Injury ends Nadal's Olympics dream

World number three Rafael Nadal will be unable to defend the Olympics title he secured in Beijing four years ago because of injury.

The defending men's singles champion has been forced to withdraw from the tournament in London due to an ongoing knee problem.

The 26-year-old, who continues to feature prominently in US Open betting, had also been scheduled to carry the flag for Spain at the opening ceremony, but tendinitis means that he will be unable to do so.
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Philip Oliver

London Olympics qualification round-up

When the tennis events start at the Olympics on 28th July, spare a thought for Feliciano Lopez. The entertaining left-hander is ranked 17th on the ATP tour, but will not be present in London due to the four higher ranked Spanish men filling the team limit.

The other members of the top 30 in the rankings who will be missing are Marcel Granollers and Julien Benneteau, for the same reason, whilst Alexandr Dolgopolov and US green card-applicant Kevin Anderson miss out due to not playing...

Philip Oliver

Serena shakes off jet-lag to progress

Fresh off the back of her stunning Wimbledon triumph in both the singles and doubles, Serena Williams took time to settle into her rhythm during a fairly comfortable second round victory on her return to live tennis action at the Stanford Classic.

The American took on 19-year old Nicole Gibbs, and while never in any real trouble, Williams did look justifiably fatigued at more than one stage of her 6-2 6-1 victory.

This is a tournament very close to Serena’s heart. It...

Philip Oliver

Nadal Withdrawal Leaves Big Three to Share the Medals

With Rafael Nadal pulling out of the Spanish Olympic team, the path now looks clear for Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray to mop up the three tennis medals on offer at London 2012.

Swiss Ace, Federer, and Djokovic will be the top ranked pair and favourites for the gold and silver medals in the tennis odds, but once again there is sure to be an overwhelming amount of support for Murray, as he bids to reach a final on the hallowed centre court for the second time in the...

Philip Oliver

Isner closes in on second Newport title

Defending champion John Isner is on course to successfully defend his Hall of Fame Tennis Championships in Newport, Rhode Island after beating Izak van der Merwe in the quarter-finals 6-4 7-6.

The big-serving 27-year-old American sent down 12 aces on his way to overpowering his South African opponent in just 83 minutes.

Isner, who beat Olivier Rochus in last year’s final, has already reached two finals so far in 2012 - at Indian Wells in March and in Houston a month...

Philip Oliver