed on Townsend back in the United States ever since she finished 2012 as world junior number one, the first American to do that since Gretchen Rush in 1982.

Coached in Florida by 1990 Wimbledon runner-up Zina Garrison, she believes that she has does have the weapons to be a force on the world stage

'I do. I mean, honestly, I wouldn't be here if I didn't feel in my gut, in my heart, that I could do this. I wouldn't have turned pro if I didn't feel that way,' she said.

'I mean, this is a far trip. It's very expensive. It's far away from home. My phone doesn't work!

'I believe 100% in myself that I can do great things. But it's a matter of time. I have to trust the process, trust the work that I'm doing and understand that it is a long process, and, you know, it doesn't happen overnight.'

One thing she does not intend to change though is her aggressive game style that involves frequent visits to the net.

Asked if she would ever adopt the baseline bashing style of play favoured by the majority of current pros she replied: 'No, I won't do that.

'That's a part of my game, but my game and how it's designed and how I have been playing, I have been at the net, the net is normal for me. When I started playing tennis, I was doing volleys.

'And it just so natural for me, and I know that that makes my game special. So I'm definitely not going to take that away, because there are a lot of people who can hit the ball very hard all day long.'

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Taylor Townsend tells about her love and dreams about Wimbledon!

Tennis: The 18-year-old caught the attention of people during French Open and has already set her eyes on Wimbledon

American Tennis 30 May 2014 - 18:40 / by Talal Dar / reads 318.Source:

Tennis: 18-year-old American Taylor Townsend, who made headlines and caught attention of people when she knocked out Alize Cornet at French Open, has revealed her love for Wimbledon.

Asked if she thought she could be a force at Wimbledon which starts in two weeks' time she replied: 'If I got a wildcard into Wimbledon, I would pass out right now. Honestly, that would make my day. Wow!

'Wimbledon is like my favorite tournament, I swear, I love the grass. I just love the tournament, the atmosphere.

'That would mean the world to me if I got a wildcard just because I just love the tournament so much. I love grass. I have done well in the juniors there.

'So I just love the atmosphere. That would -- oh, my God, I'll probably cry. I'm not a crier, either. So that means a lot.'

Townsend has high hopes and believes she can do well. She said,

'I do. I mean, honestly, I wouldn't be here if I didn't feel in my gut, in my heart, that I could do this. I wouldn't have turned pro if I didn't feel that way,' she said.

'I mean, this is a far trip. It's very expensive. It's far away from home. My phone doesn't work!

'I believe 100% in myself that I can do great things. But it's a matter of time. I have to trust the process, trust the work that I'm doing and understand that it is a long process, and, you know, it doesn't happen overnight.'

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Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli does not regret taking retirement

Tennis: The French player said ´´jamais´´, a French word which means never, on coming back to tour

WTA Tennis 30 May 2014 - 10:48 / by Talal Dar / reads 163.Source:

Tennis: Reigning Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli, who had surprised everybody by announcing her retirement a month after winning Wimbledon, does not regret and has no plans to comeback.

Even though Bartoli won Wimbledon, but she was not able to win French Open, her home Grand Slam, which is going on nowadays. The French player was asked, if she has any plans to comeback. And she had following to say.

''Everybody I meet says two things,' Bartoli said. 'They say, 'Bravo, Marion!' And then, 'When are you coming back?' They have all tried to convince me, but I know what I'm doing. I don't change my mind. When I'm on my track, nothing can stop me. And I have really, really, really no regrets.'

'I have not regretted it one single day since I made the decision,' she said. 'There's not been a single day that I got up in the morning or a single moment during the day when I thought perhaps this was not the right choice.'

She then repeated the French word 'jamais' five times. It means 'never.'

'I didn't react more because for me, it served no purpose; it would only have fed the controversy,' Bartoli said. 'For me, what mattered most was that I had my joy, my joy to have won the tournament I'd been waiting for 20 years to win. That's all that counted. When I woke up every morning, I had the sun shining on my trophy in front of me. That was happiness. The rest I could have cared less.'

When she announced her announcement last year, even Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray were surprised.

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Federer cherishes perfect point in 2008 Wimbledon final

Credit: Reuters/Jean-Paul Pelissier

Roger Federer of Switzerland acknowledges spectators after winning his men's singles match against Diego Sebastian Schwartzman of Argentina at the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris May 28, 2014.

Asked by French sports daily L'Equipe on Friday to pick the landmark moments in his career, the Swiss chose two memorable points, mentioned the day he cried after a defeat, revealed the day he had most doubts and the time he would like to relive.

'I have two (perfect points). The match point I saved in 2008 against Rafa (Nadal) at Wimbledon (in the final). It wasn't the shot itself but the importance it had in the match, as it allowed me to survive until a fifth set,' he said.

'It was this point, this shot, which gave the match a mythic quality. The second is the one I hit through my legs against Brian Dabul in the first round of the U.S. Open in 2010. It was lovely shot, perfect and difficult to do because I was long way from the net.'

But the defeat that hurt him most was not the 2008 Wimbledon final.

'I was really inconsolable in 2000 after my defeat by Tommy Haas in the semi-finals of the Olympic Games in Sydney. When I lost I curled up in a corner like a child for a long time,' Federer said.

'I could not stop crying. That defeat marked me. I lost the next day against (Frenchman) Arnaud di Pasquale and again I wept the whole day. But that night I met Mirka (now his wife) and kissed her for the first time.'

Federer has not reached the final of a grand slam since his Wimbledon triumph two years ago and has slipped to world number four.

The Swiss maestro also revealed his self-doubts last year.

'After Gstaad ... I couldn't get my physical condition back. I had injured myself at Hamburg playing soccer and my back was giving me problems. It was intense moment because I didn't know whether my back would hold up.'

Going back through the years, Federer stopped the clock in 2001 to recall the day he beat Pete Sampras at the All England Club.

