Monte Carlo - Roger Federer obtained the all-clear from pregnant wife Mirka before preparing to line up for the start of his clay season at the Monte Carlo Masters, the tennis newlywed revealed on Tuesday. "Mirka was completely relaxed about whatever decision I took," said world number 2 Federer, who opens at the Country Club on Wednesday against Italian Andreas Seppi.

"I feel like I have been on a honeymoon for the last years, so I don't feel necessarily I need to go somewhere, to a special place, to celebrate with her.

Monte Carlo - French hope Richard Gasquet will miss his second straight major event as he skips the Monte Carlo Open starting on Sunday with the right shoulder injury that earlier kept him out of Miami. The world number 23 has been bothered with the problem since beginning his 2009 ATP season in the zone with semi-final showings in Brisbane, Sydney and Dubai during a memorable January.

Marbella, Spain  - Dinara Safina came third time lucky to lift the WTA top ranking as current holder Serena Williams crashed to a defeat in the first round of an event in Spain on Wednesday.

The Russian has failed for the last two events to take over the summit spot from the American, beaten by Czech number 95 Klara Zakopalova 6-4, 3-6, 6-1 at the new Andalucia Tennis Experience event.

Monte Carlo  - Andy Murray kick-starts his clay season at the weekend fresh off his third trophy of 2009 at Miami as he plays the Monte Carlo Masters.

"I want to do better than I did last year and try to reach the quarter-finals of one of the big tournaments," said the world number 4.

The Scot is planning a full schedule on the dirt, where he never got past a third round in 2008. He is scheduled for Monte Carlo starting Sunday, Rome and Madrid prior to Paris.

London, Apr 7: England’s No. 1 tennis player Andy Murray has been tipped to win Wimbledon this year by doubles legend Peter Fleming.

John McEnroe’s former playing partner believes in-form Murray looks unbeatable right now.

The 21-year-old Scot equalled Tim Henman’s career haul of 11 titles on Sunday by beating world No. 3 Novak Djokovic in the final of the Miami Masters, the tournament unofficially considered as the fifth Grand Slam.

London, April 7 : Tennis ace Serena Williams gave onlookers an eyeful after her tiny bikini bottoms reportedly fade away from view after she bend over to board a jet ski on Miami beach.

The curvy player was snapped enjoying the sun as she swam and played with seaweed in a skimpy black bikini.

The former world number one was said to have had the uncomfortable wedgie as she was taking a break with her boyfriend, reports the Sun.