French Open to defend its Grand Slam turf against Madrid

PARIS - Madrid’s new-found millions in government money, three new roofed, clay-court stadiums and dreams of becoming a fifth Grand Slam will be knocked back by the rival French Open, tournament boss Gilbert Ysern warned Tuesday.

Djokovic starts French Open with a win

PARIS - Novak Djokovic waited out a weather delay before starting his match, but made up for lost time in 78 minutes, as injured Nicolas Lapentti had to stop after twice twisting his ankle in their contest at the French Open Tuesday.

Sania makes a shocking first round exit from French Open

PARIS - Sania Mirza crashed out of French Open first round, losing 4-6, 6-7(3) to Kazakhstan’s Galina Voskoboeva at Roland Garros here Tuesday.

Roger wants to make sure pregnant Mirka weathers heat (French Open diary)

PARIS - Roger Federer finds it easy to beat the heat which characterised the opening days of the French Open, but it’s his pregnant wife Mirka about whom he’s more concerned.

Nadal sets another Paris record with 29th straight win

PARIS - Rafael Nadal began his campaign for a record fifth straight French Open title with a smooth 7-5, 6-4, 6-3 demolition of Brazilian qualifier Marcos Daniel in the opening round Monday.

Monfils determined to play with a sore knee (French Open diary)

PARIS - Last year’s semi-finalist Gael Monfils has vowed to fight through his knee pain to make it to the court for his opening game at the French Open.

Paes, Bhupathi to meet local pairs in French Open

PARIS - India’s Leander Paes and Czech Lukas Dlouhy have been seeded third while Mahesh Bhupathi and his Bahamian partner Mark Knowles are seeded fourth in the French Open tennis doubles event.

Hewitt slams ITF for fining Australia

PARIS - Former World No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt, after battling into the second round of the French Open Sunday, slammed the $10,000 fine tennis’ governing body had levelled on Australia for failing to play a Davis Cup tie in India.

Nadal relaxed as he plays for Paris history (French Open diary)

PARIS - No one has to tell Rafael Nadal that he’s playing for history as he targets a record fifth consecutive French Open title.

Ivanovic struggles in opening round of French Open

PARIS - Ana Ivanovic opened her title defence with a two hours struggle to overcome Italian Sara Errani 7-6 (7-3), 6-3 in the French Open here Sunday.

Zvonareva pulls out of French Open

PARIS - Sixth-seeded Vera Zvonareva of Russia has pulled out of the French Open due to an ankle injury.

Bordeaux edge closer to French title

PARIS - Girondins Bordeaux moved closer to the Ligue 1 title after securing a 1-0 win at home to Monaco Saturday with three points clear of Olympique Marseille and just one game left to play.