Rafael Nadal's wining statement

I don't believe in miracles: Rafael Nadal

 

DOHA: When Rafael Nadal was told that the courts at Melbourne Park, venue of the opening Grand Slam of the year, were playing extra fast, he reacted with a volley of questions. "How do you know?" he asked, "Have you been there?"

2013's top badminton earners

Saina Nehwal pocketed only $43,400 in 2013

NEW DELHI: Indian shuttle queen Saina Nehwal hasn't had the best of seasons and it reflects in her prize money earnings. She occupies only the 38th place in the list of top 50 earners in badminton based on prize money awarded during the 2013 season for all BWF tournaments.

Australia looking for whitewash over England

5th Ashes test Day 2 Fifth Test, Sydney (day two)

Australia 326 & 140-4 & England 155

England plumbed new depths even for this bleak Ashes tour as they staggered to 23-5 and then 155 all out before Australia's batsmen built an intimidating lead in the fifth Test

Rafael Nadal claims Qatar Open title

 

Rafael Nadal beats Gael Monfils to win Qatar title

World number one Rafael Nadal survived a second-set wobble to beat Gael Monfils 6-1 6-7 (5-7) 6-2 to win the Qatar Open in Doha.

The Spaniard was in inspired form in the opening set, taking it in just 23 minutes.
But although Monfils led 3-0 in the second set, Nadal fought back before the Frenchman edged the tie-break.

Brisbane International Final

Serena Williams of the US holds up the Brisbane International trophy  .

Serena Williams wins Brisbane International

BRISBANE (Australia): World number one Serena Williams stamped herself as favourite for the Australian Open when she beat Victoria Azarenka in the final of the Brisbane International on Saturday.

In what could be a dress rehearsal for the Melbourne decider, Williams won a close first set then edged Azarenka in the second to win 6-4, 7-5 in 98 minutes.

Fifth Ashes test Day 1

Steve Smith and Brad Haddin punish England Australia                                  England 326 all out (76.0 overs)           8 for 1 (6.0 overs) Steve Smith's second century in three matches and yet another brilliant Brad Haddin counter-attack punished a weary England as the first day of the fifth Test followed a familiar script.

Williams & Sharapova to meet

Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova to meet in Brisbane

 

Maria Sharapova will continue her comeback from a shoulder injury against world number one Serena Williams in Friday's Brisbane International semis.