'The day I beat (Pete) Sampras at Wimbledon in 2001 (in the last 16). I don't know how but on match point I knew he was going to serve wide,' he said.

'I waited, and he didn't hit the serve perfectly. I was on the ball and just needed to make good contact. I hit my return very well and he couldn't get to it. Winning that match was quite a thing. It was huge. Those five seconds I would like to relive.'

(Reporting by Robert Woodward; Editing by Julien Pretot)

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Federer cherishes perfect point in 2008 Wimbledon final

Reuters, 30/05 11:46 CET

PARIS (Reuters) - Of all the perfect points Roger Federer has played in his stellar career, the 17-times grand slam champion singled out one from possibly one of his harshest defeats - the 2008 Wimbledon final.

Asked by French sports daily L'Equipe on Friday to pick the landmark moments in his career, the Swiss chose two memorable points, mentioned the day he cried after a defeat, revealed the day he had most doubts and the time he would like to relive.

'I have two (perfect points). The match point I saved in 2008 against Rafa (Nadal) at Wimbledon (in the final). It wasn't the shot itself but the importance it had in the match, as it allowed me to survive until a fifth set,' he said.

'It was this point, this shot, which gave the match a mythic quality. The second is the one I hit through my legs against Brian Dabul in the first round of the U.S. Open in 2010. It was lovely shot, perfect and difficult to do because I was long way from the net.'

But the defeat that hurt him most was not the 2008 Wimbledon final.

'I was really inconsolable in 2000 after my defeat by Tommy Haas in the semi-finals of the Olympic Games in Sydney. When I lost I curled up in a corner like a child for a long time,' Federer said.

'I could not stop crying. That defeat marked me. I lost the next day against (Frenchman) Arnaud di Pasquale and again I wept the whole day. But that night I met Mirka (now his wife) and kissed her for the first time.'

Federer has not reached the final of a grand slam since his Wimbledon triumph two years ago and has slipped to world number four.

The Swiss maestro also revealed his self-doubts last year.

'After Gstaad ... I couldn't get my physical condition back. I had injured myself at Hamburg playing football and my back was giving me problems. It was intense moment because I didn't know whether my back would hold up.'

Going back through the years, Federer stopped the clock in 2001 to recall the day he beat Pete Sampras at the All England Club.

'The day I beat (Pete) Sampras at Wimbledon in 2001 (in the last 16). I don't know how but on match point I knew he was going to serve wide,' he said.

'I waited, and he didn't hit the serve perfectly. I was on the ball and just needed to make good contact. I hit my return very well and he couldn't get to it. Winning that match was quite a thing. It was huge. Those five seconds I would like to relive.'

(Reporting by Robert Woodward; Editing by Julien Pretot)

euronews provides breaking news articles from Reuters as a service to its readers, but does not edit the articles it publishes.

Copyright 2014 Reuters.

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Heather Watson out of French Open but ready to rock Wimbledon after 2013 woes

The new British No.1 lost 6-2 6-4 to Simona Halep at Roland Garros but reckons a fourth-round showing at SW19 is possible after her glandular fever last year

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She'll be back: Watson looks dejected after losing second-round match

Heather Watson has targeted the second week of Wimbledon after her nine-match winning streak ended at the French Open.

The new British No.1 lost 6-2 6-4 to world No.4 Simona Halep.

But, after suffering from glandular fever last year, the Guernsey star is now ready to follow Laura Robson and reach a Grand Slam fourth round for the first time.

'I went into the last grass court season [last year] a bit scared and just hoping I'd play okay,' said Watson. 'But this time it's very different.

'I'm going in and I want to win. I want to go far and make I want to make the second week.'

Romanian Halep is now second favourite for the Roland Garros title behind Maria Sharapova.

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Going to the dogs: down to the wire at Wimbledon

New StatesmanGoing to the dogs: down to the wire at WimbledonNew StatesmanWimbledon Stadium is the last of the 33 dog-racing tracks in London. Now that the owners want to sell, the institution that is the English Greyhound Derby may be about to leave the capital for good. by India Bourke Published 29 May, 2014 - 11:18.

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BT Sport serves up men's tennis with rights to pre

BT Sport has made its first move into men's tennis buying the TV rights to pre- Wimbledon tournaments including Queen's.

BT Sport will share live coverage of the pre-Wimbledon event with the BBC, which first began screening the event in 1979, in a deal struck with the Lawn Tennis Association.

Andy Murray, Tomas Berdych and French star Jo Wilfred Tsonga have signed up to play at Queen's this year. The competition was sponsored by Stella Artois but has been backed by Aegon since 2009.

BT Sport is effectively replacing Eurosport, which previously covered Queen's alongside the BBC.

BT Sport will also air exclusive coverage of the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Aegon Classic event, which takes place at the Edgbaston Priory Club, Birmingham, next month.

Additionally, BT Sport will also share live coverage with the BBC of the men's and women's tournaments at the Aegon International at Devonshire Park in Eastbourne.

Until now, BT Sport only aired women's professional tennis with the rights to broadcast up to 800 hours a year.

In future, BT could bid for broadcast rights for key tournaments such as the French Open, held by ITV, and the US Open, shown on Sky.

The BBC is the host broadcaster of live coverage of Wimbledon, after signing a contract extension until 2017.

Simon Green, head of BT Sport, said: 'We're set for a glorious summer of grass court tennis on BT Sport. We will be bringing viewers the world's best players at some of the world's best grass court tournaments as they prepare for Wimbledon.'

* To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email media@theguardian.com or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly 'for publication'. * To get the latest media news to your desktop or mobile, follow MediaGuardian on and .

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Watch: Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli in shape for Liverpool return

Reigning Wimbledon champ to play Liverpool Hope University International tennis tournament next month

Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli

Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli has promised to be in 'top shape' for her return to grass in Liverpool next month.

