Is Murray struggling to recover from his Australian Open heartbreak?
Tennis story by sport.co.uk, Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:43:54GMT

The 2010 tennis season started like a rocket ndash; blasting off to the heights of the Australian Open just two weeks in. Nothing unusual in that. However, this year more than most, has seen a palpable sense of come-down as the gamersquo;s top players struggle with form following Januaryrsquo;s physical and mental exertions down under. Andy Murray, who soared as high as the final ndash; but crucially not quite as high as Roger Federer ndash; is top of the list of those...

Djokovic suffers early Miami exit
Tennis story by sport.co.uk, Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:43:52GMT

World number two Novak Djokovic crashed out of the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, losing 6-2, 6-7, 6-4 to Belgiums Olivier Rochus.Djokovic, beaten in last seasons Miami final by Andy Murray, made a series of unforced errors as he lost out to the 59th ranked Rochus."He was motivated to win against somebody whos better ranked, top player, Djokovic commented. "He didnt have anything to lose."He picks up the ball very early and he runs all over the court. He was playing...

Murray falls at first hurdle
Tennis story by sport.co.uk, Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:43:51GMT

Andy Murrays defence of his Sony Ericsson Open title lasted just one match after he was sent packing in straight sets by Mardy Fish.Murray lost his second-round encounter 6-4 6-4 in Miami following an uncharacteristic string of unforced errors.The British number one had looked off-colour when losing to Robin Soderling in the last eight at the Indian Wells tournament last week.He did race into a 3-1 lead in the first set before Fish fought back in devastating style.The Americans power caused...

In form Venus brushes Vinci aside
Tennis story by sport.co.uk, Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:43:49GMT

World number five Venus Williams produced a dominant performance as she eased into the fourth round of the Sony Ericsson Open with a 6-1 6-4 victory over Italys Roberta Vinci.The in-form three-time champion cruised to her 12th successive victory, following back-to-back titles in Dubai and Acapulco.She now faces Slovakian 19th seed Daniela Hantuchova, who beat 16th seed Nadia Petrova of Russia 6-2 6-4."I played a really good first set but in the second I got a little impatient," admitted Williams. "I...

Federer eventually sees off Serra
Tennis story by sport.co.uk, Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:43:47GMT

World number one Roger Federer reached the fourth round of the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami with a hard-fought 7-6, 7-6 victory over Frances Florent Serra.Federer was made to work hard before he prevailed to set up a meeting with the Czech Republics Tomas Berdych.He said after his victory: "Sure I still have to tidy up my game a bit, having had one break up in the first and two breaks up in the second - its normally something that doesnt...

Federer left bemused by form
Tennis story by sport.co.uk, Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:43:45GMT

Roger Federer has admitted he cant put his finger on why he is struggling to recapture his dominant best form at the moment.The world number one lost 6-4 6-7 (3-7) 7-6 (8-6) to Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic in the fourth round of the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami to continue his recent troubles.Federer started the year with another Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, but was surprisingly beaten in the third round of the recent Indian Wells tournament...

Berdych marches on in Miami
Tennis story by sport.co.uk, Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:43:44GMT

Tomas Berdych continued his fine run to reach the semi-finals of the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami.The Czech, who beat Roger Federer in the last 16, saw off Fernando Verdasco 4-6, 7-6, 6-4 in a thrilling three-hour contest.He said after his latest win: "It was a great match. The beginning for me was a little bit slow, because I was still feeling a little bit tired after the long, long match against Roger."But then finally I get the rhythm, start to...

Roddick sends Nadal packing
Tennis story by sport.co.uk, Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:43:42GMT

Andy Roddick will take on Tomas Berdych in the final of the Sony Ericsson Open after overcoming Rafael Nadal in a thrilling semi-final.Roddick came back from a set down to triumph 4-6 6-3 6-3 against the Spaniard after taking a more aggressive approach from the start of the second set."I took a lot of risk there in the last two sets. Thats what I had to do," said Roddick, who had lost five of his previous seven meetings with the world...

Injured Venus thrashed by Clijsters
Tennis story by sport.co.uk, Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:43:40GMT

Belgiums Kim Clijsters put on a super show in the final of the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami as she thrashed Venus Williams 6-2, 6-1 to take the title in just under an hour.Williams went into the match as favourite on home soil, having won her last 15 contests.However, Clijsters quickly took control and took advantage of a clearly struggling Williams, who was wearing strapping on both legs.The delighted victor said after her success: "Shes a great competitor, a great athlete...

Simon suffers fresh knee injury
Tennis story by sport.co.uk, Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:43:39GMT

Home player Gilles Simon is a major doubt for the French Open due to an injury to his right knee.The 25-year-old right-hander faces around a month out of action, having been blighted by knee problems for around six months.Indeed, Simon has yet win a match this year, as he had slid down to number 26 in the world rankings.Meanwhile, American player Wayne Odesnik has vowed to try and clear his name after being caught carrying Human Growth Hormones into Australia in...