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Federer keeps Murray waiting

Author: Rose Young
Date: 01/02/2010
Tennis betting

World number one Roger Federer denied Andy Murray a first-ever Grand Slam title with a straight sets victory in the final of the Australian Open.

Federer secured a record 16th major title and a fourth Australian success with an almost faultless display in a 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 win in Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena.

Can Andy Murray win a Grand Slam title this year? - Latest Tennis Betting

Things started badly for Murray as he lost his opening service game, but he battled back to level the first set at 2-2, only to surrender his serve again in the eighth game, before sportsbook favourite Federer served out the set.

Set two saw Federer gain an early break again and that was to prove decisive as the Swiss maestro held his serve with ease to take the set 6-4.

With Murray tiring and seemingly carrying a slight injury, the third set appeared to be a mere formality, however, the Scot had other ideas.

Federer was broken in game six and when Murray held his serve he led 5-2, he seemed to be on course to take the match to a fourth set.

However, Federer broke back and levelled at 5-5, before the set went into a crucial and nerve-jangling tie-break, during which both players saw chances go begging.

After Murray has picked up an amazing passing shot to keep the match alive, Federer eventually prevailed 13-11 as Murray hit a tired backhand into the net.

Manchester United ace Wayne Rooney has again stated his commitment to the Premier League champions, insisting that he is not interested in a move away from Old Trafford.

The 24-year-old England striker has been linked with interest from Real Madrid in recent times, but Rooney has no plans for a transfer.

He commented: "This is my club, I'm very happy here.

"My family live 30 minutes away. I'm perfectly happy and there is no reason to play my football anywhere else. Manchester United are the biggest club in the world."

Chelsea head coach Carlo Ancelotti has offered his support to Blues captain John Terry following damaging stories about his private life in the weekend newspapers.

Terry shrugged off the problems to head home a crucial winner in the 2-1 victory at Burnley, with Ancelotti preferring to focus on on-field matters.

He said: "There is no discussion about this (the Chelsea captaincy). I don't know why you ask me this. The players will never lose their trust in him."

Sweden's Robert Karlsson won the Qatar Masters title by three shots from defending champion Alvaro Quiros, after firing a superb 65 in the final round at the Doha Golf Club.

Karlsson started the day two shots off the pace, but overnight leaders Paul Casey and Bradley Dredge both failed to shine and finished with over-par rounds.

Forty-year-old Karlsson recorded seven birdies and no bogeys as he powered through the field to win with some ease in the end, with his 15-under par total too good for Spaniard Quiroz.

He ended on 12-under par, with England's Lee Westwood and Brett Rumford of Australia ending in a tie for third place, one shot further back.

England fast bowling coach Ottis Gibson is set to leave his role and become the next head coach of the West Indies.

The 40-year-old, who played in two Test matches and 15 one-day internationals for the Windies, is set for talks with the West Indies Cricket Board with a view to taking charge for the visit of South Africa in May.

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