Bartoli hasn't played on a grass court surface since her 6-1 6-4 defeat of Sabine Lisicki last summer and has surprised the tennis world by choosing Liverpool as the venue for her return.

In a special message to local tennis fans yesterday she said: I am excited about returning to grass for the first time since my Wimbledon title to play the Liverpool Hope University International tennis tournament.

'I have not been on grass since last year but I can truly ensure I will be in top shape to play my best ... at least I will try. I promise you!

Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli

'I have been away for a while but I am really looking forward to playing these matches.

'Plus I am a huge football fan and I am really looking forward to seeing the players of the Liverpool football team and to visit Anfield and Goodison Park as well.'

The rival sporting claims of the World Cup may put paid to the Frenchwoman's hopes of meeting a Liverpool player - but she should get the opportunity to visit both stadia during her visit to the city.

The third edition of Liverpool's Festival of Tennis, meanwhile, got underway this week at Chevasse Park in the heart of Liverpool One.

Every day from noon to 3pm free tennis lessons are being given on a first come first serve basis.

Then every week-night from June 2 a corporate tournament will take place from 6pm, featuring doubles pairings from sponsors and partners of the Liverpool Hope University International Tennis Tournament.

Last year the event was won by Liverpool Hope University beating Brabners in a very competitive final.

The winning couple will play against a legends doubles pairing on centre court at Liverpool Cricket Club during the Liverpool Hope International.

The activities are organised by the Liverpool Tennis Foundation with the aim to introduce children to tennis in order to increase participation,fight obesity and prevent crime.

For tickets for the Liverpool International see http://ift.tt/1wq218O

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Lleyton Hewitt turns attention to Wimbledon after disappointing French Open

Australian Tennis 28 May 2014 - 10:15 / by Federico Coppini / reads 160.Source: tennis.com.au

An early French Open exit hasn't dampened Lleyton Hewitt's belief he can be a contender at Wimbledon next month.

The 33-year-old Australian exited the claycourt Grand Slam at the first hurdle for the third successive time after a 3-6 6-2 6-1 6-4 defeat to Argentine Carlos Berlocq on Tuesday.

Clay is Hewitt's least-favoured surface and Roland Garros is effectively a stepping stone to the grasscourt season these days.

While disappointed he wasn't able to get more court time, Hewitt will still head to Wimbledon - where he won in 2002 - feeling like anything is possible.

'I feel especially at Wimbledon there is not as many guys that have a realistic shot, guys that can go out there and compete against the top guys who possibly can win the tournament,' Hewitt said.

'I think I'm one of those guys who can go out there and push those guys. With my ball striking, I'm feeling pretty good about it at the moment.'

Hewitt has not won a match at Roland Garros since 2010 and his best results at the event are quarterfinal appearances in 2001 and 2004.

However he had been optimistic of causing a few upsets after arriving at the event fully fit for the first time in several years.

While he was clearly outplayed by Berlocq, world No.47 Hewitt came away confident the key aspects of his game are in a good place heading onto grass.

'I was pretty happy with how I hit the ball and returned serve as well,' Hewitt said.

'My net play was fantastic. I came in on the right balls ... and my volleying, that was really good today. I think moving forward, that's such a key aspect of the grass.

'It's obviously disappointing right now but there are positives.'

Hewitt will compete in the doubles at Roland Garros alongside Chris Guccione before heading to London for the ATP event at Queen's, where his is a four-time champion.

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French Open 2014

Lleyton Hewitt's 2014 French Open campaign came to an end on Tuesday, leaving the former world No. 1 to focus on preparing for this summer's grass swing.

Hewitt's ranking has dropped considerably since the days when he was seen as a serious contender for slam title. He's currently the world No. 46 but remains one of the most popular players on the tour, and his fighting spirit makes him a great player to watch at the most prestigious events.

Unfortunately for Hewitt fans, the 33-year-old bowed out in round one at Roland Garros on Tuesday despite winning the first set of his match against Carlos Berlocq. The contest finished 3-6 6-2 6-1 6-4.

Although he refused to be drawn into any discussion about how many years he's got left on the tour, Hewitt told reporters that he's feeling good physically and is looking forward to the tennis to be played over the next month. The 2002 Wimbledon champion also revealed that he expects his best results of 2014 to occur during the grass swing, and that he's got every intention of testing the best at the All-England Club.

'I feel especially at Wimbledon there is not as many guys that have a realistic shot,' he remarked.

'[There aren't many] guys that can go out there and compete against the top guys who possibly can win the tournament. I think I'm one of those guys who can go out there and push those guys.

'If I execute everything, and my ball striking - I'm feeling pretty good about it at the moment. That's one area that, going straight onto the grass gives me a lot of confidence. With Wimbledon coming up that's obviously the next main focus.'

Hewitt also explained that he could take some positives from his defeat against Berlocq. He impressively managed to fire in 56 winners in the clash, which lasted for over three hours. However, it was unforced errors that let him down as he made 53 to Berlocq's 26. Hewitt may also be ruing his missed opportunities, as he was only able to convert two of 13 break points. The Aussie was understandably delighted with his net play though. His sprints to the front of the court won him 38 points, with 75% of his charges proving fruitful.

'I was pretty happy with how I hit the ball,' said Hewitt.

'Returned serve well. My net play was fantastic. I came in on the right balls. Occasionally lost a couple, but I felt like my volleying was really good today.

'It's obviously disappointing right now, but there are positives. My body feels good and I played over three hours and I feel like I could keep playing.'

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What Serena Williams' Loss to Garbine Muguruza Means for Wimbledon

Serena Williams won the French Open for the second time last year but wasn't able to defend her title as she was eliminated by Garbine Muguruza in the second round.

