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

Hewitt sees off subdued Sela

Lleyton Hewitt has shown Betfair punters that he should not be written off just yet by moving into the semi-finals of an ATP tournament for the first time in more than two years.

The 31-year-old Australian impressed in the 6-4 6-3 quarter-final demolition of the Israeli player Dudi Sela at the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships at Rhode Island.

The former world number one, who beat Pete Sampras in the final of the 2001 US Open and thrashed David Nalbandian in the 2002...

Philip Oliver

Murray takes Time Out

Andy Murray says he plans to take a break from tennis in order to gather his thoughts and re-energise after his Wimbledon final defeat to Roger Federer.

The 25-year-old became the first British player to reach the singles final at SW19 since 1938 but, despite taking the first set, lost in four to the Swiss legend.

The victory saw Federer equal Pete Sampras' tally of seven Wimbledon singles titles, and left Murray still searching for his first Grand Slam success....

Philip Oliver