Fifth-seeded Serena Williams withdrew from her quarterfinal match at the Italian Open on Friday due to a back problem.

THE Meadows tennis league is getting underway again and organisers are offering a racquet signed by women's world No.2 Ana Ivanovic as a prize.

MARIA Sharapova will take over as world No1 next week after Justine Henin asked to be removed from the rankings following her retirement, the WTA said yesterday.

ANDY Murray was given a claycourt lesson by Rafael Nadal for his 21st birthday yesterday, the Scot predictably outclassed 6-3, 6-2 by the Spaniard in the last 16 at the H