The official Roland Garros Twitter account noted the American star's exit from Roland Garros, while also providing post-match reaction:

In shocking fashion, defending champion and No.1 #Serena Williams is defeated by Garbine #Muguruza 6-2, 6-2 #RG14 http://ift.tt/TTpyR0

- Roland Garros (@rolandgarros) May 28, 2014

Accolade chaleureuse entre @GarbiMuguruza et S. Williams. #RG14 http://ift.tt/1kKxMnP

- Roland Garros (@rolandgarros) May 28, 2014

Muguruza gets a standing ovation from the crowd as she stuns defending champion Serena Williams in the seco... https://t.co/Dj2MIMYs7I

- Roland Garros (@rolandgarros) May 28, 2014

Ben Rothenberg of the New York Times was quick to weigh in on the outcome:

In an absolute shock, unseeded Garbine Muguruza ROUTS No1 Serena Williams 6-2, 6-2 in just 64 minutes. Total stunner. #RG14

- Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) May 28, 2014

The French Open has always been Williams' weakest major. She has won it just twice as compared to five triumphs at each of the other three Grand Slam events. Her winning percentage on the clay courts of Roland Garros is also easily the lowest of the four biggest tournaments of the year.

She still entered the 2014 edition of the French as the clear favorite, though. That's in part due to the fact she ended a decade-long drought last year. More prominently, however, it was because there isn't a player capable of beating her when she's at her absolute best.

Williams certainly didn't play at that level against Muguruza. Her serve wasn't nearly the weapon it usually is and she was committing unforced errors left and right. Credit the underdog for the upset, but it was a poor showing by the favorite.

And it wasn't just a bad performance, it was the worst loss of her career (based on score), as noted by Richard Deitsch of Sports Illustrated:

Serena Williams falls 6-2, 6-2 to Garbine Muguruza at the French Open. The worst loss of her career.

- Richard Deitsch (@richarddeitsch) May 28, 2014

So, unfortunately for the 17-time Grand Slam singles champion, she wasn't able to complete a repeat performance. Now the focus shifts to Wimbledon, a tournament where Williams has enjoyed far greater success over the years.

Michael Regan/Getty Images

One thing that will be monitored closely in the coming weeks is her health. She dealt with some thigh issues during the run up to the French Open, and the busy portion of the schedule is usually when those type of problems tend to flare up.

The Associated Press, via ESPN.com, passed along comments from her a couple weeks before Roland Garros about fighting through the pain whenever possible:

I don't do anything out of precaution anymore. You live once and I feel like anything can happen tomorrow. I just physically couldn't play. I was in a lot of pain and just wasn't able to continue. When I play I want to give 100 percent.

Williams was eliminated in the fourth round of Wimbledon last year. She had won the classic tournament three times over the previous four years. That success is why she'll arrive to the All England Club as the favorite, as well.

Her inability to win the French Open won't have any impact on that status. Just two years ago she was shocked in the first round of the French by Virginie Razzano and proceeded to win both Wimbledon and the U.S. Open to finish the 2012 major schedule.

So if anything, the loss at Roland Garros will simply provide further motivation for the rest of the year. It certainly wouldn't be a surprise to see her return to an unmatched level of dominance to capture her sixth Wimbledon crown.

That's all based on the assumption she doesn't have any type of health setbacks in the weeks ahead, of course. Should Williams arrive to Wimbledon at less than full strength, it will give her fellow top contenders far more hope of conquering the storied grass-court event.

As for now, it doesn't seem like that will be a serious issue. That leaves a bright outlook for the rest of Williams' season despite the early exit at the French Open.

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French open 2014: Wimbledon champion Andy Murray survives first round scare ...

The Wimbledon champion began well but got bogged down in heavy conditions and dropped the third set before recovering to win 6-1 6-4 3-6 6-3

AP Photo/David Vincent)

Britain's Andy Murray returns the ball to Kazakhstan's Andrey Golubev during the first round match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium, in Paris, France, Tuesday, May 27, 2014. (AP Photo/David Vincent)

Andy Murray won a scrappy contest against Andrey Golubev in four sets to mark his return to the French Open.

The Wimbledon champion began well but got bogged down in heavy conditions and dropped the third set before recovering to win 6-1 6-4 3-6 6-3.

Murray, who missed the tournament last year with back problems, will play Australian Marinko Matosevic or German-Jamaican Dustin Brown in the second round.

Golubev has won only one match at Roland Garros in his career, but Murray said after his win: 'He'a a tough player.

'He's extremely aggressive, he puts you on the back foot very early. I tried to be patient. It was quite windy, especially at the start. I didn't go for my shots too much and finally got the win.

'Last year was tough for me, I didn't get to play much (on clay). It was very tough watching Roland Garros on TV. I've tried to improve my movement, get a little bit more top spin on my shots.'

Murray's on-court chat with former French player Fabrice Santoro then moved onto his potential new coach.

The Scot said before the tournament he had identified the person he wanted to replace Ivan Lendl but has kept the name a secret.

Murray joked 'not many people want to work with me' before asking if Santoro, one of his favourite players, would be one.

The 41-year-old promptly produced a business card, which Murray kissed and put in his pocket.

Murray had won both his previous two matches against Golubev easily, but the world number 53 is a flashy player who last month beat Stanislas Wawrinka in Davis Cup.

Murray made the perfect start, breaking the Golubev serve in the second game, his quality and consistency proving too much for the Kazakh.

Golubev did not hold serve at all in the opener but there was a sign of the difficulties to come as Murray dropped serve in the fifth game and then needed four set points to clinch the opener.

Murray has had an indifferent season so far but went into the French Open on the back of one of the best clay-court performances of his career, albeit in defeat to Rafael Nadal in Rome.

He was mostly dealing well with Golubev's streaky play, the Kazakh mixing winners with shanks and simple errors.

The underdog finally held serve to start the second set but in the fifth game Murray pounced again, only to then throw in a poor game of his own as Golubev levelled at 4-4.

The Scot appeared to be bothered by a TV camera suspended on wires, which was in his eyeline when he served, and he complained to the umpire.

