Osaka gets Australian Open started after smoke fears ease Naomi Osaka made a winning start to her title defence at the Australian Open on Monday as the Grand Slam tournament began on schedule after a build-up hit by haze from raging bushfires.

Federer, Nadal lead stars swinging racquets for bushfire relief Tennis superstars Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal jointly donated A$250,000 (US$172,000) for Australian bushfire relief at a charity fundraiser in smoggy Melbourne on Wednesday.

Sore Wozniacki pulls out of Kooyong Classic Former world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki on Tuesday pulled out of the Kooyong Classic citing soreness, meaning the Dane will have no further match practice before next week's Australian Open -- her final tournament before retiring.

Federer, Serena headline Aussie bushfire charity match

Superstars Roger Federer, Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal will headline an exhibition match ahead of the Australian Open to raise money for bushfire relief, organisers said Wednesday.

Osaka meets Andreescu in mouthwatering China Open quarter-final US Open champion Bianca Andreescu paid Naomi Osaka the ultimate compliment on the eve of their first match, saying the Japanese player's game has similarities with that of Serena Williams.

Bencic advances to first Grand Slam semi-final at US Open Swiss 13th seed Belinda Bencic advanced to her first Grand Slam semi-final on Wednesday at the US Open by defeating Croatia's Donna Vekic 7-6 (7/5), 6-3.

LaLiga & GCOX Seal Partnership for Asia and the Middle East LaLiga & GCOX Seal Partnership for Asia and the Middle East

Serena has lost 'intimidation' factor, says Halep Simona Halep believes that Serena Williams has lost the intimidation factor that once condemned rivals to defeat even before they set foot on court.

Pacquiao And GCOX Organise Free Concert with Launch of PAC Token Pacquiao And GCOX Organise Free Concert with Launch of PAC Token

Howzat! Cricket fan Barty bowls into Open fourth round

Local hope Ash Barty bounced Greece's Maria Sakkari from the Australian Open third round on Friday and revealed she planned to celebrate by watching the Australian cricket team in action against India.