The Russian hinted at retirement after rallying to beat Nicolas Kiefer in the first round action at the St Petersburg Open.
Leander Paes and Purav Raja, who are trying to establish as a pair on the ATP World Tour, progressed to the quarterfinals of the St Petersburg Open with a straight-set win over Fabio Fognini and James Cerretani.
Sofia Kenin, defending champion Belinda Bencic and third seed Elina Svitolina made swift exits at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships
Novak Djokovic said an approach had been made offering him $200,000 to throw a match at the St Petersburg Open.
It was the Russian's first competitive match since she withdrew from the St Petersburg Open in January.
'The sport is so physical, especially the way he plays, but brings an optimistic perspective on his work that he can come back and be a champion. He is extremely motivated'
The start to the 13 Tests long season could not have been better for India. A convincing win in their 500th Test over New Zealand with spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja weaving their magic on a turning track to hand India a 1-0 lead in the three-match Test series. Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq receiving the Test mace for their meteoric rise to No.1 ranking in cricket's traditional format. Also, football took precedence once again, a struggling Manchester United ran riot at Old Trafford as they beat Premier League champions Leicester 4-1. An outstanding first-half performance by Arsenal helping them beat London rivals Chelsea. Other top teams like Manchester City and Liverpool also taking full points.
The Russian five-times Grand Slam champion struggled for rhythm initially on the low-bouncing grasscourt at the Mallorca Open but picked up the pace to beat Viktoria Kuzmova 7-6(8), 6-0.
She is the second Swiss player to win the tournament after Martina Hingis won the inaugural edition in 2001.
Summary of sports events and persons who made news on Thursday
As the year 2016 draws to a close, vote for the best Indian sportsperson of the year.