But he forged ahead again straight away by breaking serve for the fifth time, and then held on to take the set when Golubev netted a forehand.

Murray's problems really began at the start of the third set, although there was no sign of that when he broke the Golubev serve yet again in the first game.

But Murray's own serve had gone completely off the boil, his first-serve percentage dropping into the low 30s, and it was not until he was 5-2 down that he finally held.

It was too late to save the set but at least was something to hold onto at the start of the fourth set, and he made the perfect start by moving into a 3-0 lead.

Murray's stats were hardly impressive but Golubev had broken a half-century for unforced errors.

The Scot had a point for 4-0 after a remarkable backhand winner, but Golubev saved that.

Golubev saved two match points as well but missed a return on the third as Murray ground out victory after two hours and 35 minutes.

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What Caroline Wozniacki's Loss to Yanina Wickmayer Means for Wimbledon

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Caroline Wozniacki's struggles in major tournaments continued at the 2014 French Open as she was eliminated by Yanina Wickmayer in the first round.

Beyond the baseline passed along word of her latest early exit:

No win for Caroline Wozniacki. Out in the first round to Yanina Wickmayer 76 46 62. #rg14

- Beyond The Baseline (@SI_BTBaseline) May 27, 2014

Even though Wozniacki has proven herself as a very talented player over the past handful of years, including a stint at No. 1, her results at Grand Slams have been underwhelming. It's a trend she wasn't able to buck in the first two majors of 2014.

There were questions about her status coming into the event. A combination of a lingering knee injury and dealing with issues in her personal life regarding the broken-off engagement with golf star Rory McIlroy made her status for the French Open uncertain. A source told Claire Duffin and James Corrigan of The Telegraph:

Officially this is because of a knee injury, but the split with Rory will not help her recovery.

What is clear is that this was totally unexpected-a real bolt from the blue. Beyond being a hugely successful tennis star, Caroline is an ordinary young woman who is suffering like any other young woman in these circumstances.

She sent out this message on Twitter leading up to the tournament:

It's a hard time for me right now.Thanks for all the sweet messages!Happy I support Liverpool right now because I know I'll never walk alone

- Caroline Wozniacki (@CaroWozniacki) May 22, 2014

Nobody would have faulted her for taking some time off to focus on herself over the game. Instead, she decided to play, but outside expectations were limited. The good news is at least the focus was able to shift back to tennis.

The biggest issue on the court for Wozniacki is the fact she hasn't reached a major semifinal since 2011.

For a three-year stretch starting in 2009 it appeared she was due to break through on the Grand Slam stage, but it never happened. Now she's been trending in the wrong direction. She hasn't even been making deep runs to the business end of big tournaments.

Graham Denholm/Getty Images

Looking ahead toward Wimbledon and beyond, the most important factor is finding a way to change up her approach to become more competitive in the big events.

Back when Wozniacki was reaching the semifinals in majors, she was an extremely defensive player capable of wearing down lesser opponents. But when it came to the marquee matchups, she didn't have enough weapons to take down the sport's top players.

She worked to add more aggression into her game, but it came with mixed results overall and the Grand Slam outcomes have gotten worse.

Her best bet is either going back to the style that worked in the past or going all-in to become more of a power player to see if that could get her moving back in the right direction. That would take a complete overhaul of her game and mindset, though.

Right now it seems like she's caught in the middle of the two styles. And when a player enters a match with an uncertain game plan, it's tough to beat anybody-let alone the likes of Serena Williams when there's a Grand Slam title on the line.

Although it seems like Wozniacki has been around for a long time-and she has, having debuted on the major stage in 2007-she's still just 23 years old. There's plenty of time for her to get her game back on track to become a threat in Grand Slams.

It doesn't seem like that type of high-end success is imminent, however.

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Lleyton Hewitt turns attention to Wimbledon after French Open first round exit

Lleyton Hewitt immediately turned his attention to making an impact at Wimbledon after exiting the French Open at the first round stage on Tuesday.

Former world number one Hewitt's ranking has dropped considerably since the days when he was seen as a serious contender for slam titles - he is currently the ranked 46th in the world - but he remains one of the most popular players on the tour.

The 33-year-old bowed out in round one at Roland Garros on Tuesday despite winning the first set of his match against Carlos Berlocq. The contest finished 3-6, 6-2, 6-1, 6-4.

Although he refused to be drawn into any discussion about how many years he's got left on the tour, Hewitt told reporters that he's feeling good physically and is looking forward to the tennis to be played over the next month.

The Wimbledon 2002 champion also revealed that he expects his best results of 2014 to occur during the grass court swing, and that he's got every intention of testing the best at the All-England Club.

'I feel especially at Wimbledon there is not as many guys that have a realistic shot,' he said. '[There aren't many] guys that can go out there and compete against the top guys who possibly can win the tournament. I think I'm one of those guys who can go out there and push those guys.

'If I execute everything, and my ball striking - I'm feeling pretty good about it at the moment. That's one area that, going straight onto the grass gives me a lot of confidence. With Wimbledon coming up that's obviously the next main focus.'

Hewitt will take some positives from his defeat against Berlocq after firing in 56 winners in the clash, which lasted for over three hours. It was unforced errors that let him down as he made 53 to Berlocq's 26.

Hewitt may also be ruing his missed opportunities after converting just two of 13 break points.

'I was pretty happy with how I hit the ball,' said Hewitt. 'Returned serve well. My net play was fantastic. I came in on the right balls. Occasionally lost a couple, but I felt like my volleying was really good today.

'It's obviously disappointing right now, but there are positives. My body feels good and I played over three hours and I feel like I could keep playing.'

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Davydenko pondering retirement, will not play Wimbledon

Nikolay Davydenko is pondering retirement following a first-round defeat at the French Open.

'What I need to do is see if I will continue this year after Paris or not,' he was quoted as saying in press by Sport360.

