Maria Sharapova led a trio of Russians into the last 16 of the French Open on Saturday while a relieved fifth seed David Ferrer was given an unnerving reminder of just how effective Lleyton Hewitt's grit can be.
The Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) announced that the March 16 event in Melbourne would be the second race on the 2008 calendar and would start 90 minutes later than usual, at 1530 local time, to cater for European television audiences.
The 'Iceman' seemed as unflappable as ever at the prospect of stepping into the shoes of Michael Schumacher.
The Australian Open final appears to promise two possible scenarios, either the finest display of stroke-making in living memory or the maestro Roger Federer simply crushing Chilean dasher Fernando Gonzalez.
Comeback queen Williams demonstrated that she still belonged among the elite as she annihilated Sharapova to win her eighth Grand Slam trophy.
"She played some incredible points on match point, she reminded me a bit of myself," said Williams after the match.
Serena Williams revived memories of her two Australian Open titles by coming from a set and a break down to beat Russian fifth seed Nadia Petrova 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 and book a place in the fourth round on Friday.
The fifth seed continued his imperious run by casting aside fellow American Alex Kuznetsov in the Australian Open second round on Thursday.
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