Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams have cruised into the third round of the Australian Open with straight-set victories. Fifth seed Sharapova beat Belarusian Aliaksandra Sasnovich 6-2, 6-1, while defending champion Williams thrashed Taiwan's Hsieh Su-wei 6-1, 6-2. Williams, who is chasing her 22nd Grand Slam title, says family support is a major factor in her success.
Listen
Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Agnieszka Radwanska are among the big names in action today.
Injured Djokovic to miss Madrid Open
Novak Djokovic is still working through the injury problems that forced him to miss recent tournaments in Miami and Monte Carlo and said on Friday that he will not feature at next week's Madrid Open, one of the last stops before the French Open.
Mumbai's IPL campaign fizzles amid Bumrah's barren run
Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene has defended Jasprit Bumrah after the struggling pace spearhead went a fifth Indian Premier League match without a wicket in Thursday's seven-wicket defeat by Punjab Kings.
Iran women soccer players thank Australian government for protection
Iranian women's soccer players Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh thanked the Australian government on Friday for offering a "safe haven" and said they wished to resume their sporting careers after rebuilding their lives.
Villa's Watkins looking to make late push for England World Cup squad
Ollie Watkins still has hope of making England's World Cup squad despite being dropped for last month's friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, with the Aston Villa forward saying all he can do in the last few weeks of the season is score goals.
Former Arsenal, Juventus goalkeeper Manninger dies in road accident
Former Austria goalkeeper Alex Manninger, who played for Arsenal and a string of Italian clubs, died in a road accident on Thursday aged 48, the Austrian Football Association (OEFB) said.
A number of drivers in Dubai are facing legal action for reckless driving stunts during the recent rains.
A UAE relief flight carrying 100 tonnes of essential food supplies has departed Sharjah for the Gaza Strip.
The United Arab Emirates has welcomed the agreement of a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, commending the diplomatic efforts of United States President Donald Trump.