'For sure I will not play Wimbledon, I'm skipping the grass completely. I'm in the Wimbledon main draw, normally I should go there but I will pull out of Wimbledon for sure. I have no interest playing there.'

The former world No. 3 from Russia will drop out of the Top 100 following this tournament and emphasized that he did not want to play Challengers to rebuild his ranking. However, he said he would consider playing out the rest of the season to see how he does.

'If I continue this year I can for sure get wildcards,' he explained. 'That's why I need to decide what I need to do. Because if they give me wildcards I need to practice again and need to prepare for these tournaments ... but then I need to practice and really I don't want to practice.'

The 32-year-old began having problems with his wrist in 2010, and has not been able to regain his previous form.

'I'm practicing but I don't run so much. The feeling is that I can't do what I did before. I can't run like that if I start to practice very hard I start to get pain and injuries and I can't hold my practicing level,' he said.

Thinking about retirement, Davydenko says he 'asked every player who finished their career and they all told me it's a very good feeling, best feeling ever. Last year I asked Jonas Bjorkman, I asked Ivan Ljubicic and others and they said it's perfect. I hope I will be feeling the same way.'

Though he insisted he was likely not to attend any tournaments next year if he retired, Davydenko did not rule out coaching, like so many of his contemporaries are now doing. 'I saw players I was playing 10 years ago and they're now coaching. It can happen,' he said.

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I have no interest in playing Wimbledon: Nikolay Davydenko

The Russian star mulls retirement talks as he announces his withdrawal from the grass-court season

Tennis Stories 27 May 2014 - 08:14 / by Vishal Gajaria / reads 9.Source:

Former World No. 3 Nikolay Davydenko has reportedly hinted on retirement as he decides to opt out of the grass-court season - including the prestigious Wimbledon - due to a dip in his physical structure.

After losing his first-round battle at Roland Garros to Robin Haase in straight sets, Davydenko elucidates how his body has been forcing him to lose matches, and ultimately, mull retirement talks.

'What I need to do is see if I will continue this year after Paris or not,' the 32-year-old Russian was quoted as saying by Sport360. 'For sure I will not play Wimbledon; I'm skipping the grass completely.

'I'm in the Wimbledon main draw, normally I would go there but I will pull out of Wimbledon for sure. I have no interest playing there. I'm practicing but I don't run so much. The feeling is that I can't do what I did before. I can't run like that.

'If I'm not running, I start making mistakes. I played my maximum tennis today and I couldn't do anything. Today I had no chance to win (against Haase). If I start to practice very hard I start to get pain and injuries and I can't hold my practicing level.

'That's why I'm not able to get good results on tournaments.'

Prior to the French Open, Davydenko also struggled to get going in Dusseldorf (lost in first round), before being ousted in another first round at the BMW Malaysian Open.

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Andy Murray can win Wimbledon even without new coach: Darren Cahill

Murray has not revealed the name but one of the men who has ruled himself out, Australia's Darren Cahill, says that even if there is not a replacement for Ivan Lendl around by Wimbledon, the Scot knows how to retain the title.

Murray is up against Kazakhstan's Andrey Golubev, ranked 55, and believes that he could have a long run at Roland Garros.

He is already the last British man standing despite a fine effort by James Ward, who was the first British man in 41 years to come through qualifying to make the main draw only to go up against Tommy Robredo.

The Spaniard is ranked 18 to the Londoner's 169 but Ward beat the odds to take the first set and had chances in the other three sets but lost out 4-6, 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 in a rain-interrupted match.

Murray, a semi-finalist here, missed last year with back problems but is regaining form again.

Cahill, who ruled himself out of coaching the British number one, said: 'Ivan came in and gave him that 5% extra and it worked beautifully for him.

'That's what Andy's going to look for this time around. Andy will be forever grateful but now it's really important for him to have stability through the rest of his career.

'If he gets to Wimbledon and doesn't have a new coach in place, there shouldn't be any panic.

'Can he win Wimbledon without a new coach? Absolutely.

'It's only a matter of time before he finds that confidence again. He's got the game, he knows how to win the big moments now.'

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Wimbledon AS

Wimbledon AS-level student launches car-sharing app Ecomumy

5:00am Monday 26th May 2014 in Wimbledon By Louisa Clarence-Smith, Reporter

Ambitious teen Andrew Christopher

An AS-level student inspired by Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerburg has launched an app to help mums share the school run.

Ecomumy is the brainchild of Andrew Christopher, a pupil at King's College School, Wimbledon.

Andrew, 17, said he came up with the idea after watching 4x4 cars with a seven-seater capacity carrying just three passengers during his slow journey to school.

He said: 'When I travelled to school I would always notice there was a lot of congestion so I wondered if there was a way to resolve this issue and reduce traffic congestion as well as CO2 emissions.

'I would like all the schools in Merton to come forward on the idea of Ecomumy so they can use it as a model and help the environment.'

The app, available to download from iTunes and Google Play, allows users to search for their childrens' school and co-ordinate with parents making similar journeys.

Andrew, who is preparing for maths, physics, history and chemistry exams, said he got into graphic design after designing the website of his dad's company.

He said: 'My dad's company bought an Adobe Creative Suite kit and I wanted to try it out. One of his employees taught me when I was 10 and from there I started to self-teach.'

After coming up with the idea for Ecomumy aged 15, he made a story board, mapping out how the app would function, and sent it to developers in India.

Despite his hopes the app will transform school runs for time-limited parents around the country, the ambitious teenager said his entry into the tech world is just a hobby and he hopes to study engineering at university.

To download Ecomumy, visit http://ift.tt/TO54cm

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Madison Keys says loss to Radwanska at Wimbledon last year will haunt her for ...

Tennis - Keys says the locker room is a more friendly place than made out to be

Tennis Interviews 25 May 2014 - 03:50 / by Prakash / reads 279.Source:

Tennis - American teenager Madison Keys says that her three-set loss to Agnieszka Radwanska at Wimbledon last year still hurts and will be seared into her memory for another ten years.

