Vintage Henman overcomes Tursunov

Tim Henman produced an inspired display to shock Dmitry Tursunov at the US Open and extend his Grand Slam career.

The 32-year-old, playing in his last major tournament, prevailed 6-4 3-6 6-3 6-4 against the 27th seed to reach the second round in New York.

Having snatched the first set, Henman looked short on energy in the second but he dug deep against a player he had beaten only once in six matches.

And the Briton closed out the fourth set in style to seal an unlikely win.

"I've been on the receiving end of defeats by him in the other Slams," said Henman.

"The whole nature of the match, not only the level of play but the support, the atmosphere out on a big court, it was fantastic.

And Henman, who will retire after next month's Davis Cup tie against Croatia at Wimbledon, added: "If I had lost in straight sets today I don't think it would have been the biggest deal in the world.

"But having said that, to play against him of all people, having lost to him on four or five occasions and play that well, it's great. It certainly leaves a good taste and it's definitely something I can build on.

"When you say I've got nothing to lose and everything to gain, I think that's spot on. I feel like I want to play these last two events and give them everything.

"If I do play well and go out on a high, whatever that means, it will mean a lot to me. But, on the other side of the coin, if I hadn't won today and things didn't go according to plan at the Davis Cup, it's not suddenly going to tarnish my career in any way, shape or form.

"So I think with that attitude it could bode pretty well."

Henman, a former US Open semi-finalist, will face 22-year-old Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the second round.

He will head into that encounter with renewed confidence after coming through a match which he had started as a huge underdog.

Federer is way better HHH

Nadal limps past wildcard Jones

Second seed Rafael Nadal survived an injury scare against Australian wildcard Alun Jones in the first round of the US Open on Wednesday.

The Spaniard, who had heavy strapping on both knees, needed treatment for tendonitis during the match.

Jones, the world number 123, was a break up in the third set before Nadal roared back to win 7-5 3-6 6-4 6-1.

World number one Roger Federer beat Chile's Paul Capdeville 6-1 6-4 6-4 in Wednesday's late match.

"I'm very happy the way I played. I think I hit the ball well," said Federer, who made just 11 unforced errors in the match.

World number two Nadal said: "Maybe in another tournament I never go to the court today, but it is US Open and it is very important to me.

"I have more than one day now and I hope it will improve. It's tough when you can't play at 100% in a very important tournament like this.

"But for me, the tournament is not finished. I'm still there."

Henin eases to quickfire victory

Top seed Justine Henin wasted little time in reaching the second round of the US Open as she thrashed qualifier Julia Goerges 6-0 6-3 in New York.

Henin, who was beaten in last year's final by Maria Sharapova, needed just 62 minutes to complete the victory.

Venus Williams beat Kira Nagy 6-2 6-1 but sister Serena was made to work hard before winning 6-3 7-5 against German teenager Angelique Kerber.

Third seed Jelena Jankovic and fifth seed Ana Ivanovic were earlier winners.

The Russian Beauty Sharapova

Maria Sharapova began the defence of her US Open title in blistering fashion with a 6-0 6-1 win over Italy's Roberta Vinci at Flushing Meadows.

The Russian, wearing her much-hyped new red dress, was in great form in the first of Tuesday's night matches.

There was no sign of the shoulder and leg injuries she has struggled with recently and she served superbly on her way to winning in 50 minutes.

Sharapova goes on to face Australia's Casey Dellacqua in the second round.

"It's great to be back, to step on to this court at night - just feel the vibes and be on the centre court again," said Sharapova.

"Every corner I turn here I get goosebumps. When you come back to the place you won your second major, it's incredible.

She's just so so hot T_T

Jamie Murray makes progress

Britain's Jamie Murray won his opening mixed doubles match at the US Open alongside American Liezel Huber.

Wimbledon mixed champion Murray and world number one doubles player Huber beat fourth seeds Paul Hanley and Mara Santangelo 7-6 (7/3) 7-6 (7/5).

Murray opens his men's doubles campaign with Eric Butorac against Tomas Behrend and Florian Mayer on Thursday.

Fellow Briton James Auckland teamed up with Germany's Benjamin Becker to beat Chris Haggard and Thomas Johansson.

Playing together for the first time competitively, Auckland and Becker came from a set down to win 3-6 6-4 6-2.

Oooups!! Beckam injured

England have suffered a major injury scare ahead of September's Euro 2008 qualifiers after David Beckham hurt his knee playing for LA Galaxy.

Beckham, 32, was taken off during the Superliga final with Pachuca after twisting his knee in a block tackle.

"At this stage it's hard to tell, but it doesn't feel good," said Beckham.

"A ligament strain is four to six weeks but we'll have to wait for the results of the scan on Friday. If it is four to six, I won't be flying to England."

Beckham, who has had recent problems with an ankle injury, added: "I went into the tackle a little light because of my ankle and tried to compensate for that.
I'd have been better off not doing it at all. Maybe it's a sign that I need a rest and don't come back until it's right."

IMAO He's a pretty good player it would be a shame if he couldn't play for his national team. Oh well.. this means my country has more chances .. soo.. YYEEYY LOL..

Anelka signs new deal with Bolton

Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka has ended speculation over his future by signing a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2011.

Anelka, 28, has been linked with a move away from the Reebok, with several Premier League clubs interested.

But he said: "I seem to have been linked with every club in the country of late, but my heart is with Bolton.

"I am very happy with my form, the club and the manager so signing a new contract was not a difficult decision."

French international Anelka joined the Trotters from Fenerbahce last summer for £8m, signing an initial four-year deal.

However, the much-travelled forward recently hinted he could leave if the club's poor start to the season continued.

But he seems to have been convinced of their ambition, adding: "Hopefully we will prosper together because I would not have remained at Bolton if I'd thought we could not win trophies."

Bolton boss Sammy Lee added: "It is a fantastic boost that Nicolas has agreed to stay with us.

"We have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to get him to commit his long-term future to us.

"Nicolas is one of the world's best strikers and I am immensely proud and happy that he has shown such commitment to the club.

"It's also a boost for the dressing room because a team never wants to lose anybody of Nicolas's stature and presence.

"This shows our ambition to be amongst the top clubs, not just in this country but across the world of football."