Rafael Nadal beats Nicolas Almagro to win his eighth Barcelona title
In any other era or country, Nicolas Almagro, winner of 12 titles from 19 finals—every one of them on clay—might have hoped for greater fame.…
Marianne Bevis Archives: 04/2013
Maria Sharapova heads down road to Roland Garros and Serena Williams
When the tall, willowy figure of the 17-year-old Maria Sharapova burst onto tennis’s most famous stage at Wimbledon in 2004 to win her first Grand…
Barcelona Open 2013: Rafael Nadal continues march to clay immortality
For the 16-year-old Rafael Nadal, 2003 would become a significant year in his tennis career. It marked the transition from the Futures and Challengers circuits—he…
Squash 2020: Agassi and Clijsters join Federer to back Olympic bid
The groundswell of support for squash’s campaign to join the 2020 Olympic family got another boost this week as some of the biggest names in…
Wimbledon 2013: Record prize money throws down gauntlet to rivals
Wimbledon may be the last of the Grand Slams to show its prize-money hand in 2013, but it was certainly worth waiting for. Hot on…
Monte Carlo Masters 2013: Djokovic wins final to end historic Nadal era
Even before the draw was made for the first clay Masters event of the year in Monte Carlo, it would be hard to find a…
Monte Carlo Masters 2013: Nadal & Djokovic into 16th blockbuster final
It was a day of overcast skies and chilly breezes at the Mediterranean venue so used to sun, sea, sand—and brilliant orange tennis courts. But…
Squash 2020: Nicol and Garner bring their 7-continent challenge to London
If the efforts of two particular men in London do not put squash at the top of the sporting headlines this weekend, it’s hard to…
Monte Carlo Masters 2013: Andy Murray loses to Stanislas Wawrinka
It was a big third-round line-up on Court Central on yet another sun-kissed day on the Med at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters. The appetiser came…
Monte Carlo Masters 2013: Murray, Nadal and Djokovic win openers
If the first days of main-draw competition in the lavish setting of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters were about those men targeting the heights, the…
French Open follows Australian and US prize-money boosts – almost
The French Open is to follow the example of the Australian Open and US Open in offering another record level of prize money this year.…
Robredo joins Nadal, Ferrer and Almagro on fields of Spanish gold
As the first Masters of the year on the burnished gold of Europe’s clay gets underway in Monte Carlo, all eyes are on the man…
Monte Carlo Masters: Can Murray or Djokovic deny Nadal’s 9th crown?
April may bring its showers but it also brings the first hint of summer to a sun-deprived Europe eager for the warmth that the terracotta…
Heroic Squash 2020 journey sets sail for 7 continents in 7 days
It sounds like madness: seven squash matches on seven different continents on seven straight days. But so great is the desire of the worldwide family…
Novak Djokovic still hopes to launch clay campaign in Monte Carlo
When the world No1 Novak Djokovic appeared on Serbia’s list of nominees for the Davis Cup quarter-final tie against the United States last week, the…
Heather Watson hopes to return in time for the French Open
Heather Watson is targeting a return to tennis in time for the French Open in May as she recovers from glandular fever. Last week, the…
Davis Cup 2013: Great Britain comeback stuns Russia in Coventry
Leon Smith insisted his belief that Britain could beat Russia didn’t fade once after they came from two rubbers down to win in the Davis…
Venus and Serena Williams: In every great rivalry, one must lose
As family achievements go, the records put together by Venus and Serena Williams must rank as some of the finest in any sport. It is…
Davis Cup 2013: Djokovic’s Serbia & Tsonga’s France on track for clash
As the Davis Cup quarter-finals get under way this weekend, some of the line-ups have taken on the look of David and Goliath contests. Only…
Davis Cup 2013: Leon Smith and GB ready for Russian test
Great Britain captain Leon Smith admits his side enter their Davis Cup Euro/Africa Zone Group 1 clash with Russia as underdogs despite playing the tie…
Miami Masters 2013: Murray heads to No2 after epic Ferrer victory
The much-anticipated change in the rankings at the top of men’s tennis very nearly happened in Indian Wells. After Roger Federer fell in the quarter-finals,…