Keys is one of the rising stars of the game and her big serve and powerful groundstrokes have made tennis pundits earmark her as a future top 10 player.

In an interview with CNNSI.com, Keys says, 'Oh, my gosh. Radwanska at Wimbledon last year [No. 4 Agnieszka Radwanska beat Keys 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 in the third round]. I can close my eyes and I'm back on that court. Why did I hit that backhand down the line?!?! Why! I should have gone cross court! Why! It will be there in 10 years.'

Keys also said that the women's locker room is not as bitchy as it is made out to be. 'All these rumors that we hate each other and beat each other in the locker room is not true. We actually get along really well. We sit around in a circle and hold hands and sing Kumbaya all the time. Sometimes Beyonce, sometimes Rihanna. Depends on the mood.'

You can read the full interview here.

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Roger Federer: ´With Sampras at Wimbledon the most nervous

Tennis - After a good start, Roger Federer meets the press at the French Open

Roger Federer 25 May 2014 - 18:45 / by Ivan Pasquariello / reads 38.Source:

After dominating his first round match, Roger Federer met with the press for his first interview after a match in Paris.

How much happier are you today with your game and with your life?

Everything is great right now. I mean, I am happy for the good start of the tournament here in Paris. I had good signs on court that I am playing well, the level of tennis I want to play. In my personal life, as you all know, everything is great and I am very happy that the family is here.

First match of a tournament on a big stadium, you have done it million times. Is there still a bit of a rush?

I wasn't actually nervous heading into the match. It was more like, you know, hints of fear. Like, 'I hope I don't have to pack my bags today' sort of feeling. I think today with my experience I'm more laid back going into a tournament, going into a first round of a Grand Slam. What really counts however, is not the name or the importance of the tournament, it's rather the atmosphere the stadium has. Is it a night session? Is it full? How early in the day it is? Is it full? How is the weather? That is more important in determining whether you are nervous or not.

How vulnerable do you think Rafael Nadal looks now?

I don't think anything is different for Rafa compared to the previous years. I think he's back on where he wants to be. He's played his matches he needs to play. He's one a Masters 1000 in Madrid at home. So I think he is where he wants to be in my opinion.

You are known for your calm and confidence, but talk about the nerves over the years. When were you the most nervous?

Probably never as nervous as for the Sampras match at Wimbledon. It was my first time on Centre Court, my first time against Pete. There I remember the cold hands, nervous, the pulse. Just feeling like is not the usual match, you know, kind of thing.

Serena Williams, I hate breakups!

Venus Williams: me and Serena are fighters!

Berdych and Raonic advance in Paris

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Man, 91, in critical condition after road crash in Durnsford Road, Wimbledon

Man, 91, in critical condition after road crash in Durnsford Road, Wimbledon

8:29am Sunday 25th May 2014 in News By Omar Oakes, Digital Editor

Police have appealed for witnesses

Police are appealing for information and witnesses to come forward following a road traffic collision in Wimbledon yesterday.

Officers were called to Durnsford Road at the junction with Weir Road, at 10.17am on Saturday 24 May, following reports of a serious road traffic collision.

Police attended the scene along with London Ambulance Service and London Air Ambulance, where they found a 91-year-old man suffering from serious injuries following a collision with a car.

The 91-year-old man was taken by London Ambulance Service to a south London Hospital in a critical condition.

The driver of the car stopped at the scene. No arrests have been made.

Temporary road closures were put in place which were later lifted.

Enquiries are continuing.

Officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at Hampton are investigating. Anyone with information is asked to call officers on 020 89419011.

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Wimbledon champion Andy Murray could be 'fairly close' to hiring coach to ...

Andy Murray says he could have a new coach in place soon - though not in time for the French Open, which starts Sunday.

Murray has been without a coach since splitting with Ivan Lendl in March. Lendl helped Murray win Grand Slam titles at the U.S. Open in 2012 and Wimbledon last year.

Asked Friday about his coaching situation, Murray replied: 'Hopefully I'm fairly close.' Then he added: 'I wouldn't expect anything over the next few days, obviously.'

He hasn't set a deadline for hiring someone, saying: 'For me, it's not about rushing into something. It's about getting it right.'

Murray said his 'target' is to win more major titles, so he 'will pick the person I feel is best able to help me with that.'

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Jack Midson: Eastleigh FC sign former AFC Wimbledon forward

Last updated at 12:08

Conference Premier new boys Eastleigh FC have announced their second signing of the week after completing the capture of Jack Midson.

The 30-year-old was among eight players released by League Two side AFC Wimbledon earlier this month.

Former Oxford man Midson scored 42 goals in 140 appearances during a three-year stay at Kingsmeadow.

'We are looking forward to welcoming a player of Jack's pedigree and ability,' said manager Richard Hill.

Prior to his time at AFC Wimbledon, Midson was a team-mate of James Constable at Oxford United.

And the pair will be reunited at Eastkleigh after Constable arrived on a two-year deal earlier this week.

'I have been speaking to Jack for a few weeks now, desperately trying to get this deal over the line,' added Hill.

'Like James Constable, Jack is an extremely ambitious lad and, to come and play in the Conference, he needed to be convinced that we're not going into this league just to tread water.'

Midson began his career at Stevenage and also had spells at Southend and Barnet before signing for AFC Wimbledon in June 2011.

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Bartoli, Inverdale to share commentary booth after Wimbledon controversy

British television presenter John Inverdale and Marion Bartoli will both commentate on the French Open for ITV, which is televising the tournament in Britain.

The combination has attracted attention following the Wimbledon controversy involving the two. Speaking on BBC Radio 5, Inverdale speculated Bartoli might have been told when younger that she was 'never going to be a looker.'

In an interview with the Radio Times, Inverdale said he had not been able to find the right words to express his thought.

