French Open: Nadal, Sharapova and Safina Reach Third Round

The unstoppable Rafael Nadal beat Gabashvili of Russia in straight sets 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 to reach the third round. In doing so, Nadal has set a new record - this was his 30th consecutive win at Roland Garros. Nadal is becoming a legend in his own life-time.

Maria Sharapova beat 11th-seeded Nadia Petrova 6-2, 1-6, 8-6 to reach the third round. This is her first Grand Slam tournament since Wimbledon last year. She had been nursing a shoulder injury since August and is now ranked no. 102.





Dinara Safina, meanwhile, won also in straight sets 6-1, 6-1 over 18-year-old Russian Vitalia Diatchenko.

Madrid Opeing Ceremony - Madrid Open 2009

Madrid put on a spectacular opening ceremony for the ATP Tennis Madird 2009 - the Madrid Open.

The Magic Box - La Caja Magica - was abuzz with excitement and delight as it showcased a number of acts and performances of dance, music and acrobatics.


Madrid Opening Ceremony

Richard Gasquet Fails Drugs Test

22-year old Richard Gasquet has tested positive in a drugs test for cocaine.

The tests were done at the Miami tournament in March. Urine samples tested positive.

Image by paulafunnell via Flickr

He is adamant that he is innocent. An independent lab test of a hair sample showed no trace of the drug.

Ranked at No. 23, Gasquet is seen as a rising star in French tennis.

Unless he succeeds in clearing himself, he faces a two-year ban and that could spell the end of his career in the tennis world.

It's a sad day for tennis fans to hear news like this, and brings a great sense of disappointment.

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