Federer keeps calm

Former world number one Roger Federer will head to the French Open next week looking to once again challenge for a grand slam title. The 29-year-old hasn't made a major final since his victorious Australian Open campaign at the beginning of last year, leaving Federer stuck on 16-grand slam titles. The winless run is Federer's longest since 2003 and the signs don't look too much in his favour about his chances at Roland Garros next week and those looking for French Open tips need to bear this in...

Philip Oliver

Djokovic continues rise to the top

It was the win that really makes the tennis world sit up and take notice. Novak Djokovic has been untouchable this year, but in beating Rafael Nadal in routine fashion at the final of the Rome Masters, the Serb elevated his reputation to another level.

The world number two has now won 39 consecutive matches, 37 coming this year, and is surely closing in on the top ranking. Nadal won both the French Open and Wimbledon last year and as amazing as it seems, he appears unlikely to defend...

Philip Oliver

Big names could miss French Open

It is looking unlikely that former French Open finalist Venus Williams will be competing at Roland Garros in a few weeks time after her latest tournament withdrawal.

The 30-year-old, a seven-time Major winner, has pulled out of next week's Brussels Open as she is still recovering from an abdominal problem.

Williams suffered the injury at the Australian Open back in January and the long injury lay-off means she has been unable to prepare for the event and those looking...

Philip Oliver

Which women will challenge at Wimbledon 2011?

The success of two surprise semi finalists at last year's Wimbledon has put punters on alert for the possibility of some more upsets in 2011. Tsvetana Pironkova has not built on that shock performance, but Petra Kvitova has gone from strength to strength and is suddenly a title challenger for slams.

The new world number 10's maiden Premier mandatory tour win at Madrid was her third title of the year and proved her game is as suited to clay as it is to grass. Her impressive run to...

Philip Oliver

Victoria Azarenka targets the French Open

The time is right for Victoria Azarenka to win her first slam. She has matured as a person and player and has the power-hitting game to succeed on the clay courts of Roland Garros. Some her main rivals are struggling for form and fitness and her excellent current form makes her one to follow in Paris.

It is surprising that Azarenka has never progressed past a slam quarter final, a sign that she has failed to produce her best when the pressure is on in big matches. Her suspect temperament,...

Philip Oliver