'I was so ill that day, I had terrible hay fever and all I could think of was that I wanted to go home to bed,' he said. ''I had Andy Murray in the final the next day, I knew I had to be on form.'

Inverdale added he 'was going to say that in your early years, you're dealt a set of cards. And actually I was going to use the phrase 'physical attributes' and then - and remember, you're thinking all this in a split second - I thought, 'No, don't say that'. And then I said something far worse.'

Bartoli told the publication, 'I'd known John a long time, and I knew what he was trying to say. At the end of the day I am a tennis player, I know I'm not 6-feet tall, I'm not the same long, lean shape as Maria Sharapova, but the beauty of tennis is that anyone can win...'

Speaking before the Wimbledon final, Inverdale had said, 'I just wonder if her dad, because he has obviously been the most influential person in her life, did say to her when she was 12, 13, 14 maybe, 'listen, you are never going to be, you know, a looker. You are never going to be somebody like a Sharapova, you're never going to be 5-feet-11, you're never going to be somebody with long legs, so you have to compensate for that. You are going to have to be the most dogged, determined fighter that anyone has ever seen on the tennis court...'

Bartoli had given a measured response when told of Inverdale's comments after the match.

'It doesn't matter, honestly,' she said. 'Have I dreamt about having a model contract? No. I'm sorry. But have I dreamed about winning Wimbledon? Absolutely, yes.'

The two will provide commentary and analysis during the tournament, and appear together with others on the commentary team during studio programming.

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Sean Rigg: AFC Wimbledon sign Oxford United winger

Last updated at 16:41

AFC Wimbledon have completed the signing of Oxford United winger Sean Rigg on a free transfer.

The 25-year-old joined the U's in the summer of 2012 and scored two goals in 32 appearances in 2013-14.

'I have always liked him when Sean's played against us and been impressed when I've watched him in games,' Dons boss Neal Ardley told the club website.

'Sean is quick and direct and can score goals, which is obviously an area we are trying to improve upon.'

He added: 'I'm really confident that he will be a good signing.'

Wimbledon have not disclosed the length of Rigg's contract.

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Balding back as Wimbledon host

Clare Balding is back for the BBC's Wimbledon coverage this year

Clare Balding is to return as the host of Radio 5 Live's Wimbledon coverage, replacing John Inverdale who sparked a row last year with an on-air gaffe.

Inverdale caused a storm when listeners heard him say Marion Bartoli - who went on to be women's champion - was 'not much of a looker'.

Balding had previously been the station's Wimbledon host but the in-demand presenter was unable to front the coverage due to other commitments.

Inverdale will continue to work on the BBC's tournament coverage with highlights on TV.

A spokeswoman for the station said: 'We have a wide team of talent that work across TV and radio at Wimbledon and John is very much a part of this again this year, and will present the daily highlights programme on BBC Two, Today At Wimbledon.

'Clare Balding reprises her presenting role on Radio 5 Live, which she has done before. Due to other commitments Clare was not part of the Wimbledon team last year.'

Inverdale told in an interview earlier this week how a bout of hay fever and efforts to fill airtime had been behind his comment last year.

The incident blew up to such an extent that the then culture secretary Maria Miller wrote to BBC director-general Tony Hall about the remark.

Inverdale, 56, told Radio Times magazine this week: 'I was feeling so ill that day, I had terrible hay fever and all I could think of was that I wanted to go home to bed.

'I had Andy Murray in the final the next day, I knew I had to be on form.

'Your mind is going all over the place, we're on air from 12 noon till 7pm with not a single word written and you've got to fill the time.'

The BBC received around 700 complaints after Inverdale questioned whether Bartoli's father had told her, when she was younger, that she was never going to be a 'looker ... a Sharapova ... you're never going to be 5ft 11in, you're never going to be somebody with long legs, so you have to compensate for that'.

The presenter later attempted to clarify the 'ham-fisted' comment and said that he had written to Bartoli to apologise for using a 'clumsy phrase'.

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Balding back as Wimbledon host

Clare Balding had previously been the station's Wimbledon host but was unable to front the coverage due to other commitments

Clare Balding is to return as the host of Radio 5 Live's Wimbledon coverage, replacing John Inverdale who sparked a row last year with an on-air gaffe.

Inverdale caused a storm when listeners heard him say Marion Bartoli - who went on to be women's champion - was 'not much of a looker'.

Balding had previously been the station's Wimbledon host but the in-demand presenter was unable to front the coverage due to other commitments.

Inverdale will continue to work on the BBC's tournament coverage with highlights on TV.

A spokeswoman for the station said: 'We have a wide team of talent that work across TV and radio at Wimbledon and John is very much a part of this again this year, and will present the daily highlights programme on BBC2, Today At Wimbledon.

'Clare Balding reprises her presenting role on Radio 5 Live, which she has done before. Due to other commitments Clare was not part of the Wimbledon team last year.'

Inverdale told in an interview earlier this week how a bout of hay fever and efforts to fill airtime had been behind his comment last year.

The incident blew up to such an extent that the then culture secretary Maria Miller wrote to BBC director-general Tony Hall about the remark.

Inverdale, 56, told Radio Times magazine this week: 'I was feeling so ill that day, I had terrible hay fever and all I could think of was that I wanted to go home to bed.

'I had Andy Murray in the final the next day, I knew I had to be on form.

'Your mind is going all over the place, we're on air from 12 noon till 7pm with not a single word written and you've got to fill the time.'

The BBC received around 700 complaints after Inverdale questioned whether Bartoli's father had told her, when she was younger, that she was never going to be a 'looker ... a Sharapova ... you're never going to be 5ft 11in, you're never going to be somebody with long legs, so you have to compensate for that'.

The presenter later attempted to clarify the 'ham-fisted' comment and said that he had written to Bartoli to apologise for using a 'clumsy phrase'.

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