Maria Sharapova - 17 Double Faults | French Open

The scores were 6-1, 3-6, 8-6. They tell how close to defeat Maria Sharapova was in her match against Evgenigya Rodina. Not only did she commit 17 double faults, she also made 68 unforced errors.

In the final set, Rodina managed three break points at 4-3. But in the end Sharapova pulled through.

Wonderful Sharapova. Let's hope she doesn't give us more scares.

Grand Slam Time Again - the French Open at Roland Garros

Today is the start of the French Open.

Rafael Nadal has held the men's title 3 times, and has never lost a match at Roland Garros. The tennis world looks to him for a fourth win. Roger Federer is still a threat, but his performance has been disappointing of late.

Novak Djokovic, Australian Open winner, is another creditable rival. He will play his first game today, against Denis Gremelmary. No prizes for guessing who's the favourite to win.

On top of the women's rankings is Maria Sharapova. If she wins, she will have secured all the Grand Slam titles.

But the field is not clear - Ana Ivanovic, Jelena Jankovic and Serena Williams are all in the running.

Tennis Ball | Groin

Here's a little diversion. Ever wonder how it would feel if you got hit by a tennis ball in the groin? We're talking about a tennis ball travelling at 50 m.p.h, which is no mean speed.

A tennis ball at that speed hitting the groin is no laughing matter, though it would not be fatal.

The guy in the video took part in an experiment to study the effect of such a hit by a tennis ball to the groin.

Justine Henin Retires

Justine Henin shocks the tennis world by announcing her immediate retirement from tennis.

Only 25 years old, she has been hailed by Billie Jean-King as the best women tennis player.

Henin says this is a final decision, which she has been contemplating for some time.

She will be missed by all tennis fans.

Federer Disappoints

Wherefore Art Thou, Federer - Rome Masters

The recent poor performance from Federer raises some questions about the durability of the world number one.

In the Rome Masters he suffered a surprise defeat in the quarter-final, losing to Radek Stepanek 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (9-7). He had seemed to be coming back on form, but his quarter-final upset is a great disappointment. This was his sixth defeat in the season.

The Rome Masters concluded with Novak Djokovic taking the title after beating Stanilas Wawrinka.